Nebraska native Amy Thelander was born rural, raised rural, and plans to spend the rest of her life in rural America.
Amy grew up in Cozad, went to Kearney State College (before it was the University of Nebraska at Kearney), and then settled in Grant, where she raised her three boys, has her career, and where her husband farms.
Her love of her home state and small towns inevitably led her to cross paths with the Center for Rural Affairs. The Center has often been a resource for Amy’s work in nonprofit housing. As executive director of Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation, Amy helps provide housing services in six southwest Nebraska counties.
Amy’s knowledge in housing led her to become a Center Advisory Committee member after Executive Director Brian Depew and Board of Directors President Dennis Demmel contacted her about joining.
“I thought learning more about the Center and what the organization does would be an asset to my nonprofit housing organization,” Amy said. “I have since referred many clients to the Center to check out their programs and loan options.”
Amy enjoys attending Board meetings and hearing about the Center’s programs and new projects.
“That has been a highlight during my time on the committee,” she said. “During meetings, I love getting updates about the businesses they spotlight and who they’ve helped with loans or other assistance.”
Over the years, Amy has seen the Center roll out new plans that offer services to rural Americans. She’s looking forward to being part of the organization as staff works through the beginning stages of their most recent program, Solar for All.
“I’m very excited to see where Solar for All goes and what happens next with the organization,” she said. “The Center does a lot of great things. I have enjoyed the time I’ve served so far and will continue to provide assistance and insights where I can.”
Amy joined the Advisory Committee in 2023.
