Four new Heartland United Way board members (from left) are shown with Heartland United Way President Karen Rathke (second from right) and 2025-26 campaign chair Kent Brown. (Courtesy photo)
GRAND ISLAND – Five new members were welcomed to the Heartland United Way Board of Directors during the HUW Campaign Celebration and Annual Meeting March 26.
Kelly Enck, Hannah Fair, Brent Frerichs, and Keely Huebner were sworn in March 26.
Sarah Cover has been serving on the board since October due to a vacancy. Each will serve six years.
The Heartland United Way also elected new officers:
- Board Chair Angela Simdorn
- 1st Vice Chair Kevin Denney
- 2nd Vice Chair Brandon Hotovy
- Treasurer and Ethics Officer AJ Fruchtl
New Board Member Biographies
Sarah Cover, Community Volunteer
Sarah Cover was born and raised in Kearney and now calls Central City home. Cover got her first taste of United Way service volunteering as a student at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. A former educator, Cover is now focused on giving back through the Central City Bison Parent-Teacher Organization and as the Director of Religious Formation at her church as well as raising her five children with husband Blake.
Kelly Enck, Senior Manager, Commercial Documentation at FNBO
From participating in the community investment process, volunteering at Scoops Ice Cream Shop and attending many events, Kelly Enck is no stranger to the Heartland United Way. In addition to working as a Senior Manager at FNBO, Kelly is the Immediate Past President for the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation, has served as a board member for Junior Achievement and has been involved in Skills USA and the Central Nebraska Homebuilders Association. Kelly lives in Grand Island with her husband.
Hannah Fair, Commercial Producer, Ryder Rosacker McCue & Huston
As a commercial producer at Ryder Rosacker McCue & Huston, Hannah Fair works with businesses to manage risk and protect businesses. She earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration, was part of Leadership Tomorrow Class 36, and coached Grand Island Central Catholic Cheer to several State Championships. Hannah lives in Grand Island with her husband and two children.
Brent Frerichs, Director of Project Management, Chief Construction
Brent Frerichs, P.E. earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Nebraska. With over 20 years of industry experience, Brent spent two decades with Chief Buildings, where he held leadership roles in engineering, estimating, project management, sales, and preconstruction. He recently transitioned to Chief Construction, where he serves as Director of Project Management, leading teams and delivering high-quality commercial construction projects across the region. Brent lives in Phillips with his wife and two children.
Keely Huebner, Chief Development Officer, Howard County Medical Center
Keely Huebner lives outside of Dannebrog where she and her husband run a cow/calf operation. She is the Chief Development Officer at Howard County Medical Center and is passionate about supporting both healthcare and rural communities. “I have seen the impact of Heartland United Way Rural Community Impact Grants firsthand,” said Keely. Keely is involved in the St. Paul Rotary Club, serves on the Nebraska Healthcare Marketers Board and is a member of the St. Paul Economic Development Board. Outside of work and community involvement, she enjoys kayaking, golfing, and spending time with her husband, three sisters, as well as with family and friends.
