Our Team
Jim Rose
Principal
One of the most familiar names and voices in Nebraska, Commentator, author, educator, non-profit thought leader Jim Rose’s career has entered a fifth decade. The Lincoln, NE native is best known as the Radio “Voice of the Huskers.” Today, his daily comments on iHeart Radio and market leader KFAB-AM are heard by tens of thousands locally and across the country which include political, education and business leaders. He regularly appears on popular videos and audio podcasts. His own Podcast, the daily “Rosiedidyaknowzi” has over 25,000 monthly downloads through iHeart Radio. Off the air, he was a leading sports marketing and advertising producer for Learfield/IMG College, developing winning strategies for brands large and small including media, digital, on-site activation, and community initiatives.
Rose then embarked on a career in nonprofit development first as an officer with the Husker Athletics Fund, (www.huskers.com) followed by leading the development efforts (130M) of the recently completed Nebraska Multi Sports Complex Facility in LaVista (www.nebraskamultisport.org) including securing a 15-year naming rights agreement with CHI Health. In 2018, The Board of Directors of the Nebraska Greats Foundation (negreats.org) recruited Rose to rebuild its organization by reforming all facets from internal operations, compliance to external messaging and long-term financial sustainability. In less than five years, the NGF went from assets of $267,000 to $2.7M under Rose’s leadership.
After earning a Bachelor of Journalism Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Rose appreciates the value of higher education. He was appointed and served as an adjunct professor from 2008-2013 at UNL instructing upper class and graduate students in advanced Branding and Marketing strategies. He has also served as a visiting professor to the Meek School of Journalism at the University of Mississippi. He has lent his talents to community causes serving on the Board of Directors of the UNL Alumni Association, the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame, The Nebraska Advanced Manufacturers Coalition, the Omaha Alliance for the Private Sector and was recently appointed by Governor Jim Pillen to the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission.
Rose is a Distinguished Alumnus of both the UNL School of Journalism and Mass Communications and Lincoln Southeast High School, has been honored by his peers as Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year three times, and has earned multiple first place awards for his commentary by the Nebraska Broadcasters Association.
Troy Stickels
Partner
Troy Stickels, a native of Hastings, NE, has built a dynamic career at the intersection of business development, marketing, and community engagement. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business and Marketing from Hastings College, laying the foundation for his expertise in strategic growth and organizational leadership.
With 14 years of experience in sales and marketing at Glenwood Telephone, Troy honed his skills in business development, strategic planning, and customer engagement. His ability to drive growth and foster meaningful partnerships led him to his current role as CEO of the Hastings Family YMCA, where he has been instrumental in fundraising initiatives, community outreach, and enhancing the organization’s impact on local families.
Deeply committed to his community, Troy actively serves on the Board of Directors for Platte Valley Youth for Christ.. His leadership focuses on board development, strategic planning, and fundraising, ensuring that both businesses and nonprofit organizations can thrive under his guidance.
Troy’s career is a testament to his passion for fostering growth—whether in business, nonprofits, or the broader community. His expertise and dedication continue to make a lasting impact in Hastings and beyond.
Melanie O’Brien
Project Associate
Over the last 15 years, Melanie O’Brien has won more than 100 grants for over a dozen Nebraska nonprofits. She would tell you her previous background negotiating and licensing contracts for nearly a decade aptly prepared her for the demands in writing, research, and analysis required to be successful in the field.
The pivot came naturally after she moved back to her midwestern roots and settled in central Nebraska. A graduate of the University of Colorado-Denver, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Writing. She has published four children’s books, two of which have spent months on the highly competitive Target and Walmart planograms.
This academic background led her to multiple publishing jobs culminating in her position as Director of North American Sales for Warner Bros. Worldwide Publishing in Burbank, California, where she was responsible for managing the publishing rights to the studio’s many film and tv properties and overseeing multiple international agents.
Her strengths are in community building and problem solving, essential elements for the complexity and interconnectedness of nonprofit work. You’ll find she quickly becomes an integral part of the initiative’s strategy, identifying opportunities for funding pathways and consensus between multiple agencies and partners.
Hope LeBar
Project Associate
With a decade of experience in marketing and graphic design, I bring ideas to life through thoughtful strategy and compelling visuals. I’ve worked across campaigns and brands to develop pieces that not only look good but serve a clear purpose. I believe strong design is more than aesthetics, it’s about communicating a message in a way that resonates and moves people to action.
My background in marketing allows me to approach every project with both creativity and intention. I enjoy digging into the “why” behind a project, its mission, audience, and goals, so the final product reflects more than just a visual style. I’m passionate about turning concepts into polished, impactful results.