This is part of a monthly series featuring College Possible Omaha Board of Directors. Previous board profiles include Board Chair Lisa Lackovic and Jianqiang Hao.
Jeff McGinn
Job Title and Organization: Vice President – Resource Development, United Way of Dane County
College: Bellevue University, Bachelor of Science (Business) and University of Nebraska at Omaha, Master of Public Administration, Nonprofit Management Concentration
Community involvement: Board Member at College Possible Omaha and Phoenix Academy; Founder and Visionary at NoteWorthy; CFM Instructor at University of Nebraska at Omaha
Hobbies: Cycling, Boating, Swimming and Guitar
What attracted you to College Possible?
“I remember my first encounter with College Possible while working for United Way. Immediately upon learning about the organization, its mission and work, I knew the organization was critical to Omaha’s future.
The results of College Possible Omaha’s work can be attributed to strong leadership, AmeriCorps coaches, donors and all other stakeholders who play a pivotal role in helping us continue to push for results on behalf of our students.
Who was an important coach on your path to a college degree?
“While pursuing my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I was lucky to have my parents with me every step of the way. Their continual encouragement and support helped keep me focused on my journey and accomplish any goal I set out to achieve.
I also must give a special shout-out to the faculty and staff at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Public Administration. The level of care and support each professor provided to us students was above and beyond.”
What have you learned since being on the board?
“I knew of the organization’s significance and vital role upon joining the board of directors, but it was not until I truly dived in that I realized just how much impact the organization had on its students and their academic and future success.
For instance, College Possible graduates have a 98% employment rate, 94% of them have health insurance and 83% are saving for retirement.
That’s just a glimpse into all the wonderful impact College Possible has on the communities it serves.
Why do you serve with College Possible?
“I feel honored and humbled to serve on the College Possible Omaha board of directors.
The experiences I had while attending college have opened so many doors throughout my professional career. I align with the organization’s belief that college success should be determined by individual effort, not by household income or background.”
Read more stories, spotlights, and news articles at collegepossible.org/omaha/news.
