Dean Jacobs – Explorer, Educator, and High Performance Coach

Dean Jacobs is a world traveler, photographer, and educator who has explored more than 58 countries across seven continents. Drawing from nearly a decade of global journeys, including extensive time in the Amazon, Africa, and communities around the world, Dean inspires audiences to lead with purpose, connection, and courage.

Through his signature framework Dream Big, Live Tall, Make the World Better, Dean helps professionals cultivate resilience, mental fitness, and a mindset that elevates both personal well-being and organizational culture. His engaging storytelling, powerful images, and practical insights make his keynotes both energizing and deeply meaningful.

Dean works with schools, universities, nonprofits, and organizations across Nebraska and beyond, empowering individuals and teams to bring their best selves to the work that matters most.

Doug Hohbein began his career with the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Office in 1985 after graduating from Southeast Community College with an AA degree in Fire Protection Technology.  He has held the positions of Deputy Fire Marshal, Plans Examiner and Manager of the Plans Division and Assistant State Fire Marshal. The Governor appointed Doug as State Fire Marshal in October of 2025.

Doug has served on national committees for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Fire Marshal’s Association. He also has certifications through the NFPA and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Stacie Hardy, EdS, has served as Superintendent of Umóⁿhoⁿ Nation Public Schools since 2011. Her leadership has driven transformative facility projects, including the Against the Current Career Academy, Wade Miller Athletic Complex, transportation building, and extensive campus improvements. In 2024, the career academy received ENR’s national Best of the Best Award for PreK–12 education projects. A former school psychologist, Hardy is committed to creating innovative, culturally respectful learning environments that empower Native students and strengthen the community. She also serves on several statewide boards and advisory councils, advocating for educational equity, student wellness, and expanded opportunities for Native students.

Michael Griffin, A.A.E.

Michael Griffin joined the Lincoln Airport Authority in July 2025. In his current role, he oversees airfield operations, facility and grounds maintenance, emergency response, and security functions for the Lincoln Airport.  He also leads the airport’s safety certification and risk management programs, ensuring a safe, efficient, and well-maintained operation for passengers, tenants, and the community. 

Griffin is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) with the American Association of Airport Executives and brings over 18 years of extensive leadership experience in airport management. 

PROFESSIONAL Experience

Chief Campus Operations Officer (formerly Vice President of Capital Projects)
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium 2016 to Present

Executive leader responsible for capital planning, campus operations, and long-term stewardship of all Zoo facilities, infrastructure, guest environments, and animal habitats across properties owned or operated by the Omaha Zoological Society. Provide strategic oversight of master planning, conceptual design, project prioritization, and delivery from design through occupancy, ensuring alignment with organizational mission, guest experience, and animal welfare.

Lead planning, design, construction, and renovation of major facilities and exhibits; coordinate architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies. Serve as principal advisor to the President and CEO on campus planning and capital strategy and as a member of the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams.

Provide executive oversight of Maintenance, Building Engineering, Horticulture, Custodial Services, Rides Maintenance, and Immersive Environmental Design, ensuring seamless integration between design intent, construction execution, and long-term operations.

Directed implementation of the Zoo’s 2010 Master Plan, including a planned transition from Kiewit Building Group following completion of the Suzanne and Walter Scott African Grasslands. Delivered multiple complex projects under budget and ahead of schedule, including the Robert B. Daugherty Education Center, Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails, Asian Highlands, Owen Sea Lion Shores, Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, Harper Event Center, Simmons Aviary, Hubbard Gorilla Valley, Hubbard Orangutan Forest, and Grewcock Animal Hospital.

Project Executive
Kiewit Building Group Inc. 2000 – 2016

Senior construction executive with responsibility for more than $500 million in non-profit and higher education projects across Nebraska and Iowa. Held full accountability for business unit performance, client relations, project delivery, and team leadership.

Provided executive-level oversight to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring projects were delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget. Built and maintained strong client and community relationships while developing new business opportunities. Known for mentoring and developing high-performing teams and future leaders.

