OMAHA – An initiative aimed at helping grow and improve the workforce in Northeast Nebraska is adding an experienced leader to the cause, adding Angie Stenger as Executive Director. 

As part of its ongoing effort to build Nebraska's workforce across the state, the Aksarben Foundation hired Stenger to direct its Northeast Nebraska Workforce Initiative called 'Growing Together'.

Angie Stenger has spent the last two decades working as General Manager of Flood Communications. During that twenty year span living in Northeast Nebraska, Stenger also spent time as chairperson of the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce. The Aksarben Foundation says Stenger brings a wealth of knowledge and relationships which will prove valuable as she sets off recruiting business and education partners in support of this effort.

After two previous Town Hall events discussing this initiative with the surrounding communities, the Aksarben Foundation will be hosting a Summit for IT professionals on March 5th at Northeast Nebraska Community College’s Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk. This will serve as Angie Stenger’s first formal event as Executive Director. Also in attendance will be Aksarben president Sandra Reding and Aksarben Councillor, Mike Flood, who have been leading the charge in this regional effort.

Aksarben Foundation president, Sandra Reding, says, “We are very excited to be growing our team and effort in Northeast Nebraska with the addition of Angie Stenger”. “This work we began across Nebraska in 2018 is gaining momentum and taking shape. We feel very fortunate to align our leadership with industry experts and regional influencers to ensure each of these committees receives the support needed to have a measurable impact helping them move the needle toward reversing this workforce shortage.”

“The Aksarben Foundation is proud to add someone of Angie’s caliber to the Workforce Development effort for Northeast Nebraska. Her work will not only benefit the residents of Norfolk and the broader region, but truly the entire state as we bolster the workforce in this critical part of Nebraska,” adds Terry Kroeger, Chairman of the Aksarben Foundation Board of Governors.

In response to the news of Stenger stepping into this new role, Norfolk area business leaders are weighing in. “Having worked with Angie in various capacities for the past 20 years in I can tell you that her charisma, love of people and the Northeast Nebraska makes her a perfect choice to lead this effort,” says Dan Spray, owner of PrecisionIT. “Her leadership in the community has shown dedication to expanding businesses and the workforce and will help showcase Northeast Nebraska as a leader in the State.”

Dr. Marysz Rames of Wayne State College says "Angie Stenger's knowledge of the media and business landscape of Northeast Nebraska will be critical to our success building and maintaining cooperative education opportunities. We look forward to working with her to provide four-year pathways for students with a passion for business, computer science, and communications."

Longtime Stenger colleague, partner at Flood Communications, and Aksarben Councillor Mike Flood had this to say: “For over 25 years, I’ve watched Angie lead and motivate people. She is a force for good and Norfolk is unbelievably lucky to have her in our corner. Angie Stenger will help Northeast Nebraska achieve our full potential by being a catalyst for transformational change. She will do this in a way that is uniquely hers, wrapped in smiles and enthusiasm. I am excited to have her lead the day to day efforts of our ‘Growing Together’ action plan.”

Stenger will remain co-owner of Flood Communications Norfolk based stations.

For additional information on this regional workforce initiative and the other work Aksarben is doing across the state, please visit aksarben.org and growingtogetherne.com 

About Aksarben Foundation

Aksarben is a unified network of business and community leaders committed to preserving and expanding prosperity in our heartland communities through advancements in education, workforce development and civic projects born from effective private, public and philanthropic partnerships.