Megahn Schafer

Executive Director
(402) 421-4742
megahns@nefb.org

Megahn Schafer joined Nebraska Farm Bureau as executive director of the foundation in 2015. She previously served as the Assistant Vice President for Gift Planning at the University of Nebraska Foundation where she worked for 14 years.

Megahn graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the College of Business Administration. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Megahn maintains active membership and volunteer positions with Prosper Lincoln, the Nebraska Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, the Nebraska Agri-Business Club, the Omaha Agribusiness Club, Lincoln Public Schools, and First Lutheran Church.

Megahn is a lifelong Nebraska resident and a native of Litchfield. She and her husband, Clint, have two sons, William and Elias.

Courtney Schaardt

Director of Outreach Education
(402) 421-4461
courtneys@nefb.org

Courtney Schaardt joined the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation in 2014. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education-Leadership with minors in Agribusiness and Animal Science.

Courtney directs the foundation’s agricultural literacy programming and serves as the Nebraska State Contact to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Program. She leads curriculum development, teacher engagement, and volunteer training. Courtney serves as an expert source of information on agriculture, food and natural resources to students, consumers, educators, and curriculum specialists.

Courtney grew up in Table Rock and spent most of her time working in her parent’s custom meat processing plant. She was active in 4-H & FFA which allowed her to spend time on her grandparent’s farm where she had horses, cattle, and chickens.

Lona Thompson

Director of Development
(402) 450-5487
lonat@nefb.org

Lona Thompson joined the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation in 2018 as the Director of Development. Lona enjoys developing programs and events that connect people and improve communities.

Lona received a degree in Organizational Communication from Doane University. Lona is a founding member of Women United, Chair of the Lincoln Southeast High School Knight’s Vocal Music Boosters, and parent representative for the Knight’s Theatre Department.

Lona and her husband, Steve, grew up in the panhandle. They enjoy spending time with their three daughters, son-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Brooke Tempel

Education Specialist

Brooke Tempel joined the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation in 2018. She will graduate with her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Agricultural Education-Teaching with minors in Agribusiness, Ag Economics, and Horticulture in December 2018.

Brooke specializes in developing efforts related to agricultural literacy activities at events including festivals, fairs, and classroom education. She works in collaboration with the Director of Outreach Education to create agricultural literacy activities and lessons to build outreach opportunities.

Brooke grew up on an acreage west of Seward where she was actively involved in 4-H and FFA. This is where her passion for agriculture grew. She loves working with youth to explore our state’s agricultural industries.

Jenna Sutterfield

Program Associate
(402) 421-4747
jennas@nefb.org

Jenna joined the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation in 2018. Her primary responsibilities include database management, gift processing, grant administration, event planning, and support for the program and fundraising staff. She previously held the position of Membership Associate for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. Prior to that, she served as the Foundation Assistant for an international non-profit foundation.

Jenna graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the College of Business Administration.

Jenna grew up in Blue Hill and developed her love for agriculture on her family’s farm. She was actively involved in 4-H and FFA. Jenna and her husband Erik reside in Lincoln.

Kara Zimmerman

Office Assistant/Event Planning Intern
(402) 421-4752
karaz@nefb.org