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BOARD & STAFF
The Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by a dedicated staff team working to support local businesses, strengthen community connections, and promote growth in Schuyler
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Zach Johnson
Zach Johnson serves on the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board as the owner and funeral director of Svoboda Funeral Home. Originally from Pilger, Nebraska, Zach brings both professional expertise and a strong educational background in mortuary science and business to his role, along with a deep commitment to serving families with care and compassion.
Since joining Svoboda Funeral Home in 2017, Zach has become highly involved in Schuyler and the surrounding communities. He is an active member of the Schuyler Sertoma Club, where he has served as president, and plays a leadership role as Vice President of the Schuyler Enrichment Foundation supporting the Colfax Theatre. He also serves as the Colfax County representative on the CASA board, advocating for children in the court and foster care system, and contributes his time through the Knights of Columbus by organizing local youth competitions.
Zach is known for his strong community involvement, reliability, and willingness to give back. Whether supporting local events, volunteering, or helping lead community initiatives, his dedication and well rounded perspective make him a valuable voice on the Chamber Board.
Since joining Svoboda Funeral Home in 2017, Zach has become highly involved in Schuyler and the surrounding communities. He is an active member of the Schuyler Sertoma Club, where he has served as president, and plays a leadership role as Vice President of the Schuyler Enrichment Foundation supporting the Colfax Theatre. He also serves as the Colfax County representative on the CASA board, advocating for children in the court and foster care system, and contributes his time through the Knights of Columbus by organizing local youth competitions.
Zach is known for his strong community involvement, reliability, and willingness to give back. Whether supporting local events, volunteering, or helping lead community initiatives, his dedication and well rounded perspective make him a valuable voice on the Chamber Board.
Nina Lanuza
Nina Lanuza serves on the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board as a representative of the Center for Rural Affairs, bringing a strong passion for community growth and connection. Having called Schuyler home for the past 15 years, Nina is deeply rooted in the community and committed to its continued success.
She plays a key role in planning Cinco de Schuyler and is an active member of the Chamber’s Event Committee, where she helps bring vibrant, inclusive, and well organized events to life. Nina is known for her inclusive approach and her genuine love for supporting the community, with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating a strong sense of belonging. She also works closely with local businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs to help them grow and access resources.
Her dedication, insight, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable part of both the Chamber and the Schuyler community.
She plays a key role in planning Cinco de Schuyler and is an active member of the Chamber’s Event Committee, where she helps bring vibrant, inclusive, and well organized events to life. Nina is known for her inclusive approach and her genuine love for supporting the community, with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating a strong sense of belonging. She also works closely with local businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs to help them grow and access resources.
Her dedication, insight, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable part of both the Chamber and the Schuyler community.
Yonni Izaguirre
Yonni Izaguirre serves on the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board and is part of the leadership team at Cargill, where he brings a strong work ethic, approachability, and a team focused mindset. He is known throughout the community for his fun, bubbly personality and his willingness to jump in and help wherever needed.
Yonni is always ready to support Chamber events, local initiatives, and community projects, bringing positive energy and a can do attitude to everything he does. In addition to his local involvement, he is also committed to serving our country through his involvement in the military, demonstrating dedication both to his community and beyond.
His leadership, enthusiasm, and genuine passion for helping others make him a valued member of the Chamber Board and the Schuyler community.
Yonni is always ready to support Chamber events, local initiatives, and community projects, bringing positive energy and a can do attitude to everything he does. In addition to his local involvement, he is also committed to serving our country through his involvement in the military, demonstrating dedication both to his community and beyond.
His leadership, enthusiasm, and genuine passion for helping others make him a valued member of the Chamber Board and the Schuyler community.
Juanita Rodriguez
Juanita Rodriguez serves on the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board and works at Pazzaz Hair Salon, where she is known for her talent, professionalism, and dedication to her clients. She takes great pride in her work and is highly respected for the quality and care she brings to everything she does.
Juanita is incredibly involved in the Chamber and is always willing to step up and help wherever needed, whether that is working the gates at Cinco de Schuyler, assisting with event setup, or supporting the annual banquet. Her reliability, positive attitude, and hands on involvement make a big impact behind the scenes.
