academy fellows.

Leah Carpenter, MPH 
Associate Director Center for Nutrition and Health Impact   

Leah Carpenter is the Associate Director at the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition (GSCN), headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. GSCN is a national nonprofit research institute, founded in 1973, and providing expertise in the measurement and evaluation of public health nutrition efforts. GSCN's work helps to develop, enhance, and expand programs focused on promoting food and nutrition security, healthy eating active living and local food systems. Leah’s research interests include strengthening the school-food environment and promotion of healthy food access across communities. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2008 and her Master’s in Public Health from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with an emphasis in Community Health Education in 2012. 

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY WORKSHOP | MEASUREMENT & EVALUATION
The process of collecting and analyzing information in order to understand performance and make better decisions.

Megan Belongia

ENVIROMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Designing people-friendly systems that keep organics, recyclables, and reusables in circulation—reducing landfill tonnage while improving guest experience, staff workflow, and cost transparency.

Tom Hoover 
Teacher & Head Soccer Coach Creighton Prep 

Married to Brenda, wife of 27 years. Children: Jack, Mary, Grace, Kate, Peter, Annie. Live in Dundee. Completing 39th year of teaching.

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY WORKSHOP | SERVICE & COACHING
Guiding ad supporting individuals to develop into their best self with a primary focus on fostering their ability to make positive and impactful contributions to the other members of the team.

Quentin Lueninghoener 
Owner and Founder Hanscom Park Studios 

Quentin Lueninghoener founded Hanscom Park Studio in 2012 after a career in journalism and graphic design in Portland, Omaha and Lincoln. 

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY WORKSHOP | STORYTELLING CRAFT
The ability to craft a compelling narrative- shot through with the companies vision, values, strategy and culture- in order to inspire, engage, and create meaningful connections.

Nicole Malone 
Design Director, Prefabricated Construction AOI Corporation 

I earned a Masters Degree in Architecture from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and am a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED-AP).   For 17 years I worked for a small design firm that garnered a broad project base.  From ground up commercial and residential, to renovations, additions, and interior build outs.   Small project scenarios, from design down to the details were especially fulfilling.  Now I have switched gears to become a resource for the design community while working with a product that is taking construction into the future.  As Prefabricated Construction Design Director at AOI, my hope is to be the ultimate partner for Architects and Designers to integrate DIRTT into their projects that will help them be as efficient and flexible for their client’s needs.  I am a strong supporter of community organizations that deal with sustainability, preservation, women and girls! My Gallup strengths are Focus, Includer, Achiever, Responsibility, Positivity.

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY WORKSHOP | DESIGN THINKING
A problem-solving approach that empathizes with users, explores creative solutions, and iterates though a collaborative process, enhancing their ability to address complex challenges and drive meaningful innovation.

Nathan Preheim
Director of the Greisch Center for Enterprise Value Creighton University's Heider College of Business

Nathan Preheim is Director of the Greisch Center for Enterprise Value at Creighton University's Heider College of Business, where he leads initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, intrapreneurship, and value creation. He is also Co-Founder and General Partner at Proven Ventures, an investment fund that supports entrepreneurs through flexible debt and equity financing.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Nathan has founded multiple ventures, including Prairie in Progress, a native landscaping company, and previously co-founded MindMixer, a civic engagement platform used by communities across the United States. He also helped launch The Startup Collaborative, which has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs throughout the Midwest.

At Creighton, Nathan is building programs that connect entrepreneurial thinking with real-world application through research, education, experiential learning, and industry partnerships. His work focuses on helping students, founders, and organizational leaders identify opportunities, solve meaningful problems, and create lasting value.

Nathan lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife and three children.

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY WORKSHOP | ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKING
Adopting a proactive and innovative mindset to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and drive growth by seizing strategic advantages across dynamic business landscapes.

Katie Twit 
Conflict Coach, Facilitator and Mediator Concord Mediation Center 

Centering individual self-awareness and agency within the wider context of systems and relationships, Process Facilitator Katie Twit cultivates a fertile environment for individuals and groups to effectively navigate change and shape their future. With advanced degrees in communication and conflict resolution, as well as extensive experience teaching language, yoga, and mindfulness, Katie creates space for clarity and connection to emerge. 

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY WORKSHOP | EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
The ability to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively harness emotions in oneself and others in order to cultivate strong interpersonal relationships.

Dr. Steven Wengel
Professor of Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry Division Director
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Wellness
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Dr. Wengel has lived in Nebraska his whole life (so far). He is a geriatric psychiatrist and wellness expert at UNMC. He loves to promote practical strategies for improving our reaction to stressful events and promoting psychological resilience.

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY WORKSHOP | WORKPLACE WELLNESS
The collective range of efforts and outcomes related to promoting and enhancing the overall health, well-being and quality of life for all employees.