Skip to Content

About Us

Heartland Workforce Solutions is a powerful, collaborative network of individuals, employers, partners and leaders who are preparing the communities of Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties for success by connecting talent with opportunity for regional, in-demand industries.

Working for you.

As a non-profit organization, Heartland Workforce Solutions gathers skills and information from businesses, workforce partners and educational institutions to expand employment opportunities for career seekers, employers and regional, in-demand industry in Douglas, Washington and Sarpy counties. 

Our organization focuses on the individual worker and the employer. We strive to make the process of connecting employees and employers more efficient and accessible.

Our American Job Center is a one-stop career hub that supports, trains and educates career seekers for employment opportunities and helps businesses find qualified candidates.

Heartland Workforce Solutions offers programs that serve our diverse community with a wide range of ages, experience, skill sets, abilities, economic and educational levels. No matter where the search for employment or employees begins, our partner services will be able to direct applicants to the personnel or programs that address their specific needs.

View our 2022 Annual Report

Our Team

Team
Erin Porterfield, Executive Director
Erin Porterfield, Executive Director
Team
Michael Phillips, Manager of Finance
Michael Phillips, Manager of Finance
Team
Donna Knerr, Operations Manager
Donna Knerr, Operations Manager
Team
Derek Comba, Career Readiness Coordinator
Derek Comba, Career Readiness Coordinator
Team
Nicole Lewis, 75 North Career Readiness Coordinator
Nicole Lewis, 75 North Career Readiness Coordinator
Team
Jasmin Cabrera, Business Service Coordinator
Jasmin Cabrera, Business Service Coordinator
Team
Jennifer Rodriguez, South Omaha Affiliate Site Coordinator
Jennifer Rodriguez, South Omaha Affiliate Site Coordinator
Team
Stefanie Torres Chan, Manager of Solutions Integration
Stefanie Torres Chan, Manager of Solutions Integration
Team
Stan Odenthal, Director of Business Relations
Stan Odenthal, Director of Business Relations
Team
Maris Kingfisher, Southside Terrace Career Readiness Coodinator
Maris Kingfisher, Southside Terrace Career Readiness Coodinator

Developing a welcoming workforce.

We’re dedicated to Omaha’s economic prosperity, which means everything we do is responsive to your employment needs.

We are proud to connect diverse, talented people with careers. More than ever, employers recognize the value of cultivating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, culture, language, status of citizenship, age, ability, income, educational level, religious affiliation, gender identification or sexual orientation.

We provide guidance, encourage creativity and develop best practice models. From the office of the president to local, non-profit advocacy groups, the goal is the same — to connect employers and employees to get our community working. 

We share that goal with our partner organizations that are working together to keep the economy of Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties, as well as the state, strong and viable.

Our board of directors.

Chair
John StaupDirector of Talent Acquisitions, Omaha Public Power District; Represents: Business

Vice – Chair
Keisha ThomasDirector of HR Employee & Community Relations, North End Teleservices; Represents: Business

Treasurer
Kurt MeisingerDirector of Audit Assurance, Frankkel, LLC; Represents: Business

Secretary
Patricia KearnsPresident & Chief Executive Officer, QLI; Represents: Business

Directors

Sheila BaconService Delivery Administrator II, Department of Health and Human Services; Represents: Workforce

Aaron Bowen – Executive Director, ENCAP; Represents: Workforce

Thomas Bryson – Assistant Chapter Member; NECA Represents: Business

Liz CookVice President of Human Resources, First National Bank of Omaha; Represents: Business

Brett DeHartBusiness Agent, Steamfitters & Plumbers Local 464; Represents: Labor Organization

Jerry DempseyDirector of Business Development, Bellevue University; Represents: Education/Business

Steve DethlefsWashington County Supervisor, Washington County; Represents: Optional

Deb Dixon – Office Director, Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation; Represents: Government

Tammy GreenDirector of Workforce & IT Innovation, Career Skills, and Adult Education, Metropolitan Community College; Education and Training

Jared HagerSenior Internal Auditor, Lozier Corporation; Represents: Business

Sara HansenDirector of Business Development, AOI; Represents: Business

John HansonBusiness Manager, Local #39 Heat & Frost Insulators; Represents: Labor Organization

Daniel HuseBusiness Representative, IBEW Local 22; Represents: Labor Organization

Timothy Jefferson – Omaha District Supervisor, NCBVI; Represents: Workforce

Patricia KearnsPresident & Chief Executive Officer, QLI; Represents: Business

Kurt MeisingerDirector of Audit Assurance, Frankel, LLC.; Represents: Business

Jim Warren, Chairman, Sarpy County Board; Represents: Optional

Paul Moore – President, Nationwide Transportation; Represents: Business

Shayla PierceHuman Resource Director, Charles Drew Health Center; Represents: Business

Chris RodgersDirector of Community & Government Relations, Douglas County; Represents: Optional

Armando SalgadoPresident/Chief Executive Officer, LingoDocs Marketing; Represents: Business

Keith StationDeputy Chief of Staff DEI, City of Omaha; Represents: Optional

John StaupDirector of Talent Acquisitions, Omaha Public Power District; Represents: Business

Eric StueckrathPresident & CSO, Outlook Nebraska; Represents: Workforce

Keisha ThomasDirector of HR Employee and Community Relations, North End Teleservices; Represents: Business

Deana TsabakDirector of Adult Education, Metropolitan Community College; Represents: Education & Training

Brian TurnerPresident, Central Confinement Services; Represents: Optional

 

 

 

View Board Resources     View MOUs     View Policies

Partner Programs

Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services offers resources for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), emergency assistance applications, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and more.  

