Leadership Council

Derek Kay, Chair, LCOC Board Member
FNBO

Emma Kwapnioski, Vice Chair
University of Nebraska Foundation

Courtney Strayer, Past Chair
Bryan Health

Carrie Bartholomew
ALLO Fiber

Eric Bertrand, LCOC Policy Advisory Committee Member
West Gate Bank

Emilee Meints
Morrow Collision Center

Michael Sandvold
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Sydney Schoening
Immanuel

Susan Twiehaus
Security First Bank

Champions

Current Events

Membership 101 | March 31, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Curious about how to make the most of your YP Membership? OR want to show off to a friend or colleague how great being a YPG member is? Whether you're new to YPG, have been part of the crew for a while, or are not a member, come hang out with us and discover all the ways you can get involved, grow your network, and take full advantage of your membership perks. Bring a friend or colleague who wants to learn more; we'd love to meet them and show them what YPG is all about!

YP After Dark | April 9 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM

YP After Dark is bringing the conversation to the table. Curious about the housing market? Wondering what options exist or what the future of housing in Lincoln looks like? Or where to even begin when thinking about housing options? This is your chance to ask the questions you've always wanted to ask and hear directly from the people shaping the conversation. Join us for an evening of real talk about affordable housing with a panel of local leaders sharing insights, perspectives, and what it actually means for young professionals navigating life, careers and where to live. Come for the conversation, stay for the connectors.

Level Up Lunch with Doane University | April 14 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Work Reimagined: Work isn’t just changing — leadership, connection and success are being redefined at every level. Work Reimagined invites young professionals to rethink success in a world shaped by rapid change, new technologies and shifting expectations. In 2026, YPG programs will explore how to lead with authenticity, build a meaningful, sustainable career and thrive in workplaces that value both innovation and well-being.

Session 2 - The Drama Triangle: a framework that highlights how people can unknowingly fall into unproductive roles during conflict, including operating from a victim mentality. This session will explore how recognizing these patterns can shift the way we communicate, lead and respond to challenges. Attendees will gain practical tools to move out of reactive dynamics, build trust, and lead with greater clarity and confidence.

Meet the presenter, John Frost, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing

John Frost is Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Doane University and a member of the executive cabinet. With more than 15 years of leadership experience across private and public higher education, he has led strategic enrollment, admissions, marketing, and financial aid initiatives at institutions including Bellevue University, Webster University, Metropolitan Community College, and Southern Illinois University. John is known for building high-performing teams, modernizing enrollment systems, and advancing collaborative, data-driven strategies that support institutional growth and student success.

Signature Events

YPG Golf Tournament

Our annual June golf tournament brings members and nonmembers together for a full day on the course, no matter what your skill level is. Register as a foursome or sign up as an individual, and enjoy networking, friendly competition, and fun along the fairway. Companies can also get in on the action with hole sponsorships and connect directly with players throughout the day.

YP Week

YP Week is our biggest, boldest week of the year. Held each October, it features up to nine events across five days, all centered around our four pillars: networking, professional development, philanthropy and public policy education. It's a full year of YP programming packed into one high-energy week.

Young Lincoln Leader Award Past Winners

Young Lincoln Leader Award Nomination Form

YP Year-End Celebration

Each December, we wrap up the year by celebrating our wins, reflecting on impact, and connecting with fellow YPs. The Year-End Celebration is part recognition, part networking and the perfect way to close out the year together.

2025-2027 LYPG Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan Areas

AREA 1: Membership Recruitment, Retention & Engagement
Goal 1.1 - Grow LYPG membership to at least 350 dues-paying members by the end of 2027.
Goal 1.2 - Increase 3-year retention rate to at least 40-50% for new members.
Goal 1.3 - Achieve 80%+ new member engagement within the first 90 days through onboarding and targeted touchpoints.

AREA 2: Professional Development
Goal 2.1 – Enhance and expand professional growth opportunities for Lincoln’s young professionals by developing diverse, high-impact programming and resources that support career advancement, skill development, and leadership readiness.
Goal 2.2 - Build a statewide collaboration network by forming strategic partnerships with other young professional or membership-based groups and enabling cross-promotion across platforms.
Goal 2.3 - Support Lincoln Chamber of Commerce in Vitality Lincoln Key Initiative “Design and launch a mentorship program for future community champions.”

Area 3: Community Engagement & Education
Goal 3.1 – Establish LYPG as a key connector between young professionals and community-based nonprofit opportunities.
Goal 3.2 – Grow YPGives into an annual citywide service initiative, engaging multiple nonprofit partners in one day of giving back.
Goal 3.3 – Strengthen LYPG’s role as a champion of Lincoln’s evolving culture by supporting local initiatives, sharing events and new business stories with the LYPG membership.
Goal 3.4 – Foster civic literacy and participation on key policy topics and processes through education on state, county, and city governance, in partnership with community organizations.

Yappin' with YPs

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