She is also known for offering thoughtful input and ideas that help strengthen Chamber initiatives. Juanita’s commitment, skill, and willingness to serve make her a valued member of the Board and the Schuyler community.
Juanita is incredibly involved in the Chamber and is always willing to step up and help wherever needed, whether that is working the gates at Cinco de Schuyler, assisting with event setup, or supporting the annual banquet. Her reliability, positive attitude, and hands on involvement make a big impact behind the scenes.
She is also known for offering thoughtful input and ideas that help strengthen Chamber initiatives. Juanita’s commitment, skill, and willingness to serve make her a valued member of the Board and the Schuyler community.
Katelyn Bayer
Katelyn Bayer serves on the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board as a strong voice representing the younger population in our community. She brings a fresh perspective and helps ensure that the ideas, interests, and energy of the next generation are reflected in Chamber initiatives.
Katelyn is always willing to step in and help, especially when it comes to events and community projects. She consistently offers thoughtful input and creative ideas that help enhance engagement and bring new energy to Chamber efforts.
Her willingness to serve, positive attitude, and forward thinking mindset make her a valuable member of the Board and an important part of Schuyler’s future.
Katelyn is always willing to step in and help, especially when it comes to events and community projects. She consistently offers thoughtful input and creative ideas that help enhance engagement and bring new energy to Chamber efforts.
Her willingness to serve, positive attitude, and forward thinking mindset make her a valuable member of the Board and an important part of Schuyler’s future.
Tim Healy
Tim Healy serves on the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board and is the President of Homestead Bank. A proud Schuylerite, Tim recently returned to the community and brings with him a strong sense of local pride and commitment to helping Schuyler continue to grow.
With extensive knowledge and experience in banking and leadership, Tim provides valuable insight and thoughtful input on Chamber initiatives and community development efforts. He is known for his professionalism, strategic thinking, and willingness to share his expertise.
Tim’s leadership, perspective, and dedication to Schuyler make him a valuable member of the Chamber Board and the community.
With extensive knowledge and experience in banking and leadership, Tim provides valuable insight and thoughtful input on Chamber initiatives and community development efforts. He is known for his professionalism, strategic thinking, and willingness to share his expertise.
Tim’s leadership, perspective, and dedication to Schuyler make him a valuable member of the Chamber Board and the community.
Lori Kracl
Lori Kracl serves on the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board as Treasurer and represents Pinnacle Bank. In her role, she oversees the Chamber’s financials with care, accuracy, and professionalism, bringing valuable expertise and insight to the organization.
Lori is not only dependable behind the scenes, but also actively involved in Chamber events. Whether she is working the gates at community festivals or welcoming guests at the annual banquet, she is always willing to step in and help wherever needed.
Her reliability, financial knowledge, and friendly presence make Lori a tremendous asset to the Chamber and a valued part of the Schuyler community.
Lori is not only dependable behind the scenes, but also actively involved in Chamber events. Whether she is working the gates at community festivals or welcoming guests at the annual banquet, she is always willing to step in and help wherever needed.
Her reliability, financial knowledge, and friendly presence make Lori a tremendous asset to the Chamber and a valued part of the Schuyler community.
Lynette Bohatý
Lynette Bohatý serves on the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board and represents Bank of the Valley. She brings a strong commitment to both her profession and the community, along with a dependable and supportive presence on the Board.
Lynette is actively involved in Schuyler through her work with the Schuyler Eagles Club, where she helps support local events and community efforts. She is always willing to lend a hand and be part of initiatives that bring people together.
Her dedication, community involvement, and steady support make Lynette a valued member of the Chamber Board and the Schuyler community.
Lynette is actively involved in Schuyler through her work with the Schuyler Eagles Club, where she helps support local events and community efforts. She is always willing to lend a hand and be part of initiatives that bring people together.
Her dedication, community involvement, and steady support make Lynette a valued member of the Chamber Board and the Schuyler community.
JoLynn Ratzlaff
JoLynn Ratzlaff serves as the President of the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board and is the General Manager of the Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Schuyler. With a strong presence in both the business and hospitality sectors, JoLynn brings leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the community.