DHHS.ACCESSNebraskaQuestions@nebraska.gov

Medicaid Assistance

(402) 595-1178

Economic Assistance

(402) 595-1258

Visit Website

 

Department of Labor

The Nebraska Department of Labor provides services for many things related to employment. Services are available at our Heartland Workforce Solutions American Job Center.   

Assistance

Phone: 402-934-2392

Visit Website

 

Ponca Tribe 

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act-Indian and Native American Program can assist eligible adult Native Americans living in Nebraska and actively seeking employment, education, or training (must be enrolled in a tribe, or eligible for Ponca Health Services).

Assistance

Colleen Plasek
Phone: 402-315-2765
Email: cplasek@poncatribe-ne.org

Visit Website

 

National Able Network

National Able Network gives personalized career support that integrates career coaching, specialized training and direct connections to the job market. Services are available at our Heartland Workforce Solutions American Job Center.

Assistance

Meaghan Shea-Evans
Phone: 402-934-2241
Email: msheaevans@nationalable.org

Visit Website

 

Metropolitan Community College 

Metropolitan Community College is a comprehensive, full-service public community college. Its purpose is to provide high quality educational programs and services, primarily in career preparation and general education, to people of all ages and educational backgrounds. Services are available at our Heartland Workforce Solutions American Job Center.

Assistance

Josie Culpepper
Phone: 402-934-2812
Email: jculpepper@mccneb.edu

Visit Website

 

Dynamic Workforce Solutions

Dynamic Workforce Solutions, is dedicated to helping qualified youth and adults receive the education, training, and job placement assistance they need to support themselves, their families and their communities. Services are available at our Heartland Workforce Solutions American Job Center.

Assistance

Dawn Coffey
Phone: 402-934-2165
Email: Dawn.Coffey@hws-ne.org

Visit Website

 

Equus Workforce Solutions

Equus Workforce Solutions is a comprehensive provider of workforce development services. Equus services provide a full continuum of solutions focused on increasing opportunities for individuals and families and fostering the competitiveness of business. This happens one person and one family at a time through client-centered approaches, committed team members and robust business and community partnerships.

Assistance

Michele Simpson
Phone: (402) 763-6700
Email: michelesimpson@equusworks.com

Visit Website

 

 

 

 

Nebraska VR

Nebraska VR is an employment program for people who experience a disability. Everything Nebraska VR does and all of the services we provide are for the purpose of helping people with disabilities prepare for, find and/or keep a job. Services are available at our Heartland Workforce

Assistance

Frankie Charles
Phone: 402-934-2868
Email: frankie.charles@nebraska.gov 

Visit Website

 

Omaha Housing Authority

The Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) contracts with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide low and moderate-income individuals with safe and stable housing through rent subsidies.

Assistance

Phone: (402) 444-6900
Email: Click Here

Visit Website

 

Operation Hope

Operation Hope equips young people and adults with the financial tools and education to secure a better future—coaching them through their personal aspirations and life’s challenges and facilitating their journey to financial independence.

Assistance

Yolanda Butler
Phone: 925-567-4907
Email: yolanda.butler@operationhope.org

Visit Website

 

Goodwill – YouthBuild

Goodwill Omaha’s YouthBuild AmeriCorps program is a national pre-apprenticeship educational, leadership, development and occupational skills-training program for disadvantaged and at-risk youth ages 16 to 24. This program provides job training and educational opportunities for youth who previously struggled with and/or dropped out of high school.

Assistance

Norman Barnes
Phone: 402-522-7231 Ext 7231
Email:nbarnes@goodwillomaha.org

Visit Website

 

RISE

RISE, a Nebraska reentry program, prepares people in prison for a successful reentry through character development, job readiness and entrepreneurship. 

Assistance

Erica Pieper
Phone: 402-934-2786
Email: epieper@seeusrise.org

Visit Website

 

Proteus

Proteus provides agricultural workers and their families with affordable health care, education assistance, and job training.

Visit Website

 

Job Corps

The Job Corps is a free education and training program that’s a lot like going to college, but you’ll learn job skills that colleges don’t offer. If you don’t have a high school diploma, the Job Corps will help you earn it. Then, you can explore a variety of career possibilities and learn how to get there.

Assistance

Shayla Dailey
Phone: 402-934-2258
Email: dailey.shayla@jobcorps.org

Visit Website

 

Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership

ENCAP is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency responsible for providing social and human services to people facing poverty in Douglas and Sarpy Counties.

Assistance

Phone: (402) 453-5656
Email: info@encapomaha.org

Visit Website