How does one say goodbye to a 34-year long career?
I often say that Nebraska Public Power District took a chance on me when they hired me in the Contracts department, especially when I moved into the Economic Development department, a place I have called home since 1993.
I began my career in economic development as a research analyst, studying communities and helping them determine what industries would be the right fit. Working alongside community leaders in many late-night meetings, I couldn’t help but feel like I was home. Every community offered strengths and had leaders that gave their heart and soul to help the community prosper. I was fascinated by the complexity of economic development.
During my career, I’ve written hundreds of strategic plans, met with countless site consultants, worked long hours at trade shows, and done too many project development plans to count. But this work was never done alone! Customers and partners have been with me every step of the way. So many kind and smart people welcomed me into their communities but — more importantly — into their lives. I feel it was an honor to sit at the table with so many people successfully providing better lives for their children and grandchildren. I often say it was magical because it genuinely was. I want to thank all my customers and partners who also gave me a chance. It wasn’t just NPPD that took a chance on me; it was all of you.
Thank you for the humbling and heartwarming opportunity to serve you and your community as NPPD’s Economic Development Manager. My wish for you is to continue the legacy you started and be proud of all the contributions you make to your community. I will miss each and every one of you. And now that retirement will offer me some free time, I will be using my Nebraska Passport to be the customer at your community’s stores and restaurants with plenty of time to explore!
I also want to take this opportunity to welcome Nicole Sedlacek as the new Economic Development Manager effective June 1, 2021. Nicole is a certified economic development professional with many years of experience in Holt County and northeast Nebraska. She joined NPPD in 2016 as an Economic Development Consultant for northeast Nebraska, a role that will be filled soon. Please help me welcome Nicole to her new position.
So, how does one say goodbye to a 34-year long career? With never-ending gratitude.
My thanks to you,
Mary Plettner