At AMA Lincoln, our Leadership Team does more than lead—they inspire, empower, and ensure the chapter thrives. This dedicated group brings structure, accountability, and creativity to everything we do, from creating a cohesive chapter plan to recruiting a dynamic Board of Directors. Their efforts drive meaningful connections within our marketing community and ensure AMA Lincoln continues to grow and succeed.

Headshot of Kylie Stearns with text "Kylie Stearns" "EVP of Membership"
Image of Tessa Wiser with text "Tessa Wiser" "VP of Membership, AMA Lincoln" and "Marketing Coordinator, Downtown Lincoln Association"
Image of Ty Westover with the text "Ty Westover", "VP of Membership, AMA Lincoln" and "Owner, ConnectTY IMS"
Image of Ty Westover with the text "Ty Westover", "VP of Membership, AMA Lincoln" and "Owner, ConnectTY IMS"
Image of Jennifer Shultz with the text "Jennifer Shultz", "VP of Membership - Collegiate Relations, AMA Lincoln" and "Director of Marketing and Campaign Communications, University of Nebraska Foundation"
Image of Kayley Cooper with the text "Kayley Cooper", "VP of Membership, AMA Lincoln" and "Sales Development, Relentless Merch"
Image of Kayley Cooper with the text "Kayley Cooper", "VP of Membership, AMA Lincoln" and "Sales Development, Relentless Merch"

What's a fun fact about yourself?

Bri: My stomach is upside down inside my body!

Whitney: Love all things outdoors and all things football. Camping AND watching football under the stars — that’s my jam.

Jordan: As a kid, I wrote and illustrated my own personal comic book series about a superhero with electric powers and his ice-cyborg sidekick. It probably “ran” for about five or six issues before I moved on to the next thing.

Lindsey: I was in my high school drumline!

Meike: I was the only person in my high school class who could legally drive to school at 17 (the minimum age for a driver’s license in Germany is 18), because I got my license when I was an exchange student in the US and it was valid in Germany when I returned.

Mandy: I’m working on visiting all the National Parks in the US, I’ll be checking off number 18, 19, and 20 at the beginning of 2025!

What is your favorite part about AMA Lincoln and why?

Bri: The connections and friendships I’ve made! Sure all of the educational content we put together is awesome and super helpful for my job, but nothing beats the people. Some of my best memories include AMA Lincoln or people I’ve met through the chapter.

Jordan: I think this chapter is at our best when we feel like a community, really advocating for every single one of our members to have rich, fulfilling careers in marketing. Being involved with AMA Lincoln made for a nice, natural way to meet some pretty incredible folks I never would have met otherwise. The stronger your network is, the better equipped you are for the future.

Lindsey: Being a one-woman marketing department at a nonprofit, AMA Lincoln helps me keep up with the marketing industry, allows me to think outside of my daily view of marketing, and helps me meet and develop valuable relationships with other local professionals.

Meike: Definitely the people and everything they bring to the chapter. You learn a lot about areas that you may not work in.

Mandy: The people. You know you are with like-minded people and immediately it feels like everyone could be a friend!

What advice do you have for young or new professionals in the area?

Bri: Put yourself out there! I get it, it can be totally scary to do that. I remember when I first joined AMA, I was so shy and it took a lot to get me to come out of my shell. But I’m so glad I pushed myself and started connecting with other marketers. I’ve made so many friends and have had job opportunities pop up because of those connections I’ve made.

Whitney: Get out there and meet people. It’s easy to put your head down and work 50+ hours a week in your own world. Take someone for coffee, put work down for an hour, go to an AMA Lincoln event. You won’t miss the work you didn’t get done, but you’ll definitely miss the chance you had to connect with someone.

Lindsey: Don’t be afraid to try new things. That experience may be just what you needed to move you forward in your career and/or life. 

Mandy: My advice is to focus on building authentic relationships, keep an open mind, and stay curious. Every conversation and connection can open doors, whether it’s learning from someone with a different perspective, finding a mentor, or discovering a new opportunity. As a business owner, I’ve learned that challenges and mistakes are part of the journey—embrace them, because they’ll help you grow. Most importantly, invest in skills that align with your goals, and stay adaptable in an ever-changing world. Your unique perspective is valuable, so don’t hesitate to share it!