She is highly involved in local initiatives and plays an active role in supporting Chamber events, projects, and partnerships. JoLynn is known for her valuable insight and thoughtful input, helping guide decisions that strengthen Schuyler’s growth and overall experience for residents and visitors alike. Her dedication and leadership make her a key driving force in the Chamber and the community.
She is highly involved in local initiatives and plays an active role in supporting Chamber events, projects, and partnerships. JoLynn is known for her valuable insight and thoughtful input, helping guide decisions that strengthen Schuyler’s growth and overall experience for residents and visitors alike. Her dedication and leadership make her a key driving force in the Chamber and the community.
John Sayer
John Sayer serves on the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board as the owner of Gold Mine Antiques and a longtime teacher at Schuyler Central High School. With a strong connection to both local business and education, John brings a well rounded perspective and deep roots in the community.
He is known for his willingness to volunteer for just about anything, whether it is working gates, running trivia, or helping at the fireworks stand. John consistently shows up with a positive attitude and a strong sense of community pride.
His dedication, reliability, and commitment to giving back make him a valued member of the Chamber Board and a familiar face throughout Schuyler.
He is known for his willingness to volunteer for just about anything, whether it is working gates, running trivia, or helping at the fireworks stand. John consistently shows up with a positive attitude and a strong sense of community pride.
His dedication, reliability, and commitment to giving back make him a valued member of the Chamber Board and a familiar face throughout Schuyler.
Heather Bebout
Heather Bebout serves on the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board and is a well respected leader within Schuyler Community Schools. She currently serves as the Director of Warrior Academy, supporting students through afterschool programming and creating opportunities for growth beyond the classroom.
Heather brings extensive experience in education, having served in leadership roles such as Principal, Program Coordinator, and consultant within the district. Her work has impacted students, families, and staff across multiple levels, from elementary education to district wide initiatives.
Deeply rooted in Schuyler, Heather is passionate about youth development, education, and community connection. She brings thoughtful insight, leadership, and a strong commitment to helping the next generation succeed. Her involvement and dedication make her a valuable asset to both the Chamber Board and the Schuyler community.
Heather brings extensive experience in education, having served in leadership roles such as Principal, Program Coordinator, and consultant within the district. Her work has impacted students, families, and staff across multiple levels, from elementary education to district wide initiatives.
Deeply rooted in Schuyler, Heather is passionate about youth development, education, and community connection. She brings thoughtful insight, leadership, and a strong commitment to helping the next generation succeed. Her involvement and dedication make her a valuable asset to both the Chamber Board and the Schuyler community.
Connie Peters
Connie Peters serves on the advisory committee and represents CHI Health. Through her role, she brings valuable insight from the healthcare sector and helps strengthen the connection between community health services and local development efforts. Connie is committed to supporting initiatives that improve quality of life and ensure Schuyler continues to grow as a healthy, thriving community.
CHAMBER STAFF
Audra Jedlicka
Audra Jedlicka serves as the Chamber Director for the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce, where she leads initiatives that support local businesses, strengthen community partnerships, and promote sustainable economic growth.
With more than ten years of experience as a business owner, Audra brings firsthand knowledge of entrepreneurship, leadership, and operations to her role. Her background allows her to understand the challenges and opportunities local businesses face, and she is deeply committed to creating an environment where businesses can thrive.
In her role as Chamber Director, Audra oversees membership engagement, marketing initiatives, strategic planning, and the coordination and planning of community events that bring businesses and residents together. From signature celebrations to networking opportunities and seasonal festivals, she works to ensure each event strengthens community pride and economic vitality.
Audra believes that a strong Chamber builds a strong community, and she is dedicated to ensuring Schuyler continues to grow, connect, and succeed.
With more than ten years of experience as a business owner, Audra brings firsthand knowledge of entrepreneurship, leadership, and operations to her role. Her background allows her to understand the challenges and opportunities local businesses face, and she is deeply committed to creating an environment where businesses can thrive.
