Staff
Our staff has a strong commitment to serving the many constituents of our organization. But first and foremost, they focus their energies on those who strive to make a difference in Merrick County.
-
Courtney Retzlaff, Chief Financial OfficerCourtney is a graduate of Palmer High School. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 2012 and a Master’s Degree in Accounting in 2013, both from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Courtney and her husband, Clay, live northeast of Palmer where they farm and ranch. They have three children, Blair, August, and Allison. Courtney can be reached via email at merrickfoundationcfo@gmail.com.
-
Shauna Graham, Chief Development OfficerShauna is a graduate of Central City High School. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Finance in 2006 and her Masters of Business Administration in 2008, both from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She lives in Central City with her husband Zeb, and their five daughters: Bailey, Ellie, Skylar, Tatum & Quinn. Shauna can be reached via email at merrickfoundationdev@gmail.com.
-
Amber Jensen, Program ManagerAmber grew up in Chamberlain, South Dakota. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Business Management with an emphasis in Finance, from the University of South Dakota. Amber and her husband, Jeff, live in Central City with their three sons, Kale, Blake, and Quinn. Amber can be reached via email at merrickfoundation.amber@gmail.com.
Board of Directors
Our board represents a cross-section of our community and has a passion for our organization and those we serve. The members work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization and oversee that the funds entrusted to us are used for the purpose directed.
-
Dr. Kristen Hermansen-Ryan, PresidentKristen is a graduate of Central City High School. Kristen attended University Nebraska Lincoln and UNMC College of Dentistry for D.D.S. Kristen and her husband Nick live in Central City with their three children, Charlee, Truman, and Juno.
-
Larry Benson, Vice PresidentLarry Benson has a Bachelor’s Degree in Ag Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and currently owns Benson Farms in Chapman, with his brother Birger. He is married to Aimee and they have three grown children Andrew (wife Kristin), Leah (husband Andrew) & Joel, as well as eight grandchildren.
-
Tyson Benner, TreasurerTyson is a graduate of Central City High School and received his Bachelor's of Science in Ag Business and Marketing. He is currently the VP of ag and commercial lending at Archer Credit Union in Central City. He is married to Katie Benner and they have three boys, Easton, Chase, and Byron.
-
Mary Steiner, SecretaryMary received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Colorado School of Nursing in 1983. Mary is retired and lives in Chapman with her husband, Eric, and their granddaughters, Kenndra and Bekah. They also have three grown children: Adrienne, Cheryl and Richard, who passed away in 2020.
-
April BolteApril Bolte has a degree from Central Community College in Grand Island and is currently employed by Southern Public Power District. April and her husband Bill live in Central City.
-
Morgan ClarkeMorgan received her Associate's degree in Business and Marketing from Southeast Community College and her Bachelor's in Business from Bellevue University. She is currently the General Manager of both the Central City Mall and Osceola Foodmart. Morgan currently lives just outside of Central City. She has three children: Kiyana, Braxton and Kendrick.
-
Whitney HakeWhitney is a graduate of Centura High School. She received her Early Childhood Unified Teaching Degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane. She is a kindergarten teacher at Palmer Public School. Whitney and her husband, Bryan, live in Palmer with their two children, Lennon and Sutton.
-
Jayme HansJayme attended Wynot Public Schools before receiving an education in HVAC/R and plumbing from Southeast Community College in Milford. He is the owner of Hans Service LLC and resides outside of Clarks. Jayme is married to Tamara Hans and they have four children, Ayden, Kyler, Taya, and Charlie.
-
Denise HebdaDenise is a graduate of David City High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State College. She currently works in Special Education at Twin River High School. Denise lives in Silver Creek with her husband Ray. They have five children: Grant, Craig, Lana, Ross and Kirk.
-
Brandon KonwinskiBrandon is a graduate of Twin River High School. He received his Associate's Degree in Industrial Technology from Central Community College in Columbus and is currently employed by Rasmussen Mechanical Services as a Reliability Specialist. Brandon and his wife, Kasey, live on a farm just west of Silver Creek. They have two children, Watson and Jack.
-
Amy KyesAmy Kyes is a graduate of Central City High School. She currently owns Big Red Farms of Nebraska Inc with her husband Steve. They live in the Archer area and have six children, Andrew, Taylor, Carly, Caleb, Ethan & Corbin.
-
Chase SamuelsonChase Samuelson is a graduate of Palmer High School. He received his Bachelor's of Science in Ag Business from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and is currently employed by Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. He currently resides in Palmer.
-
D.J. TalbottD.J. is a graduate of Norfolk High School. He received his degree in Utility Line from Northeast Community College in Norfolk and is currently employed by Southern Public Power District. He is married to Tiffany and they have three daughters, Kylie, Kalyn & Kyndall.
-
Kevin UrkoskiKevin is a graduate of Clarks High School. He received a Bachelor's degrees from both Midland Lutheran College as well as the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He is currently an Insurance Agent for Myers Insurance in Clarks. Kevin lives in Clarks with his wife Shelly, and their four children: Lane, Wyatt, HallieJo and Breyer.
-
Trent WagnerTrent is a graduate of Central City High School. He received his Bachelor's of Science at Nebraska Wesleyan before going to Kansas City Kansas Community College to receive a Mortuary Science Degree. Trent is a co-owner of Solt-Wagner Funeral Home which has locations in both Central City and Polk. He is married to Kim Wagner and they reside on a farm outside of Archer. Trent has three daughters, Taylor, Taryn, and Kenzie.
