Meet The 2024 Judges

As Vice President of Brand Strategy, Erin oversees the comprehensive brand strategies of Heritage Communities and their affiliates. With 20 years of experience in the home care industry, Erin brings her passion for aging adults to the table and specializes in visual identity, tone of voice, and brand personality. Erin also highlights the Heritage brand as the employer of choice for associates, ensuring they are just as valued as Heritage residents.

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Erin attended Creighton University for an undergraduate degree and received a certificate of Corporate Social Responsibility from CU Boulder. She is a member of the Leadership Omaha Class of 38 and is recognized as a 40 Under 40 professional.

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Outside of work, Erin loves traveling with her husband, Steve, and kids, Luke and Piper. She also loves walking her dogs, Bella and Hazel, around the lake.

Eric L. Ewing, a native of Omaha, NE, is a retired United States Navy veteran with 20 years of experience in healthcare. He holds an Associate Degree in General Studies from Vincennes University, an Undergraduate Degree in Workforce Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a Graduate Degree in Management from Bellevue University. Additionally, he has earned Graduate Certificates in Life Coaching from Bellevue University and in College Teaching from Capella University, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Post-Secondary Education.

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In higher education, Eric has served as an Academic Dean, Manager of Academic Advising, and Adjunct Professor for institutions such as Bellevue University, Metropolitan Community College, and Omaha School of Massage and Healthcare of Herzing University. He currently serves as the Executive Director for the Great Plains Black History Museum and sits on various boards, including the Center for Great Plains Studies, Nebraska Museum Association, Nebraska Arts Advocacy Network, Men Against Domestic Violence, and as Co-Chair of the 100 Black Men of Omaha’s Annual African American History Challenge.

Sandy Spady embodies dynamism and influence as a public speaker dedicated to sparking positive change and individual empowerment. With an extensive background as a change maker, entrepreneur, thought leader, and visionary, Sandy masterfully connects with audiences, leaving an indelible impact. Her profound understanding of conquering fear and embracing unique talents fuels Sandy’s passion for guiding individuals toward unlocking their true potential. She provides a clear vision through her guidance, nurturing dreams and passions into reality.

 

Within Omaha’s vibrant business landscape, Sandy is a prominent figure, leveraging her extensive network to coach and collaborate with professionals. With over 35 years of multifaceted experience spanning sales, team building, media television, print and radio sales, PR, and nonprofit ventures, Sandy is the astute Founder and CEO of Power Up Leadership Coaching and Consulting.

Her visionary leadership has also birthed Women with Voices, a powerful networking group empowering women to share stories and triumphs. Sandy’s remarkable contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. She has been honored with prestigious awards like the 50/50 Award in 2021 and the esteemed Phenomenal Woman Inspiration Award in 2023. Her expertise and influence have been

showcased in eminent publications, including. Strictly Business Magazine, Sister Speaker Spotlight Feature, and The Daily Record, Midlands Business Journal,Authority Magazine and KETV Sunday Spotlight.

 

Sandy’s entrepreneurial spirit manifests in the form of the talk show Power Up KPAO. Through this platform, she brings together community leaders and inspirational individuals, amplifying their impact and fostering a culture of empowerment and change.

Suzan DeCamp currently serves as the Volunteer State President of AARP Nebraska. In her role serving nearly 200,000 Nebraska members age 50 and over, DeCamp chairs the state Executive Council and works with the State Director to provide vision and leadership for AARP’s work at the state and community level.

 

Suzan has been involved as a lead volunteer in several AARP focus areas including state and federal advocacy efforts, the west Omaha Community Action Team, and the Diversity team. In 2019 she was recognized with the AARP Nebraska Andrus Award for community Service, the association’s highest volunteer state award.

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DeCamp has served in numerous volunteer and elected leadership positions in Nebraska throughout her adult life, including the Board of Directors and President of the Nebraska Association of School Boards; President of the Nebraska Association of Community Theatre; 21 years on the St. Paul Public School Board of Education, 10 years as President; President of the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce; St. Paul Public Library Board; President of the St. Paul Area Community Theatre; trustee on several local and state foundations;  and has served on local, state and national committees in the areas of education, policy, legislation and community projects.

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She is a licensed Abstracter and Title Insurance Agent, and has been the owner of St. Paul Abstract & Title since establishing the business 33 years ago in 1990.  

Roger Garcia was born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Honduras and Mexico. After moving to Nebraska as a child, he grew up in the rural town of Columbus, Nebraska before moving to Omaha in 2005. He holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Latino/Latin
American studies, a Master’s in Public Administration, a Master’s in Theological Studies, a Doctorate in Ministry, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Administration.
Since moving to Omaha, he has extensively engaged in civic and community activities, such as co-founding the Metro Young Latino Professionals Association (MYLPA) and serving on the boards for the Women's Center for Advancement and the Immigrant Legal Center. For his
active community involvement, Roger was awarded the Ten Outstanding Young Omahans award and the College of Public Administration and Community Service’s Goodrich Scholar Alumni of the Year award.

Professionally, Roger has been working in the nonprofit and public sector for almost 20 years, previously serving as executive director for El Centro de las Americas in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Nebraska State Director for the National Center for Families Learning, and currently
serves an Associate Director for the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska at UNMC. Roger has also served his community through elected office, previously serving two terms on the Metro Community College Board of Governors and now serving as a Douglas County Commissioner.

Bridget began her economic development career at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa, within the Joint Venture Section of the Commercial Real Estate Division. She gained expertise in joint venture partnerships, real estate acquisitions, property management, foreclosures, contracting, and construction, managing portfolios in California and Texas.

She then spent nearly seven years refining her underwriting and credit analyst skills at Firstar Bank in Des Moines and Norwest Bank in Omaha, which later merged with Wells Fargo. There, she excelled as a Small Business Banker, building business relationships, advocating for business development, and financing real estate.

In 2000, Bridget joined the City of Omaha Planning Department's Community Development Division, managing housing programs with a focus on affordable housing funded by federal dollars. This role introduced her to the complexities of government-funded programs.

After two years with the Omaha Economic Development Corporation promoting development in North Omaha, she returned to the Planning Department in the Economic Development Section following the 2008/2009 financial crisis. She collaborated with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce to identify industrial sites for business attraction and redevelopment, significantly impacting job creation in North Omaha.

Currently, Bridget oversees Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) projects and serves as a city liaison to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Throughout her career, she has forged strong connections with elected officials and built relationships with neighborhood, business, and developer communities, understanding the critical impact of the legislature on local development.

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A U.S. Air Force veteran, Trevon Brooks moved to Omaha and quickly integrated into the community, bringing a deep passion for economic development and relationship building. With a master’s in business administration from Midland University and a master’s in strategic finance from Bellevue University, he combines academic knowledge with practical experience.

Brooks began his career at NDED by focusing on North Omaha, a community that had experienced significant disinvestment. He excelled in identifying business needs and forming crucial relationships with local leaders. As Chief Strategy Officer, Brooks oversees the distribution of $330 to $450 million in COVID relief funds, ensuring that Black communities, disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, receive sustainable support.

Known for his charisma and intentionality, Brooks is dedicated to fostering business investment and job creation throughout Nebraska. Brooks emphasizes the importance of storytelling in promoting Nebraska’s successes, advocating for shared narratives about the state's legislative achievements, corporate growth, and economic stability. His approach to economic development is rooted in humility and a commitment to leveraging relationships to drive positive change.