I grew up in Wahoo, Nebraska where I spent many days running around my uncle’s farm with my cousins and jumping along hog slats at Wahoo Concrete, the business my mom’s family has operated for more than 50 years.

I graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University, where I studied history and political science. I’m currently working toward a master’s degree in public administration, with a concentration in public policy, at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

As a teenager, I was enamored with moving to a big city, but as I grew up, I began to appreciate where I came from and the value of being close to nature. I also realized that working locally, there are more opportunities to make an impressionable change. Rural areas are often overlooked and undervalued, and when I found out about the Center for Rural Affairs, I was excited to know there was an organization working to address those issues.

In my personal time I enjoy reading, testing out new recipes, and spending time with my daughter and our plethora of pets. 

Learn more about Carlie on our blog.