Education

B.S. Construction Engineering Technology | University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Class of 2000
 

Managerial Skills Training Program | Creighton University

Class of 2008
 

Mini-MBA Program | Creighton University | University

Class of 2009

Jonal Broekemier is President and CEO of Care Navigation Solutions, a Nebraska based facilities consulting firm providing operational and compliance training and support, along with leadership development. A seasoned facilities and safety leader, he brings corporate safety expertise and practical hands on experience across healthcare, education, manufacturing, and private industry. Jonal has led NFPA Life Safety Code and OSHA compliance initiatives, implemented CMMS and preventive maintenance programs, and supported capital planning, vendor strategy, and emergency preparedness. His background includes facilities leadership, corporate Process Safety Management, quality auditing, and business ownership. He is also the founder of Nebraska Facilities Week, a statewide conference focused on practical education and cross-industry collaboration. Jonal’s work centers on strengthening teams, improving systems, and helping organizations operate safely, efficiently, and in full regulatory compliance.  All while keeping a people first approach.  

Outside of his professional work, Jonal enjoys spending time with family. He enjoyes  home, lawn, and landscape projects, and values meeting new people and learning bout their stories.

Rachel Wise, PhD, is a seasoned school administrator and educational consultant with extensive experience serving—and leading—on local, state, and national boards. She spent eight years on the Nebraska State Board of Education, including leadership roles that advanced statewide policy and collaboration. Nationally, she contributed her expertise through the National Association of State Boards of Education and the Accreditation Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Rachel also strengthens her community through leadership positions on the Oakland‑Craig Foundation Board and the Oakland Golf Club Board. Her work reflects a deep commitment to effective governance and expanding educational opportunities for all.

Doug Hohbein began his career with the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Office in 1985 after graduating from Southeast Community College with an AA degree in Fire Protection Technology.  He has held the positions of Deputy Fire Marshal, Plans Examiner and Manager of the Plans Division and Assistant State Fire Marshal. The Governor appointed Doug as State Fire Marshal in October of 2025.

Doug has served on national committees for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Fire Marshal’s Association. He also has certifications through the NFPA and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Erica Montefusco is a senior executive in industrial risk, safety, and compliance and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Risk & Compliance at PROtect LLC, where she leads enterprise safety strategy, regulatory compliance, and operational risk management across complex industrial environments. 

Her path to risk leadership is unconventional. Originally trained in anthropology and geological sciences, Erica began her career studying how environments and human systems evolve over time. That scientific and anthropological lens continues to shape how she approaches industrial safety today—viewing organizations as dynamic systems where culture, pressure, and small operational changes can compound into either resilience or failure. 

Over two decades working alongside engineers, inspectors, and frontline teams in high-hazard industries, she has become known for translating regulatory frameworks into practical leadership systems that strengthen safety culture and operational reliability. 

Erica writes and speaks about risk leadership, resilience, and the role of curiosity in preventing failure. Her recent essay, “The Risk Leader as Explorer,” explores why the most effective safety leaders think less like auditors—and more like investigators of complex systems.

Marjorie Erickson is a Colorado native who grew up in the Denver suburb of Littleton.  She was a sophomore at Columbine High School during the mass-shooting that took place in 1999. For over five hours, she was trapped in a room with her teacher who suffered multiple gunshot wounds and ultimately died as a result.  Marjorie has spoken around the world about her experiences at Columbine and the effects of trauma on kids and families.

Marjorie has her master’s degree in criminal justice and spent eight years as an investigator for the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office.  Several years ago, she changed careers and now practices permanent makeup at her studios in Denver and McCook. Marjorie and her husband, Craig Erickson, recently moved part time to Nebraska so that Craig could practice medicine at Community Hospital. They are the proud parents of four rambunctious dogs and a cat who is a cuddle monster.

Charles Leslie is a cybersecurity professional with over 20 years of experience in threat intelligence, compliance, and risk management. He holds multiple industry certifications: CISSP, CISA, and PCI-ISA.

Charles has worked across banking, healthcare, retail, education, and government sectors. Most recently, he served as a Senior Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, where he built and ran the organization's threat intelligence program. He has also helped small businesses meet complex government security requirements, taking one client's CMMC compliance score from 20 out of 110 to a perfect score in a single month.

Known for making difficult security topics easy to understand, Charles is a trusted voice in the intelligence community. He maintains active relationships with FBI InfraGard and Health-ISAC, and is a recipient of the Dell Champion Award.

Today, Charles runs Flash CTI, a cybersecurity consulting firm focused on helping organizations tackle modern compliance and security challenges.

