NECC’s Board of Directors provides unwavering support and guidance to elevate our mission and vision. This month, we’re highlighting members Jesse Brickner, Tina Cherica, and Charita Dailey. Get to know more about them below!
Jesse Brickner
Shareholder, Hancock/Dana
Identifying strategies and key opportunities are what drives Jesse’s work. With over a decade of experience in tax planning and preparation for individuals and closely-held businesses, he brings a level of expertise to help minimize current and future tax liabilities. As a trusted advisor, he collaborates with clients to implement tools and strategies for long-term success.
What inspired you to become a board member for NECC?
When initially considered for the board position it was during COVID and I was a new parent (now a parent of 2 with a 3rd on the way) which opened my eyes to the great need for child care in our community. I was also drawn to the work around the Teen and Young Parent Program, having been born to young parents myself.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with the family, whether it be playing sports, games and puzzles, or going to the zoo or a museum. We also like to spend our Saturdays in the fall in Lincoln watching football.
Name your favorite children’s book
Anything from The Berenstain Bears or Curious George (I get to read a lot of them at the moment).
Tina Cherica
President, Heritage Omaha
Tina Cherica is President of Heritage Omaha, where she leads initiatives that advance community development through public-private partnerships. Previously, she served as President and CEO of the Omaha Zoo Foundation, where she helped raise over $500 million to support the capital, conservation, and education efforts of Omaha’s Henry Dooly Zoo & Aquarium. She is also engaged in civic leadership through service with organizations such as NECC, Film Streams, and the Downtown Omaha Improvement District.
What inspired you to become a board member for NECC?
As a grandparent, I believe every child deserves access to high-quality early education. I joined the NECC board to support the dedicated caregivers who nurture and guide our youngest learners every day, and to help ensure all families have the opportunity to connect with the best care possible for their children.
What do you do for fun?
I am an avid reader, but I especially love spending time with my grandchildren—reading stories, playing games, spending time at the pool and simply enjoying their curiosity and laughter. It’s never boring!
Name your favorite children’s book
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was my favorite as a child. While I don’t read a lot of fantasy today, (mysteries and historical fiction / non-fiction are my favorites), its sense of wonder and imagination still stays with me.
Charita J. Dailey
Director of Development, RISE
Charita Dailey is a vibrant young professional with a penchant for social change. Professionally, she serves as Director of Development for RISE Academy, a comprehensive reentry support organization with a mission to break generational cycles of incarceration. She is a spring 2020 alumna of The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a spring 2022 alumna of The University of Kansas with a master’s degree in educational psychology, and a current doctoral student in public administration at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Outside of school, work, and her role on the NECC Board of Directors, Charita is heavily involved in community work. At present, she serves as Networking Events Lead for the Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals Leadership Committee and Community Service Co-Chair for the Urban League of Nebraska Young Professionals. Additionally, she serves as Chief Theory Architect and Co-Founder of Change of Omaha, a hyperlocal organization focused on eradicating food insecurity, community revitalization, and providing basic needs at the grassroots level in northeast Omaha. Charita is a proud member of the Omaha Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and greatly enjoys making a local, national, and international social impact alongside her Sorors.
What inspired you to become a board member for NECC?
I was recommended to join the NECC Board by Dalhia, my line sister and Soror in Delta. Upon meeting Sarah Ann, I was inspired by the passion that she and I shared for early education outcomes and their impact on the long-term prosperity of the youth in our communities. Additionally, I was inspired by the different collaborative programming and partnership opportunities that NECC could leverage for greater community impact.
What do you do for fun?
I love traveling to tropical destinations and learning about the culture of that destination. In Omaha, I love trying new local coffee shops, going to the farmers market, and have recently started enjoying running with a run club alongside other young professionals.
Name your favorite children’s book
The entire Junie B. Jones series.