On June 22, 2016, JDRF Heartland Chapter, Omaha-Council Bluffs held its Annual Meeting which featured a research update, State of the Foundation, and a celebration of the accomplishments of our Chapter.

Special thanks to retiring & outgoing Board members for their leadership:
Retiring Members:
Chris Richardson, 2010 – 2016
Courtney Vacanti Birnstihl, 2010 – 2016
Jess Zeiss, 2010 – 2016

Outgoing Members:
Mark Barker, 2014
Kate Grabill, 2012 – 2016
Amy Moan, 2014 – 2016

A warm welcome to our newly elected Board members:
Drew Antonio (Enterprise Bank)
Taylor Breen (American National Bank)
Lindi Janulewicz (Interiors Joan and Associates)
Brian Marasco (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices)
Paul Meyers (Lutz)
Robb Pantano (Renaissance Financial)
Kendra Ringenberg (Dvorak & Donovan Law Group)

Congratulations to the newly elected Executive Committee:
Jill Rotella, President
Scott Mingus, President Elect & Corporate Development Chair
Gabby Mormino, Secretary
Tim Fleming, Treasurer
Steve Loftus, Advocacy Team Chair
Leigh Cheloha, Outreach Chair
Daron Smith, Nominating Chair

Congratulations to the following recipients in recognition of their service to JDRF Heartland Chapter, Omaha-Council Bluffs and making a significant impact in creating a world without type 1 diabetes:

Open Hands Award – V.Mertz
Dedicated to our in-kind partners whose gifts of time, talent or product help further our mission. V.Mertz has supported our JDRF Promise Gala the past 3 years by providing wine that makes sure our event is a top-notch experience for guests and keeps costs low to ensure more money goes to research.

Trailblazer Award – Jeanie & Ron Carson
The Trailblazer Award goes to someone who has made a mark in our organization and who has blazed a trail for others to follow. Jeanie and Ron Carson not only led our chapter to a record-breaking Gala, in both attendance and fundraising total, but set the tone for years to come and a path for continued future success of our Gala.

Go-Getter Award – Jill Rotella
An enterprising person. Characterized by great imagination or initiative. Energetic in carrying out any undertaking. Jill Rotella will certainly not take “no” for an answer. Her creative ideas, outside the box thinking and go-getter attitude have brought new supporters to JDRF and her story inspires all those to hear it.

Volunteer of the Year – Daron Smith
Recognizes an outstanding volunteer for their valuable and selfless commitment to JDRF. This year’s award goes to Daron Smith who has offered his time to lead and inspire. No task is too small, no ask is too great. If it will move our mission forward, he will do anything to support the effort.

Retiring Staff Member
For 13 years, Theresa Farmer, is retiring. Theresa has been an integral part of our JDRF team. As the Office Manager, Theresa has supported JDRF in almost every way possible. From events to financials; she has ensured that our chapter operates at the highest standard. Theresa is often called from JDRF staff around the country for advice, best practices and training. Her calm demeanor and the pride she takes in her work naturally draw others to look upon her for advice. Thank you Theresa!