Join us for our annual conference and annual meeting! This conference is designed for school foundation staff, foundation board members, and school district staff interested in school foundations.
NAPSF 2025 Fall Conference
Monday, November 3, 2025
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Papillion Landing
1046 W Lincoln St
Papillion, Nebraska 68046
Registration: $75 for NAPSF member and $100 for non-members
Become A Conference Sponsor by Clicking Here!
Sunday Night Social
Sponsored by the Millard Public Schools Foundation
Sunday, November 2, 2025
6:00pm-8:00pm
5231 S 159th Ave
Omaha, NE 68135
RSVP Today to Nicole Anderson - andersonn@discoverers.org
Hotel Accommodations
Courtyard by Mariott - La Vista
12560 Westport Pkwy
$99 per night +tax/fees -- parking $10/day (Nov 2 & 3)
Reserve your room by calling 402-339-4900 and reference NAPSF Room Block.
Tentative Agenda
8:00 AM Breakfast Served
8:45 AM Welcome & Official Open
- Lee Denker, Papillion Community School Foundation
- Dr. Andrew Rikli, Superitendent, Papillion LaVista Community Schools
9:00 AM Opening Key Note: Powering the Future of Nebraska’s Students – Cam Vacek, Business Consultant & Owner - Ghosethandwriter
Step into the day with a forward-looking keynote on innovation, collaboration, and the evolving role of school foundations in shaping Nebraska’s educational landscape. Cam will explore the opportunities and challenges ahead — from embracing technology and AI to strengthening community partnerships — and share strategies for empowering students through creative, sustainable initiatives. Expect an inspiring and practical discussion that will leave you motivated to take bold next steps for your foundation and your schools.
9:45-10:30 AM Morning Breakouts
Track A - Executives/Board Members: Growing and Using an Endowment – Brent Boyce, US Bank
Learn how to build, manage, and maximize an endowment for long-term stability, including fundraising, investment management, and distribution strategies. Explore smart fundraising strategies, investment management best practices, and clear guidelines for distribution. Whether you’re starting an endowment or seeking to strengthen an existing one, this session offers the financial insights and real-world examples to ensure sustainable impact for generations of students.
Track B - Admin/Coordinators:Grant Management – Kayla Jacox & Susan Carr, Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools.
Explore practical tools to streamline grant and scholarship management, strengthen reporting, and build donor confidence. This session focuses on practical systems for tracking awards, reporting impact, and maintaining compliance — all while building donor trust. Gain ideas for simplifying processes and communicating results to stakeholders in ways that inspire continued giving.
Track C - Before/After School Leaders: Cultivating a Workplace That Thrives – The Wellbeing Partners
Explore how the latest research on child brain development can inform discipline strategies and support healthier, more connected afterschool environments. Learn how to foster a culture of wellbeing — for both students and staff — that improves retention, morale, and outcomes.
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Morning Breakouts
Track A - Executives/Board Members: Strengthening Your Partnership with Your District – Dr. Josh McDowell, Superintendent of Crete Public Schools
Build stronger, more collaborative relationships with districts to align goals and maximize student impact.
Track B - Admin/Coordinators:AI That Saves You Hours – Cam Vacek
Discover how artificial intelligence can simplify your daily work. Hands-on strategies to use AI for grants, donor letters, scholarship reviews, and admin tasks—plus live Q&A with real examples.
Track C - Before/After School Leaders: Child Development & Discipline Strategies – The Wellbeing Partners
Apply child development milestones to create positive behavior strategies for after school environments.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM NAPSF Annual Meeting & Member UPdate/Lunch
12:00 - 1:00 PM Keynote: Navigating Uncertainty, Seeking Hope – Mike Taylor, CEFL, CFRE
Strategies for leading with hope and resilience during times of uncertainty and organizational change.
1:15-2:00 PM Afternoon Breakouts
Track A - Executives/Board Members: Right-Sizing Finance for School Foundations – Steve Nebbia & Katie Byrd
Build a scalable accounting function that supports oversight, efficiency, and growth—even on a tight budget.
Track B - Admin/Coordinators:Beyond the Donate Button: Building a Robust Online Presence – Kelly Medwick
Learn integrated digital strategies (email, social, ads, and AI tools) to inspire giving and strengthen donor engagement.
Track C - Before/After School Leaders: Partnering for Possibilities – Carrie Lienemann
Discover creative ways to tap into community partnerships to expand after school programming and impact.
2:15-3:00 PM Closing Keynote: Janelle Roker
End the day with a powerful reflection on leadership, purpose, and adaptability. Janelle will explore how embracing change can unlock innovation, renew organizational energy, and deepen your foundation’s impact. You’ll leave with tools to navigate change with confidence — and a renewed vision for what’s possible in Nebraska’s schools. An inspiring close to the day with practical takeaways for strengthening foundations and supporting Nebraska students.
3:00-3:30 PM Drawings & Final Comments
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor:
Thank you to our Gold Sponsor:
Thank you to our Social Sponsor:
