Sriyani Tidball, editor and publisher of Lincoln Today, expertly balances her role with a variety of projects through Tidball Productions. A University of Nebraska–Lincoln alumna, she holds a degree in architecture and a master’s in journalism. Tidball spent ten years as a faculty member at UNL, teaching advertising, public relations, and human rights. An energetic mother of four and grandmother of six, she divides her time between the U.S. and her native Sri Lanka, where her family is deeply committed to helping the poor and combating global human trafficking. She is the author of The Breadwinner, a book that documents the enslavement of Sri Lankan housemaids. In addition to her work as a researcher specializing in social justice and human rights, she takes great pride in producing a beloved local publication — Lincoln Today.
Rayna Collins, art director and assistant editor, has been integral to the Lincoln Today team since its inception 35 years ago. After eight years in corporate graphic design in New York City, she returned to Lincoln, where she runs a thriving graphic design business serving both local and international clients. Rayna finds joy in her children, cats, dogs, and the pursuit of art and happiness. Her work can be found at raynacollinsdesign.com, etsy.com/shop/lonelycards, and at the Metro Gallery.
Tom Tidball, chief photographer for Lincoln Today, has captured striking images for numerous international, national, and local publications. He has published five coffee table books featuring his photography, including A Day in the Life: The Fans of Memorial Stadium, a tribute to Nebraska football fans. His Pow Wow Plains photography exhibition — featuring more than 160 art prints and Native American narratives — premiered at the Great Plains Gallery in 2002 and has since toured the state, earning widespread acclaim for celebrating Nebraska’s Native heritage. In 2009, he published People Sri Lanka, a coffee table book highlighting the island’s rich cultural diversity through his evocative images. Beyond photography, Tom applies his creative eye to video production, teaching, and digital content creation, regularly sharing insights through his blog and social media platforms.
Michelle O’Dea, editorial assistant and writer, is a former Lincolnite who still loves the capital city. Skilled in nonprofit management, event planning, and marketing, Michelle has been part of the Lincoln Today team for over 25 years, contributing to both editorial and management functions. She also manages Bee Seen Advertising a marketing firm specializing in promotions for small and medium-sized businesses.
Jason Ball, a Nebraska native, serves as president and CEO of the Five-Star Accredited Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. He also oversees the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau. A Certified Economic Developer, he is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management and the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute.
Rachel Barth is the Director of Communications and Customer Engagement at the Lincoln Airport. A native of Bennet, Nebraska, she holds a B.A. in advertising and an M.A. in marketing and communications from UNL. A high-energy mother of two boys, Rachel is well known in the community for her love of Lincoln and her advocacy for social justice.
Charlyne Berens, professor emeritus at the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications, taught courses in writing, reporting, and editing, as well as honors courses on the First Amendment. She has published two books on the Nebraska Unicameral and a political biography of Chuck Hagel, former U.S. Senator and U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Patty Beutler worked for many years as a reporter and features editor at the Lincoln Journal Star. She now freelances and enjoys planting a clover lawn, playing mahjong, and sightseeing on Nebraska backroads.
Ellie Charter, Chief Marketing Officer at the Lincoln Children’s Museum, leads marketing, media strategy, and brand development for one of Nebraska’s most playful and mission-driven institutions. Whether she’s building community support, boosting attendance, or crafting experiences that spark curiosity, Ellie is passionate about helping people connect with the museum’s mission in ways that are both meaningful and fun.
Caroline Clements is the University of Nebraska State Museum’s public relations and membership coordinator. She has worked in public relations, nonprofits, and membership organizations and is well-versed in resource management and public speaking.
Tegan Colton is a writer and journalist who has lived in Lincoln for over two decades. She graduated from UNL with a degree in Creative Writing before returning for a master’s degree in Professional Journalism. Tegan enjoys investigating government politics, travelling, and pursuing social change.
Lauren Silverman Durban is the Communications Manager at the Lied Center for Performing Arts — and a theater-obsessed former T.V. news anchor raising three tiny people and writing to stay sane.
Kate A. Engel is the Executive Director at the Nebraska Innovation Campus. A skilled storyteller, public speaker, event planner, community builder, and collaborator, Kate is a communications professional with strong customer service skills.
Mary Friesen is a longtime Lincoln resident and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Journalism. She devotes her time to multiple projects but enjoys spending most of it with her three amazing children and handsome husband.
Ken Hambleton retired after 44 years at the Lincoln Journal Star, where he worked as a golf writer, Husker beat writer, columnist, and prep writer. He currently drives the train at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, helps with the cheetah cubs, does freelance writing, and loves playing golf.
Jeff Korbelik became the winery manager at James Arthur Vineyards in 2018 after enjoying a 33-year career as a newspaper editor and reporter, including 22 years at the Lincoln Journal Star. He’s also the author of Lost Restaurants in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Erin Lenz is the Director of Communications at Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Prior to her work at the Zoo, she was the Public Information Officer for the Nebraska Tourism Commission.
Bob Mays developed a passion for racing at age three when his father took him to Capitol Beach Speedway in Lincoln. In 2003, the editor of FlatOut Magazine invited him to write a regular column, which he continued for 17 years. A prolific author, Mays published his fifth book, Competition Portraits, in 2015, followed by The High Banks! in 2017.
Molly Nance worked for the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska before she became a communications consultant and life coach. In 2018, she became the first woman marathon swimmer to complete the 21.2-mile swim across the St. Lucia Channel.
Julie Nichols is a freelance writer, adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s College of Journalism, editor, and social activist who lives in Geneva, Nebraska.
Mary Kay Roth, retired Director of Communications for Lincoln Public Schools and former newspaper reporter, now writes for a variety of publications. She contributes to a weekly blog, 5WomenMayhem, co-creates the biweekly nature video series Naturally Nebraska, and enjoys her grandchildren, biking, and exploring trails across the state.
Jesse Starita lives in the Prescott Neighborhood with his wife and daughter. He loves his neighborhood, especially its proximity to the Rock Island Trail, where he enjoys running and cycling.
Meghan Stratman is the graphic designer and communications specialist at the Ross Media Arts Center. A Lincoln resident and graduate of UNL, Meghan has a BFA in studio art, with an emphasis in graphic design and a minor in film studies.
Amy Svoboda is a Lincoln native, experienced copywriter, and community advocate. She has successfully worked with local nonprofits and businesses to produce effective and meaningful relationships with their audiences.
Tyler A. Thomas is a social media and integrated digital content strategist, author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant. He is an adjunct professor at Harvard University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Alongside his wife, Mandy, Tyler co-founded nebraskafoodie.com and is the author of Nebraska Beer: Great Plains History by the Pint. He also founded and serves as managing editor of Nebraska Foodie (@NebraskaFoodie) on Instagram.
Chris Whitney, Communication Coordinator at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and a Broadcast House alumnus, is a dedicated runner. He participates in the MS Run, a national relay raising funds for MS research. In 2023, he ran 168 miles across Nebraska in five days—a tribute to his passion for running and to his mother, diagnosed with MS in 1988.
Ed Zimmer recently retired after serving as the historic preservation planner for the Lincoln Planning Department since 1985. He focused on community engagement through illustrated talks, walking, biking, and bus tours. In addition to his work with the department, he has been an adjunct instructor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Architecture.
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