Seven members join Nebraska Methodist College board

Omaha, Nebraska - Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) recently welcomed seven new members to its board of directors. 

The new members are Nichole Andersen, Joel Cota, Michael Harvey, Rebekah Mussman, David Smith, Deb Thacker and Amanda Williams.

“The addition of these exceptional individuals underscores NMC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare education,” NMC President and CEO Dr. Deb Carlson said. “Each new board member brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for advancing the College’s mission of preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

Andersen served as director of special projects, director of corporate communications and transportation communications manager for HDR, and communications manager for Gavilon. Andersen earned her Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She currently serves on the Capital Campaign Committee for the Neumeyer Farm Park and Athletic Complex in Bennington, Neb. and the board of directors for the Bennington Community Foundation.

Currently the diversity, equity and inclusion specialist for JE Dunn Construction, Cota previously worked as a media specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau and a public and community relations ambassador for the City of Omaha mayor. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and information systems from Bellevue University.

Harvey is the president and chief executive officer of Syracuse Area Health in Syracuse, Neb. He previously served as the assistant administrator of patient services at Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center and the Clinic Facility Manager at OHS Compcare. He earned his Master of Business Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management in Kansas City, Mo., his Bachelor of Science in Management and Accounting from Park University in Parkville, Mo. and his Associate of Science in Respiratory Technology from California College for Health Sciences in National City, Calif.

Mussman is the chief executive officer of ruralMED Management Resources in Holdrege, Neb. She previously worked as the president and chief executive officer of Crete Area Medical Center in Crete, Neb. and the chief financial officer of Kearney County Health Services in Minden, Neb. She earned her master’s degree in organizational leadership and her Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from the University of Kansas. Mussman is a member of the YMCA of the Prairie Board of Directors.

Currently serving as the vice president of global advertising operations and account services, at Yahoo! Inc., Smith has successfully led operations, strategist and account management teams. He previously served in multiple roles in account management at Yahoo! Inc. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Georgia State University.

Thacker is the chief financial officer for Midwest Geriatrics. She began her career as a certified public accountant, specializing in audit services for healthcare clients. She has also served as a financial analyst at Clarkson Hospital and Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, Neb. She earned her degree in accounting from Creighton University.

Williams is the head of clinical operations for PocketRN. She previously worked as the director of healthcare transformation at Home Instead. She previously worked for Methodist Health System on population health, value-based care and continuous improvement initiatives. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from NMC. 

“I am thrilled to welcome these accomplished individuals to our board. Their diverse backgrounds in their industries will undoubtedly contribute to our college’s continued success,” Carlson said. 

The NMC board is responsible for overall governance of the College, review of existing offerings and long-term planning. Members of the board approve budgets, hiring of the president, major capital expenditure and new program offerings.They represent the College within the community and facilitate fundraising for endowments and special projects within the College.

In addition to the new members, NMC board members are Armando Allende-Blanco, Ronald Banse, Teri Bruening, Loretta Carroll, John Ewing, Ed Finan, Ruth Freed, Kurt Kline, Kenny McMorris, Rudy Partida, Sue Rohlfs, Debbie Schrampfer and Bob Turner.