Speakers

Susanne has a Masters Degree in Social Work Administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She has over 30 years in the field of advocacy and social justice dealing with issues of poverty, domestic violence and addressing homelessness.  She has been executive director of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach since 2000.  Matt Talbot is Lincoln's largest provider of free nutritious meals, outreach and homeless prevention services to the working poor and homeless.  New programs to help end homelessness are being implemented by the organization that is celebrating it's 25 years of service to the community this year.  She is married to Jim Blue, President and CEO of CEDARS Youth Services and they have two adult children.

Larry Ruth is a retired attorney.  He was a JAG officer in the Navy, and then settled here in Lincoln in 1974 with his wife, Pat.  He practiced law and lobbied until 2009 when he retired.  He is long-time member of the Board of Governors at Nebraska Wesleyan University where he was a student and is currently an Adjunct Professor.  He has been interested in natural resources since his boyhood days on a small dry-land farm in Butler County.  He has been on the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District since 2012 representing Subdistrict 4, and is currently Vice Chair of the Board.

Ray Cole is a Hall of Fame broadcaster whose executive career spans five decades.

As president and chief operating officer of Citadel Communications Company, Ray has held leadership roles on the boards of the ABC-TV Affiliates Association, National Association of Broadcasters, Television Bureau of Advertising, and Broadcasters Foundation of America.  He has received national and local recognition for his leadership in the broadcast industry, and his contributions to the community at large. 

Audiences love to hear about his “Hangin’ with Winners” experiences involving well-known figures from the worlds of television, sports, entertainment and politics. Ray is a master storyteller who uses those personal anecdotes to make his multimedia message of leadership, teamwork, and success come alive for groups of all ages and backgrounds.  Ray’s engaging approach to connecting with an audience leaves them entertained, inspired and uplifted.  

In 1996, when Brad’s friends left on mission to Los Angeles, California and he stayed behind, it was a blessing in disguise. While his friends were gone, he learned about a single mom from Nigeria whose three boys were struggling in school.

Brad began tutoring them and suddenly realized he was fulfilling a mission right here at home. Brad’s experience provided the seed of an idea that he and his wife Carma, along with many amazing people, have grown into an abundance of loving service from the community, to the community.

Dr. Matthew Blomstedt was named Commissioner of Education by the Nebraska State Board of Education on January 2, 2014.

Dr. Blomstedt led the successful development and implementation of a comprehensive state accountability system, AQuESTT, and positioned Nebraska to meet new federal requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

AQuESTT ― Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow ― is Nebraska’s next-generation accountability system. AQuESTT goes beyond test scores and graduation rates to classify schools and districts under a system that provides critical information for continuous school improvement. This forward-thinking system is expected to position Nebraska to not only meet new federal guidelines but to also empower the state’s excellent schools to become even better while helping schools needing improvement. AQuESTT’s goal is to provide the data and information needed to strengthen school and district support of student learning by focusing on every student every day. AQuESTT has earned the support of Nebraska educators, state education policy leaders and the State Board of Education.

To further develop and focus on improvement efforts, Dr. Blomstedt and the State Board of Education, jointly initiated a comprehensive strategic plan to guide their student-focused work and that of the Nebraska Department of Education.
Dr. Blomstedt serves on several boards and commissions in Nebraska. He was appointed to the national Board of Directors of the Council of Chief State School Officers in December 2017.

Dr. Blomstedt is a native Nebraskan whose career focuses on local, regional and statewide education issues. Blomstedt’s experience includes education finance and organization, assessment and accountability, professional development, and the development of systems to enhance blended and distance learning opportunities across the state.

Dr. Blomstedt earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Higher Education and a Master’s Degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.