Executive MBA Class of 2011

Platt Brabner

Platt (B.S., Professional Aeronautics/Electrical Engineering, Embry Riddle University) is Team Lead of the Nuclear Command and Control Capabilities Branch of the Science Applications International Corporation. He has in-depth knowledge of crisis action and deliberate planning processes and complexities associated with integration, coordination, and de-confliction of multi-service capabilities. His analytical efforts support both the USSTRATCOM and Joint Staff JROC cycle activities. Platt also has experience in developing operational concepts, policy, and strategy in support of Quadrennial Defense Review PBR-11 DoD Budget and the Joint Test and Evaluation program. Platt is married, has two adult sons serving in the US Army, and has two Great Danes. In his spare time, he enjoys club auto driving activities, scuba diving, and competitive marksmanship.

Cynthia (B.A., Accounting, Buena Vista University) is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc. Her current responsibilities include managing a team of outside sales representatives, developing goals to achieve sales plan and gain market share, and developing marketing strategies to rebrand and reposition the company. She began her sales management career at Younkers as the Cosmetic Regional Marketing Manager, managing a sales volume of $32 million. After working for Younkers for eight years, she briefly sold pharmaceuticals for Sanofi-Aventis and has now been in her role with Deffenbaugh for about 2 years. Outside of work, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In her free time, she loves bicycling, running, and reading. She is also very active in the community, currently serving as President of the Council Bluffs Service League.

Dan (B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Nebraska - Lincoln) is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Nebraska. Since 1987, he has worked for NPPD in various capacities, currently as the Director of Engineering at Cooper Nuclear Station in Auburn. Dan serves on the City of Auburn Planning Commission, and is a Congregational President, Church Elder, Board of Education Member, and choir member. He enjoys cooking, traveling, and remodeling.

Kristen (B.S., International Studies, Central College) is a freelance graphic designer. She designs logos, sales and marketing pieces, as well as invitations and announcements. She previously worked as the Training and Development Manager and Marketing Manager for a regional pest control company. She is a member of the American Society of Training and Development. Kristen, a Peace Corps Volunteer (Burkina Faso '98-'01), also has extensive experience in international development work and project management. In her free time, Kristen enjoys reading, swimming, and playing with her kids.

James (B.S.B.A., Finance, Creighton University) is the Manager of Insurance and Claims for Omaha Pubic Power District. His current responsibilities include managing the District's insurance program, contract review, and supervising a dedicated claims unit. He began his career in the insurance industry in 1991 and joined OPPD in 2001. He is actively involved in the insurance industry, currently serving on NEIL's Insurance Advisory Executive Committee, AEGIS' Loss Control Task Force, and President of the Great Plains RIMs Chapter. He also currently serves as Business Manager for Great Plains Popwarner. James enjoys helping with youth organizations, coaching youth basketball and football.

Debra (B.S., Land Use and Economics, University of Nebraska at Omaha) is a Telecom Consultant with S'Imaginer, LLC in Council Bluffs. She specializes in wireless and data center network buildouts/expansions requiring professional services, software, and multivendor hardware solutions. She also provides contract negotiations, consulting and deal brokering for MWBE, MBE and start-up telecommunication firms seeking to do business with Alcatel-Lucent, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Prior to starting S'Imaginer, Debra was the Sales Director for Alcatel-Lucent. She is a member of the TeleManagement Forum and Downtown Economic Redevelopment Plan Committee for Council Bluffs.

Bobby (M.A.M., International Business, Doane College; B.J., Advertising, University of Nebraska - Lincoln; B.A., Communications, Nebraska Wesleyan University) is a Senior Product Manager at PayPal in Omaha. He implements and manages agent tools for global operations. In addition, Bobby manages projects, reviews processes, manages vendor relationships, and improves methodologies to standardize practices. He has worked in software development and implementation for the past 9 years for several companies in various roles from Project Manager to Director. When he is not working, Bobby likes to spend time with his family and friends and traveling with his wife.

