During its November 2023 meeting, the Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) Board of Directors welcomed three new members whose wealth of experience will further the nonprofit’s ability to serve communities across the state.
“We are thrilled to announce Tyler Pribbeno, Sarah Sinnett, and Jim Welniak as the newest additions to our board of directors,” said NCF President and CEO Jeff Yost. “Their deep roots in Greater Nebraska and their unwavering commitment to community development will be instrumental in advancing our mission to make Nebraska a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family. Their expertise and passion will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of NCF and the communities we serve.”
Tyler Pribbeno is the City Administrator and Community Development Director for Imperial, where he was born and raised. He graduated from Chase County High School in 2003, then earned a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Chadron State College. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, Pribbeno obtained a law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln. He returned to Imperial in 2010 and has been a member of the Imperial Community Foundation Fund, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation, since 2011—serving as chair of the fund advisory committee for the past three years. Pribbeno also serves on the Board of Governors for Mid-Plains Community College.
Sarah Sinnett, a Sidney native, gained a diverse background through roles in human resources, strategy, project management, merchandising, analytics, e-commerce, marketing, finance, and insurance during her tenures at Cabela’s, Bass Pro, G.L. Huyett, and her current position as an agent for Plummer Insurance. She received her master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha before returning to Sidney with her family in 2014. As an advocate for Sidney and rural prosperity, Sinnett has been an active proponent of Sidney’s Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems chapter and the community’s inclusive park project.
Jim Welniak grew up on a family farm and ranch in Valley County, where he graduated from Ord High School. After earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Welniak embarked on a 36-year engineering career that took him to Kansas City and later Omaha, where he served as the Vice President of Engineering and Construction at Tenaska, an independent energy company. In that role, he was responsible for the development, construction, operation, and acquisition of domestic and international power projects. Welniak and his wife, Kathy, live on their ranch near Taylor and are active members of the Calamus Area Community Fund’s advisory committee, for which he currently serves as secretary for the affiliated fund benefiting Loup and Garfield counties. Most recently, Welniak served as a member of the Digital Equity Planning Committee for the Central Nebraska Economic Development District Region.
Nebraska Community Foundation is governed by a board of directors who hail from all corners of the state and represent Nebraska’s diverse geographic interests. Board and staff members are committed to the highest standards in governance practices, transparency, and accountability to the communities, organizations, and donors served by the organization.
