Meet our Board

Lisa Bianco, President      Lisa Bianco has served as President two of her five years on the North Platte Public School’s Foundation board. She has chaired both the Bulldog Backyard BBQ and Foundation’s Spring Dinner event. Lisa came to the board with an extensive education background, having graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln with degrees in both Elementary Education and Human Development.      Lisa is also a member of the Rape and Domestic Abuse Shelter board, the North Platte Booster Club, and the Lincoln County Medical Alliance. She has also participated in a Parent Advisory committee and a community budget task force for the North Platte school district. She has taught for 11 years in both private and public school settings, and currently stays home to raise her two children, Jake and Maggie.

Darrel Smith, Vice President      I grew up in a small town in southwest Nebraska, Wallace. Graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney (Kearney State) in 1981, with a business administration degree.      My financial services career began in 1981 with EF Hutton & Co. in North Platte, NE. In the fall or 1981 I married my high school sweetheart, Frances Mitchell. In mid 1987 I left EF Hutton and formed First Nebraska Financial Services. Today I continue my financial planning practice with co-owner, John E. Smith. We serve individuals and small businesses with all facets of financial and investment planning.      Our children, Jacalyn and Mitchell were born in 1982 and 1985. Both attended Eisenhower Elementary, Adams Middle School, and North Platte High School; graduating from NPHS in 2001 and 2004.       Frances and I feel fortunate to have a friendly town like North Platte to have a business and raise a family in. We have been involved in the community as much as possible. Our belief is that if our community is going to continue to grow it will do so with a strong economic base, in the past, public education has been an integral part of our community growth. Our facilities and most importantly, teachers, are second to none. We are proud to call North Platte home.

Prestin Read, Treasurer Professional Moved to North Platte in 2006 to take on my current role as the CFO for a local ethanol company. Prior experience includes 10 years of institutional fixed income portfolio management. Personal Married to a North Platte High graduate. Two children. Education Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado at Boulder, MBA in Finance Princeton University, A.B. in Economics

Julie Bunker, Secretary I was born and raised in Boulder, CO. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and taught for several years in the Denver Public Schools. My husband, Dr James Bunker and I have lived in North Platte since 1996. All three of our children have graduated from the North Platte Public Schools and are all currently attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. I now help part-time in my husband’s medical office.

Joe Staroska       Born and raised in North Platte NE, Attended Jefferson Elementary, Adams Middle school, graduating from North Platte High School. Served in Nebraska Army National Guard and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Attended the University of Nebraska obtaining a Bachelor and Master degrees. Married with a family they enjoy a verity of outdoors activities, and are members of the First Presbyterian Church. General Manager and an owner of Weathercraft roofing company & Overhead Door of North Platte.      Member of North Platte Noon Rotary, North Platte Ambassadors, Nebraska land Days Board of Directors, and City of North Platte Board of Adjustment. A past board chair of North Platte Area Chamber And Development corporation.

Cinch Munson      Cinch grew up in the beautiful Nebraska Sandhills and upon high school graduation headed east to the bright lights of Lincoln and the University of Nebraska. After graduation, and not quite ready to get a real job, he pointed his wagon westward and headed to Colorado State University. Now educated and ready to do amazing things, he joined a Denver firm as a commodities market and research analyst. Shortly thereafter, an opportunity came about to move back to Nebraska, join a startup company, and develop business around the world. After eight years, many airline miles, and the development of a confusing Spanish/Portuguese language that only he could understand; an opportunity came about to get involved with a new venture with a great mission - the Mid-Plains Center for Enterprise at Mid-Plains Community College. Cinch enjoys leveraging his understanding of global business, entrepreneurship, and technology to help fellow Nebraskans.      Cinch, Shawna, Noah, Ethan, and Caleb are happy to make their home in North Platte, Nebraska and look forward to the bright future of the area. Shawna is a counselor and co-owner at Bridges Counseling and the three boys all attend North Platte Public Schools.

Cory Johanson North Platte native North Platte High School - Class of 1998 Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, 2002, Chadron State College Commercial/Ag Banker with First National Bank North Platte Married to wife, Ashley (Grabenstein), 1st grade teacher in Hershey North Platte High School - class of 1999 Son, Cash, is 3 years old

Robbie Stefka     As a native of North Platte, I recently returned to my hometown after a 16-year absence. After graduating from NPHS in 1993, I moved to Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska. I earned my BA in English from UNL in 1998, and began attending courses through Doane College to obtain my teaching certification. Once certified, I began teaching for Papillion – La Vista Public Schools, a stint that ran from 2000-2009. During that time, I taught 8th grade English (2 years) and was the journalism adviser for PLHS (7 years). I also earned an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction (Doane College, 2001) and an M.S. in Secondary School Administration (Creighton University, 2007).      In June 2009, my wife (Amy) and I opted to move to North Platte and relocate our family, bringing along our two children – RJ (6) and Sam (4). I work with my father as a commercial real estate agent for Commercial Investment Services. Amy works from home for SilverStone, Inc., an insurance broker based in Omaha that retained her services.      As a family, we enjoy spending time playing outside – which is imperative with two boys under the age of seven. We love to entertain at our home, and have a desire to get involved in the community. There is a sense of connection and a feeling of camaraderie that we never felt in Omaha, yet feel already as we make North Platte our home. Amy has already become a board member for the Children’s Museum, and I relish my role as a board member of the North Platte Public Schools Foundation.

Marshall Doughty My hometown is Washington Iowa. We have lived in North Platte for the past 14 years and all our children to date have graduated from the North Platte Public Schools. It is because of their great education that I became interested in the North Platte Public Schools Foundation and helping to further the educational needs of all public school children. I have been with Ameriprise Financial Services for 23 years. My wife, Bonnie works at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. Our children are Marcus Doughty a North Platte Public Schools and University of Nebraska Kearney graduate and Doctorate Creighton University. Mason a North Platte Public Schools and University of Nebraska Kearney graduate, Madison a North Platte Public Schools graduate and Premed University of Nebraska Kearney, and Madalynn a Sophmore at North Platte Public School.

