About Us
The Springfield Community Foundation was established with MCF in June 2013 to revitalize the urgent need for community betterment and to target improvement projects and programs within our community. The Springfield Community Foundation will give the donor an option to fund our parks, library services, and community betterment programs for our elderly and youth as well as many other worthy needs.
Board of Directors
Keith Hentzen
Shannon Sands
Sarah Schram
Abbie Meyer
Keith Hentzen grew up on his family’s farm in Seward, Nebraska, and lives in Gretna. He has served the Springfield community through his ownership of Springfield Drug and Soda Fountain for more than 40 years. He graduated from the UNMC College of Pharmacy in 1975. Keith was appointed in 1986 to the Midlands Community Foundation Board of Directors and was reappointed seven times, retiring from the MCF Board in 2007. He also has served on the Midlands Community Hospital Board, the Springfield and Sarpy County Business Associations, Platteview Schools Foundation and the Springfield Days Committee. He has served on the Springfield Community Foundation since 2013, currently as president. He enjoys Husker sports, canoeing, church, and family time with his wife, children and their spouses, and his five grandsons.
Shannon Sands is 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.
Abbie Meyer is an auditor for KPMG. 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. Abbie continues to live in Springfield with her husband, Hayden, and enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and Husker football.
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.
Amy Thayer is a Media Specialist for Platteview High School and has worked in the field of education for over 30 years. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, a MA in Educational Technology from Peru State College and a Library Science Endorsement from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is a life-long resident of Springfield and a proud Platteview graduate. She resides in Springfield with her husband Bruce and has two grown children, Shelby and Nate.
Laura Osborn is a real estate professional with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group. Prior to real estate, she worked in corporate marketing roles for over 15 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She is the Past-President of the Springfield Business Association and loves serving her community. Laura resides in Springfield with her husband Brian and their two boys.
Stephanie Krebs
Laura Osborn
Amy Thayer
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.
Austin Cherry
Cori Swanson
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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.
Cori Swanson is a Senior Manager of Marketing Operations with First National Bank of Omaha. She moved to the Springfield area in 1999. She grew up in a small town in central Nebraska, Silver Creek. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and one in Business Administration. She has worked for FNBO for 25 years. She has been active in the community and Platteview School district. She was on the School Board of Education for 6 years. Cori, and her husband CJ live in Springfield and have 2 grown sons Paxton and Dayton.