Grady Henrichs is a Senior Associate and Mechanical Engineer at DLR Group with more than 10 years of experience designing K-12 building systems across Nebraska. As the Central Region K-12 Engineering Leader, Grady brings a forward-thinking approach to mechanical system performance, with deep expertise in equipment selection, system layouts, cost estimating, and specifications. His hands-on experience assessing existing facilities for energy improvements and equipment replacement positions him as a trusted voice on verifying system performance and identifying the right investments to extend building life and improve occupant experience. Grady holds a Master of Architectural Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. He is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Timur Aydinli is the Janitorial Division Manager at Eakes Office Solutions, leading janitorial sales efforts across 15 locations throughout Nebraska, Cheyenne, Wyoming, and surrounding regions.

In his role, Timur oversees the janitorial solutions division, including service delivery and the integration of advanced cleaning equipment to meet evolving workplace needs. He manages vendor relationships, builds strategic partnerships, and ensures consistency and efficiency across a geographically diverse operation. He also collaborates closely with sales teams and 15 janitorial representatives to align solutions with customer needs and drive business growth.

Timur focuses on innovation within facilities services, advancing modern cleaning technologies, streamlining processes, and optimizing product strategies to deliver greater value. He actively supports the adoption of autonomous cleaning equipment to improve productivity, enhance consistency, and elevate service delivery.

A hands-on, results-driven leader, he focuses on building high-performing teams and delivering consistent customer outcomes. Prior to Eakes, he served as a Guest Services Director at a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond hotel, where he led a team of more than 150 and developed deep expertise in luxury service standards and operational execution.

Timur brings a practical perspective on multi-site operations, vendor collaboration, sales alignment, and the evolving role of automation in janitorial services.

Darin Hanigan brings more than 27 years of experience to educational design, with a career built on understanding how the built environment shapes teaching and learning outcomes. His work spans facility assessments, master planning, and capital planning across K-12 and higher education settings, giving him a grounded perspective on identifying building deficiencies and prioritizing investments that serve communities for generations. Darin’s use of BIM and energy modeling software brings precision to the evaluation of social, environmental, and economic design objectives, from initial programming through construction. A registered architect in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota, he also is an Accredited Learning Environment Planner through the Association 4 Learning Environments and sits on their local board of directors. He also serves on the board for Educare of Lincoln.  As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Nebraska’s College of Architecture, he teaches a Learning Spaces Design Studio. His facility assessment work reflects his commitment to proactive stewardship of school facilities and informed capital investment

Heather Hughes is a Principal at DLR Group with 15 years of experience shaping learning environments that are functional, sustainable, and built to serve future generations. A champion of environmental stewardship and a member of DLR Group’s Climate + Environment Forum, Heather brings a rigorous lens to building performance, consistently guiding clients through the measurable benefits of sustainable design, from energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact to improved indoor air quality and occupant wellbeing. Her work on educational assessments reflects her ability to identify building deficiencies and translate findings into actionable investment priorities. Heather holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is a LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C), Living Futures Accredited professional, and registered architect in Nebraska and Iowa. She is a Past President of AIA Nebraska and a recognized speaker at the U.S. Green Building Council’s IMPACT Conference.

Travis Ray is a Program Coordinator at Nebraska Innovation Studio, where he leads workforce development initiatives, STEM education programs, and emerging technology training. With experience in drone operations, artificial intelligence, and makerspace education, he enjoys helping organizations discover practical applications of new technologies. Travis is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Innovative Learning Technologies at the University of Nebraska, with research focused on makerspaces and workforce development.

Thomas Kennedy Sr. is a commissioned Boiler Inspector for the State of Nebraska Fire Marshal Boiler Division, a role he stepped into in February 2025 before earning his Inservice Boiler Commission in May 2025. 

He brings over 20 years of military experience operating, maintaining, and teaching personnel on unconventional boiler systems. 

His extensive hands-on expertise is backed by a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.

Todd Wright is a Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal with the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s office. He was hired on in 2005 and spent 15 years a Deputy State Fire Marshal and is in his seventh year as Chief.