Gwen Covey Gwen Covey has been a NPPSF Board Member since 2010. She is married to Travis, a 1993 NPHS graduate. They moved back to North Platte in July of 2010. Travis is a Pharmacist with Bill's USave Pharmacy. Prior to their move, Gwen worked as a fundraiser for the University of Nebraska Foundation for 8 years. Gwen and Travis have a daughter, Cyline.

Laura Troshynski      Laura Troshynski was born and raised in North Platte, Nebraska. She graduated from North Platte High School in 2002. After receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May of 2006, Laura enrolled in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law. While in law school, Laura was a law clerk at the University of Nebraska Foundation. In May of 2009, Laura received her juris doctorate with distinction. She is licensed to practice law in the U.S. District Court of Nebraska and is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association. In addition, she is licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado.      Laura and her husband, Bill, were married in May of 2009. They moved to North Platte in August of 2010. Laura currently practices law with her father, Dave Pederson, as an associate at Pederson Law Office.      Laura is a member of the North Platte Noon Rotary Club and is currently co-chairing the 2011 Great Plains Regional Medical Center Foundation Gala. In addition, Laura is a past member of the Junior League of Lincoln and served as the Public Relations Chair for the Gamma Phi Beta Pi Chapter House Corporation Board.

Michelle Murdock      I grew up in Bellevue, NE and graduated from Bellevue West High School. I went on to college and received my BA in Biology from University of Nebraska at Omaha. After college, I managed two medical clinics in Omaha for four years. I then moved to North Platte with my husband, Shawn Murdock who is a native. We have lived here for two and a half years. I started my own medical billing company almost three years ago. I have two clinics in Omaha and I absolutely love what I do. I also instruct three online courses through North Platte Community College.      We do not have any children at this time other than our one and half year old Weimaraner named Cinder. She is a 75 pound lap dog, or at least she thinks she is.      I was a co-chair to the 2011 Hospital Foundation Gala and I am currently on my second term as President of the Lincoln County Medical Alliance.      Shawn and I really enjoy living in North Platte and are looking forward to raising a family here.

Gordon Peeks (NPEA Representative)       Gordon Peeks was born in 1945 and graduated from Chapell, NE in 1964. He received his BA 1969 and his MA in 1971. He taught for 44 years starting at Kearney State College before he received his BA.       He received the Nebraska Technical Education Association (NITEA) Teacher of the Year Award in 2011.

Kimberley Kaschke (Ex-Officio School Board Representative)      Kimberley Kaschke joined the NPPS Board of Education in January, 2011 and currently serves as the board liaison for the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. Kimberley presently serves on the school board's Finance and Communication committees as well as on the Publicity committee for the Foundation. Kimberley was raised on a large dairy farm operation and graduated from Cranford College with a major in Marketing and Management.      Kimberley is the Vice President of Marketing & Development for First National Bank as well as the Marketing & Advertising Coordinator for the Great Plains & Lauritzen Banks in the Midwest. Much of her community involvement and leadership has been focused around the youth and the development of the North Platte area. Kimberley and her husband Marc have five children, Jordan, Ashlyn, Camden, Gracelyn, & Lexus, all of whom have attended, or are currently attending, North Platte Public Schools.

Stuart Simpson (Ex-Officio School Administration)      I attended Alliance Public Schools and graduated from Chadron State College with a BA in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting and Data Processing. I received my MBA from Chadron State College in 1995. I began working for Western Nebraska Community College as an accountant and controller soon after graduation. I began my career in Public Education when I was hired by Alliance Public Schools as their Business Manager in 1989. In 2005, I was hired by North Platte Public Schools to be the District Business Manager.      Lisa and I meet at college where she earned her degree in human biology. We have been married for 30 years and have two wonderful daughters; Joslynne and Jordynn. Joslynne has a Bachelors in Nursing and works in Lincoln at a nursing home. Jordynn is a 7th grader at Adams Middle School.      My grandparents and parents have always been a part of educating young minds and helping them model their future. I hope in some small way I can help students, teachers, and principals develop their minds and be successful.

Tami Eshleman (Ex-Officio Interim Superintendent) North Platte High School - Class of 1991 University of Nebraska- Lincoln  Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Secondary Social Science Endorsement, 1995 Masters of Education in Educational Administration, 1998 University of Nebraska at Kearney Educational Specialist, 2006 Husband - Rob (works for Nebraska Public Power District) Children - Ryan and Joshua

Jackie Lucas (Executive Director)      Jackie Lucas is the Executive Director of the North Platte Public School Foundation (NPPSF). In her role, she is responsible for guiding the strategic visioning and direction of the Foundation, program development, day to day operations and implementation of various fundraising campaigns and initiatives. Jackie assumed the role of Executive Director of NPPSF in August 2011 after serving two years as a NPPSF Board of Director. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jackie worked as a Review Specialist for the State of Nebraska Foster Care Review Board, coordinating and facilitating multiple state Foster Care Review Boards in a four county area. Prior to moving back to North Platte, Jackie served as a Group Asset Manager at Sears Regional Credit Card Operations Center in Boise, Idaho. As a Group Asset Manager, Jackie supervised, hired, trained and evaluated managers and associate teams in a 2000 person asset protection group.       Jackie is a native of North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida. Jackie has been actively involved as a volunteer in the North Platte community for the last 10 years. Jackie and her husband Ty reside in North Platte, where both their children attend North Platte Public Schools.

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