University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter has announced the appointments of six new members to the NU President’s Advisory Council.
The President’s Advisory Council (PAC) is a statewide, invitation-only group whose members provide advice to the NU System president and represent the University of Nebraska as ambassadors and advocates within their communities and industries. Members are selected based on civic and professional leadership and serve staggered terms of at least two years.
The group meets periodically throughout the year for visits to university facilities, briefings from key university leaders and discussions with the NU president on topics relevant to the University of Nebraska and higher education. The spring PAC meeting takes place during the legislative session and includes engagement with state senators.
New PAC members for 2022, who will serve at least through 2024, are:
- Steven Gangwish of Kearney, president and CEO of CSS Farms LLC and co-founder of Tasteful Selections LLC, a specialty potato company. Gangwish serves on the Nebraska Alumni Association’s Council of Alumni Ambassadors and holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Cesar Garcia of Omaha, executive director of Canopy South, a nonprofit housing and community development corporation. Garcia was previously principal and engineering sector leader with the DLR Group. He holds a master's degree in engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Jeremy Nordquist of Omaha, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association and a former Nebraska state senator and congressional chief of staff. Nordquist holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
- Michelle Suarez of Lincoln, early childhood developer with Prosper Lincoln. Suarez previously served as an educator and administrator with Lincoln Public Schools for almost 32 years. She holds a master's degree in education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Carmen Tapio of Omaha, president of Northend Teleservices and the incoming chair of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Tapio also serves as a board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's Omaha branch.
- Richard Webb of Council Bluffs, Iowa, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands and former executive director of 100 Black Men of Omaha. Webb holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
"I'm so excited to welcome this group of engaged Nebraska leaders to our President's Advisory Council," Carter said. "They bring diverse backgrounds, experiences and interests to our team, yet all share a common commitment to maintaining a strong University of Nebraska for future generations. We will benefit enormously from their advice and advocacy."
More information about the President's Advisory Council is available here.