Sarah (B.A., Accounting, University of Nebraska at Omaha) is the Vice President of Financial and Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer at College of Saint Mary in Omaha Nebraska. In her role, Sarah leads the budgeting, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and setting of key strategic policies for the University. Prior to her time in higher education, Sarah was an auditor at Deloitte in Omaha, serving a variety of industries including retail, manufacturing, and not-for-profits. Sarah enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Rich and three wonderful children Zach, Carlie and Sadie.

Jana (B.S., Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha; M.S., Counseling, University of Nebraska at Omaha) is a Behavior Analysis Specialist I with The University of Nebraska Medical Center. Her duties include providing clinical services for patients in the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program. This includes conducting evaluations and assessments, report writing and editing, data collection, graphing and interpretation, and presentation. She has held numerous other positions within the human services field. Outside of work, Jana is busy with three children and the family's love of college football.

Padma (M.S., Computer Science, George Mason University) is currently a SAP Logistics Consultant at ConAgra Foods in Omaha. In her 16 years of IT experience, she has played various roles of senior analyst, technical lead, and manager. Her experience spans across multiple industry sectors: Tele Communications, Retail, Oil, Chemical, Packaging, and Health. Padma spends her free time painting, gardening, reading, and spending time with family.

Ryan (B.S., Construction Engineering Technology, University of Nebraska at Omaha) is the Manager of the Omaha Public Power Districts Elkhorn Service Center and is responsible for a staff of 89 line and underground construction workers that install overhead and underground cable in the north section of the metro area and in OPPD's northern rural area. Ryan has been married for 26 years and has two college-age children. When not at work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family.

Johnson (B.S., Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Anna University (India); B.S., Computer Information Systems Technology, Bellevue University) is the Director of IT with First Data Resources in Omaha. Johnson has worked in the IT field for 12 years and has performed IT development, architecture, capacity planning, operations and project management. Johnson is a member of the Computer Measurement Group. He and his wife Dian have two children, Jaedon and Jerusha.

Gabe (B.S., Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha) is a Branch Manager for Aureus Group, a Division of C&A Industries. His duties include leading business objectives and operations of Aureus Group's technical division for Direct Hire/Contract Hire/Project Staffing, recruiting and managing performance of all team members in three market places, executing internal and external sales plans, and developing partnerships with major client accounts. Gabe is a member of the Omaha Executive Club One, is a Board Member for One World Community Health Center and President of Nebraska's Oracle/PeopleSoft Regional User Group. Gabe and his wife Anne have two children, Trysten and Briley.

Laura (B.A., Paralegal Studies, College of Saint Mary) has a 20-year career as a paralegal with experience in many areas including corporate law, real estate law and intellectual property working with several Fortune 500 clients. She has been investing in real estate for over 12-years and has held positions of President & Vice President of two condominium boards. Laura enjoys interior design. Her current home (kitchen) was featured in the Omaha World-Herald by Inspired Home Omaha Magazine. Philanthropic contributions include serving as Vice-Chair of the My Closet Boutique Committee for the Junior League of Omaha which required managing the store operations and business affairs. Other community involvement includes: serving on the Omaha Symphony Guild as Artist Relations Chair; the Act II Guild, Omaha Community Playhouse; and the Young Art Patrons, Joslyn Art Museum. Laura has also held board positions with past professional organizations as well as her alma mater's alumnae association. She has received the Bronze & the Silver Presidential Volunteer Service Awards. Laura loves to travel, read, play piano and tend to her many hobbies in her spare time.

Bradley (B.A., Biology, Augustana College) is an Area Sales Manager for General Electric's Water and Process Technologies division. He is based in Omaha, and has worked for GE since 2001. During his career with GE, he has held multiple roles including Account Manager, Regional Sales Engineer, and Area Manager. He is responsible for six professional sales people and two technical service people. Brad's pastimes include spending time with his wife and two children, home improvement projects, and everything sports related.