Anthony Murphy is a public safety and regulatory professional with more than 20 years of experience in fire prevention, code enforcement, emergency operations, and fire investigation. He currently serves as the Plans Division Chief for the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency, bringing extensive expertise in interpreting and enforcing fire and building codes, reviewing complex construction documents including fire alarms, sprinklers, suppression systems, and other critical building safety components.

Anthony is a certified fire investigator, certified fire marshal, NFPA certified plans examiner, and holds numerous instructor, firefighter, and leadership certifications. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University and an Associate of Applied Science in Electronics Technology from Western Nebraska Community College.

With his strong background in emergency power systems, regulatory compliance, and real‑world emergency operations, Anthony brings a practical, code‑based perspective to today’s discussion on emergency generators and emergency power systems.

I am Dale Long and have been the HVAC instructor since 2006 for Central Community College.  Before that, I was the mechatronics trainer on the Grand Island campus. I have an associate’s degree in electrical construction and diplomas in Electrical technology, mechatronics, and HVAC. I am a certified electrical instructor through the HVAC Excellence Academic Review Board. I have been a journeyman electrician since 1993. I am also the owner and operator of Long Electric Heating and Air.

Dave Graff is a lifelong Nebraskan, hands‑on leader, and mentor with decades of experience in project, program, and people management. Over his career, Dave has progressed from individual contributor to Vice President within a Fortune 500 company, leading teams of hundreds and bringing structure and clarity to complex challenges.

Since 2022, Dave has owned and operated MilliCare Lincoln‑Omaha, applying his leadership background to the professional care of commercial flooring and upholstery. He helps facility managers protect their flooring investments, extend asset life, and make informed maintenance decisions that stand up to budget and leadership scrutiny.

A lifelong learner, Dave holds multiple IICRC certifications and is currently working toward IICRC Master Cleaner certification. He regularly educates facility managers and administrators on best practices, common pitfalls, and cost‑effective strategies for maintaining healthy, professional facilities.

Dave serves on the boards of HopeSpoke and the Eastern Nebraska chapter of IFMA, where he has held leadership roles. Outside of work, he enjoys time with family and friends, home improvement projects, running, golfing, and reading.

Mike has been the EHS Trainer/Coordinator for Central Community College for more than 15 years.  He is an active member of the Community and College Consortium for Health and Safety Training and has been since 2010.  He is currently an OSHA Authorized General Industry Trainer. He has 23 years of industrial manufacturing experience and over 15 years of experience in Environmental and Safety compliance and training.

My training will be Emergency planning and Response. Training title "Trust your Training"

Wyat is a dedicated safety and health professional with over 12 years' experience in workplace safety, emergency preparedness, and facility risk management. In his role as a safety leader, Wyat works closely with employees, leadership teams, and emergency responders to develop and implement effective emergency action plans that protect people, property, and operations. 

Wyat focuses on preparing people to rely on their experiences by "trusting their training" during critical situations. His work emphasizes preparedness for fires, severe weather, medical emergencies, chemical incidents, among other unplanned events that require quick and coordinated response. 

Wyat is passionate about proactive safety planning and believes that a well understood emergency action plan can save lives, reduce injuries, and minimize confusion when seconds matter most. Through engaging training sessions and real-world examples, Wyat trains people to perform at their very best when chaos occurs.

Today, Wyat will share insights on emergency action plans, highlighting key responsibilities, common gaps, and practical steps everyone can take to stay prepared during an emergency.

Jonal Broekemier is President and CEO of Care Navigation Solutions, a Nebraska based facilities consulting firm providing operational and compliance training and support, along with leadership development. A seasoned facilities and safety leader, he brings corporate safety expertise and practical hands on experience across healthcare, education, manufacturing, and private industry. Jonal has led NFPA Life Safety Code and OSHA compliance initiatives, implemented CMMS and preventive maintenance programs, and supported capital planning, vendor strategy, and emergency preparedness. His background includes facilities leadership, corporate Process Safety Management, quality auditing, and business ownership. He is also the founder of Nebraska Facilities Week, a statewide conference focused on practical education and cross-industry collaboration. Jonal’s work centers on strengthening teams, improving systems, and helping organizations operate safely, efficiently, and in full regulatory compliance.  All while keeping a people first approach.  

Outside of his professional work, Jonal enjoys spending time with family. He enjoyes  home, lawn, and landscape projects, and values meeting new people and learning bout their stories.