Meet the Officers
People First of Nebraska is run by and for people with disabilities. The People First Board is made up of Officers and Members with disabilities who make decisions for the board and help plan activities for People First.
Renee Harp, from People First of Grand Island, was elected President. Renee previously served as the Vice President of PFN for 4 years. She has been a member of People First of Grand Island for 7 years and a member of Strong Americans before that. She has participated in Special Olympics bowling, basketball, and track. She works at a day care center and loves the toddlers. She attended the Self Advocates Becoming Empowered conference in Birmingham, Alabama, the SACK conference in Kansas, and many other self-advocacy training workshops. Renee will serve a 3-year term.
Jennifer James, from People First of Lincoln, was re-elected Vice President. She has been a member of People First for 6 years and works at the Statewide Independent Living Council as a receptionist and clerk. Jennifer completed a one-year term as Vice President in 2021 to complete the term left open by Renee Harp. She was elected in October 2022 to a full 3-year term.
Erin Phillips, of People First of Lincoln, was elected as Sargent-At-Arms. She has been a member since for 5 years. She is also a member of Aktion Club, 4-H, and Special Olympics. Erin served as the PFN Disability Policy specialist in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Erin testified on legislation in front of Senate committees and attended the national Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, DC. She has worked at the Southeast Community Program, the Journal Star, Hy-Vee, and at Super Saver for the last 11 years. Erin will serve a 3-year term.
Shawn Olnes, from People First of Norfolk, was elected Secretary. He is new to the People First of Nebraska Board but has been a member for a year and serves as the Chapter Secretary. He is very active in the chapter and has recruited many new members. Shawn is a strong advocate for his fellow People First members. He works at Hy-Vee in Norfolk. Shawn will serve a 3-year term.
Marty Wheeler , from People First of Grand Island, was elected Treasurer. He has been a member of People First for 8 years. He lives independently and has worked at Super Saver and Skaggs Grocery for more than 30 years. He is a member of the Arc of Central Nebraska and participates in Special Olympics. He is also a member and Officer of the Elks Lodge of Grand Island. Marty also represented PFN at the national Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, DC. Marty will serve a 3-year term.
Chapter Representatives
Each chapter of People First can have a member serve as a representative with the board. For more information....
Board Elections
Elections will be held at the 2022 People First of Nebraska Convention for Vice President and Secretary. Anyone who has been a People First member for at least a year can be nominated. Nominations are due on Thursday, September 1, 2022. For more information about the duties of officers and our elections, go to our Officers & Elections page.
Board Meetings
The PFN Board meets every quarter, in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. These meetings take place at different locations around the state. If you are interested in attending a meeting, or learning more, please contact....