Leadership Unlimited Welcomes New Executive Director

GRAND ISLAND, NEB. – A new, yet familiar, leader is at the helm of Hall County’s Leadership Unlimited organization.

Ariel Kohmetscher was named Leadership Unlimited’s Executive Director and began her role in mid-August. Since 1987, Leadership Unlimited has been developing leaders who strengthen and transform our community. Their programs such as Leadership Tomorrow, Youth Leadership Tomorrow and Elevate create opportunities for participants to grow as individuals to build a greater community.

As a Leadership Tomorrow Class 40 graduate, Kohmetscher is familiar and passionate about the organization’s programs and mission. She said being an alum strengthened her passion for developing leaders.

“I know from a personal standpoint the impact it had on my life, forcing me to self-reflect and evaluate my goals and dreams. I feel grateful that I now have the opportunity to help share LU's mission and hopefully influence the lives of other leaders like I was,” Kohmetscher shared.

The Leadership Unlimited Board is confident in Kohmetscher and excited to see how her leadership positively impacts the organization and community. Staci Geis, Leadership Unlimited Board Chair, spoke on Kohmetscher’s leadership.

"For over 40 years, Leadership Unlimited has been rooted in one simple belief: that when we invest in people, we strengthen our entire community. Ariel Kohmetscher embodies that belief,” Geis stated. “Her professionalism, clear communication, and integrity make her exactly the kind of leader who can carry this mission forward. On behalf of the Board, I'm confident that under Ariel's leadership, LU will continue building leaders who invest in one another and in Hall County for decades to come," she said.

Betsy Carey, Vice Chair on Leadership Unlimited Board of Directors, echoed Geis’s sentiment.
“From the very beginning, it was clear that Ariel brings a genuine passion for leadership, our community, and the future of this organization,” Carey added. “The Board of Directors looks forward to working alongside her and seeing the impact she will have as we continue to develop leaders throughout our community,” she said.

Kohmetscher, who is a Cairo native, not only brings passion, but a variety of experience and expertise. She spent 13 years with RIZER Management, advancing through roles in accounting, property management, and operations before most recently serving as their Director of Operations. In that role, she helped oversee a large real estate portfolio. She also led and developed teams, worked with executive leadership, strengthened organizational systems, and cultivated emerging leaders in the organization. 

“I have always believed that strong communities or companies are built when people invest in one another,” Kohmetscher said, adding that trust starts in the office. 

She aims to build a strong trust between herself and Leadership Unlimited employees and the board through integrity and solid communication.

“I believe that trust will naturally bleed out into our community showing we are a strong, integrity-based non-profit that truly focuses on building up the people within our community, which in return will have long lasting positive impacts,” Kohmetscher added. 

Outside of her career, Kohmetscher is a dedicated community supporter. She is heavily involved in Centura Public Schools through the Parent Teacher Association, supporting fundraising, volunteer initiatives, youth programs, and helping provide opportunities that strengthen families and communities. Ariel and her husband Brandon live in Cairo and have two young daughters. 

She is excited to continue Leadership Unlimited’s positive momentum and also has a strong vision for the organization.

“Leadership Unlimited already has a strong foundation,” Kohmetscher shared. “I am excited to build upon the legacy, strengthen partnerships throughout Hall County and create opportunities for current and future leaders to connect, grow, and serve.”

For more information about Leadership Unlimited and upcoming events such as the Leadership Unlimited Summit, please visit www.leadershipunlimited.net.