In her role as Chamber Director, Audra oversees membership engagement, marketing initiatives, strategic planning, and the coordination and planning of community events that bring businesses and residents together. From signature celebrations to networking opportunities and seasonal festivals, she works to ensure each event strengthens community pride and economic vitality.
Audra believes that a strong Chamber builds a strong community, and she is dedicated to ensuring Schuyler continues to grow, connect, and succeed.
Jose Rocha
Through his role with Schuyler Community Development, Jose Rocha works in close partnership with the Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce to support marketing, digital strategy, and creative initiatives that promote local businesses and strengthen community engagement. He manages website platforms, produces and edits promotional videos, develops branding and social media content, and assists with the planning and coordination of community events.
With more than five years of experience as a former business owner, Jose brings firsthand knowledge of entrepreneurship, operations, and customer engagement to his work. His background allows him to approach marketing and event planning with a practical understanding of what businesses need to grow and succeed.
Through his work with Schuyler Community Development, Jose contributes to planning efforts focused on both the current and future growth of Schuyler’s business districts. He develops façade design concepts, supports beautification and placemaking efforts, and oversees the Adopt a program that helps enhance the appearance and pride of the community.
By combining strategic planning, creative design, and business experience, Jose works to help ensure Schuyler continues to grow with purpose, visibility, and opportunity.
With more than five years of experience as a former business owner, Jose brings firsthand knowledge of entrepreneurship, operations, and customer engagement to his work. His background allows him to approach marketing and event planning with a practical understanding of what businesses need to grow and succeed.
Through his work with Schuyler Community Development, Jose contributes to planning efforts focused on both the current and future growth of Schuyler’s business districts. He develops façade design concepts, supports beautification and placemaking efforts, and oversees the Adopt a program that helps enhance the appearance and pride of the community.
By combining strategic planning, creative design, and business experience, Jose works to help ensure Schuyler continues to grow with purpose, visibility, and opportunity.
CITY COLLABORATION
Schuyler Community Development
Schuyler Community Development is dedicated to strengthening the local economy and improving quality of life in Schuyler by supporting business growth, housing development, and downtown revitalization. They work closely with entrepreneurs, property owners, city leadership, and community partners to provide resources, guidance, and strategic planning that helps move projects from idea to reality.
From assisting with façade improvements and redevelopment efforts to administering local economic development programs and supporting new housing initiatives, Schuyler Community Development focuses on long term growth that benefits residents, businesses, and future generations. Their mission is simple but impactful: invest in Schuyler, support opportunity, and help build a thriving community for everyone.
From assisting with façade improvements and redevelopment efforts to administering local economic development programs and supporting new housing initiatives, Schuyler Community Development focuses on long term growth that benefits residents, businesses, and future generations. Their mission is simple but impactful: invest in Schuyler, support opportunity, and help build a thriving community for everyone.
City of Schuyler
The City of Schuyler plays a vital role in keeping our community running smoothly and moving forward. From public safety and infrastructure to utilities, parks, and community planning, the City works every day to provide essential services that support residents, businesses, and future growth.
Through collaboration with the Chamber, we work hand in hand to support local events, encourage business development, and create a welcoming environment for investment and opportunity. Together, we share a commitment to building a strong, vibrant Schuyler where businesses can thrive and families are proud to call home.
Through collaboration with the Chamber, we work hand in hand to support local events, encourage business development, and create a welcoming environment for investment and opportunity. Together, we share a commitment to building a strong, vibrant Schuyler where businesses can thrive and families are proud to call home.
Utilities Department
The Utilities Department plays an essential role in keeping Schuyler powered, connected, and running every day. From maintaining reliable water and electric services to managing infrastructure improvements and responding quickly to service needs, the department works behind the scenes to support homes, businesses, and community growth.
By ensuring dependable utilities and planning for future capacity, the Utilities Department helps create a strong foundation for economic development and quality of life in Schuyler. Their commitment to efficiency, safety, and long term investment makes it possible for our community and local businesses to operate with confidence.
By ensuring dependable utilities and planning for future capacity, the Utilities Department helps create a strong foundation for economic development and quality of life in Schuyler. Their commitment to efficiency, safety, and long term investment makes it possible for our community and local businesses to operate with confidence.
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