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About Us

At the Springfield Community Foundation (SCF), our mission is to connect, engage, and inspire our neighbors to elevate our community. Formed in 2004, SCF became an affiliate fund of Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) in June 2013 and was reinvigorated in 2021 to support the growing need for community betterment and targeted improvement projects in Springfield, Nebraska.

SCF supports initiatives that enhance education, arts, wellbeing, and economic development, ensuring that our town remains a thriving place to live, work, and play. We welcome donations toward our general fund or specific causes such as parks, library services, and programs for youth and seniors.

As an affiliated fund of MCF, SCF operates under a 501(c)(3) charitable umbrella, allowing donors to receive the maximum tax benefits while making a meaningful impact. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Springfield.

Connect • Inspire • Elevate

Small Town, Big Opportunity

Board of Directors

Laura Osborn
President

Shannon Sands
Vice President

Sarah Schram
Secretary

Austin Cherry
Treasurer

Shannon Sands is the office manager for Jerry Ryan Clothing and a Sarpy county native. She holds a BSBA from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She brings over 10 years of nonprofit and development experience, previously working for United Way of the Midlands and the Omaha Community Foundation. Shannon resides in Springfield with her husband Mike and their three daughters.

Sarah Schram, M.S., R.D., is the health director for the Sarpy/Cass Health Department (SCHD) in Papillion, Nebraska. Sarah has 18 years of experience working in public health. Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and received a master’s degree in nutrition and food management from the University of Central Oklahoma. Sarah serves on many local nonprofit boards including the Nebraska Association of Local Health Directors and The Wellbeing Partners. Sarah resides in Springfield, with her husband Jon and their two boys.

Laura Osborn is a real estate professional with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate – The Good Life Group, proudly serving the greater Omaha metro area. She holds a BSBA from the University of Nebraska–Omaha. A long-time advocate for local engagement, Laura is the Past President of the Springfield Business Association and currently serves as President of the Springfield Community Foundation. She is passionate about supporting initiatives that create meaningful connections and elevate the Springfield area. Laura lives in Springfield with her husband Brian and their two boys, where they enjoy small-town life and staying active in the community they love.

Austin Cherry is an AVP and Commercial/Agricultural Lender for Pinnacle Bank in Springfield. Upon graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2017 with a degree in agricultural economics, he moved back to his hometown of McCook, NE to begin his career with Pinnacle Bank. Today, Austin resides in Southwest Omaha with his wife, Michaela and son Zaiden. He enjoys traveling with his family, playing golf, and volunteering at various sporting events.

Stephanie Krebs is the Director of Advancement Records and Revenue for the University of Nebraska Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Bellevue University and a Non-Profit Leadership Certificate from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Stephanie lives in Springfield with her husband, John, and daughters, Lilly and Ava.

Stephanie Krebs

Abbie Meyer

Julie Fjell

Julie Fjell grew up in Gretna on her family’s farm. She received her BS in art, with an emphasis in education, from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Julie is a working artist as well as an instructor of art workshops across the metro. She has been involved in many school and community organizations. Julie, her husband Scott, and their five children live east of Springfield on their farm.

Abbie Meyer is a Manager at KPMG working in Audit Resource Management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters of Accountancy from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Abbie grew up in Springfield, graduated from Platteview High School, and worked at many businesses around town. She continues to live in Springfield with her husband, Hayden, and her son, Lincoln. Abbie and her family enjoys walks around town with their dog, traveling, and Husker football.

Andie Ledenbach

Andie Ledenbach has proudly called Springfield home since 1995, where she and her husband, Bob, raised their four children and now enjoy time with their 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. With a strong sense of community and a passion for bringing people together, Andie has enjoyed helping create and grow local events through her work at Springfield City Hall as Assistant City Clerk and Utility Billing Clerk. She remains committed to strengthening community connections and supporting Springfield’s continued growth through the Springfield Community Foundation.

Hilary Fisher is the Director of Settlements at Legacy Design Strategies. She brings years of expertise in navigating the complexities of trust management and probate processes as well as collaborates with clients and their advisors to develop tailored estate plans that align with their unique goals and circumstances. Hilary and her husband Ryan live in Springfield with their two young sons that keep them more than busy. In her spare time, Hilary likes to cook/bake and is actively working on developing a green thumb.

Tasha grew up on a farm in South Dakota, where she developed a love for the outdoors. In 2010, she and her husband Jason moved from Bellevue to Springfield, drawn to its small-town charm and strong community spirit. A talented landscape designer, Tasha recently launched her own company, Burr Oak Contracting, creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. Tasha and Jason have three children—Claire, Kate, and Jase—and enjoy being active in the community. She’s excited to support Springfield’s growth and connection through the Springfield Community Foundation.

Kathy Kreifels, a Kearney State College graduate, is a retired Springfield Platteview Community School teacher. She was the co-creator of the district's Outdoor Ed program. She loves seeing former students becoming leaders in the school district and community. She and her husband Mick raised their three children in Springfield. Six of their ten grandchildren call Springfield their hometown. Kathy enjoys spending time outdoors, quilting, and she is an active member of St. Joseph's Church. Kathy is excited to serve the growing town she's called home for over fifty years.

James Dalton is the owner and chiropractor at Harvest Chiropractic & Wellness, which he founded in 2017. After earning an engineering degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, he gained experience in two clinics before launching his own practice. In 2020, he and his wife, Tracey, also a chiropractor, expanded to Springfield and rebranded as Harvest Chiropractic & Wellness. James grew up in Westmont, graduated from Platteview High School, and now lives in Springfield with his family. He is passionate about helping patients live healthier lives and is proud to serve his community both through his practice and the Springfield Community Foundation. Outside of work, he enjoys time with Tracey and their three children—Leo, Lenora, and Lucas—and golfing.