Join us on November 19 for the 2025 POWER Awards Panel, featuring this year’s honorees who are redefining workforce excellence in Greater Omaha — QLI, Turner Construction, Lutz, The Reserves Network, and Haley Residential. These award-winning organizations were recognized across the five POWER pillars of People, Opportunity, Workforce, Excellence, and Retention, and they’ll take the stage to share the strategies, lessons, and measurable results behind their success. From building inclusive pipelines and developing high-performing teams to strengthening culture and retention, each panelist will offer practical insights you can apply within your own organization. Expect a candid, action-focused conversation on what it truly takes to hire, grow, and keep top talent in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or community partner, this discussion will leave you inspired and equipped with new ideas to advance workforce excellence across your team and community.
The Reserves Network - Panelist
Chris Carlson is a seasoned executive with three decades of experience in the search and staffing industry. As Vice President at The Reserves Network, she leads divisions specializing in Accounting & Finance, Executive & Management, Engineering, Information Technology, Administrative, and Industrial search and staffing. Known for her strategic vision and passion for building high-performing tenured teams at both the local and national level, Chris has partnered with organizations across all industries to enhance productivity and profitability through innovative workforce solutions. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is a Certified Personnel Consultant. Outside of work, Chris enjoys boating, golfing, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Dan, and their two children.
Lutz - Panelist
Steph Hand is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm. After nearly two decades of building Lutz's internal HR function, Steph established and now leads the firm's Outsourced HR and Consulting services offering HR support and strategy to help small and mid-size businesses build thriving workplaces. With a background in higher education, communication and leadership development, Steph is passionate about inspiring growth in others and creating environments where people can find joy and purpose.
Haley Residential - Panelist
Suzanne Robinson, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CCP, is Vice President of Human Resources at Haley Residential, where she has led HR strategy and operations for over 15 years. Haley Residential, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, manages more than 60 multi-family apartment communities nationwide, fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and development. Suzanne is a long-standing, active member of the Human Resource Association of the Midlands, having served on its Board for fifteen years and as President in 2009.
