Advisory Board

The Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program advisory board is a group of 18 industry experts who provide a connection and ongoing exchange of information, ideas, and collaboration between program faculty, staff, and students.

Each member has been selected for their expertise and commitment to the success of the UNL Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program and its students.

Some of the duties and requirements of the board include, but are not limited to:

  • attending all board meetings
  • staying informed about student curriculum, services and supports, and activities
  • assisting with funding allocations
  • providing opportunities and serving as mentors

The Advisory Board works hand-in-hand with the HRTM program director, faculty, and staff to prepare students for leadership roles in the hospitality industry.


  • Kelsey Meyer
  • ~HRTM Class of 2013
  • Assistant Director, Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of Deb Ward
  • Deb Ward
  • Executive Director, Visit Omaha
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of John Ricks
  • John Ricks
  • Executive Director, Nebraska Tourism Commission
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of Tom McKitterick
  • Tom McKitterick, CCM, CCE
  • General Manager, Country Club of Lincoln
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of Andy Reetz
  • Andy Reetz, CCM
  • CEO/General Manager, Champions Run Country Club
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of Rachel McConnell
  • Rachel McConnell
  • ~HRTM Class of 2011
  • Community Engagement Director, Mourning Hope Grief Center
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of Shelly Richardson
Headshot of Jenessa Keiser
  • Jenessa Keiser
  • HR Director, Charon Shared Services, Lincoln Surgical Hospital, & Eye Surgical Associates
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of Dana Hatcliff
  • Dana Hatcliff
  • Human Resources Business Partner,
  • Bryan Health
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of Zach Tyson
  • Zach Tyson
  • Private Club Industry Executive, COO, Club General Manager
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of Zoe Olson
  • Zoe Olson
  • Chair, HRTM Advisory Board
  • Executive Director, Nebraska Hospitality Association & Hospitality Educational Foundation
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of Aaron Stitt
  • Aaron Stitt
  • Vice-Chair, HRTM Advisory Board
  • General Managerr, Courtyard by Marriott Lincoln Downtown/Haymarket
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of Kelli Pilkington
  • Kelli Pilkington
  • Vice President of Marketing, Flagship Restaurant Group
  • LinkedIn
Headshot of Phil Grimpo
  • Phil Grimpo
  • Executive Director, Inspirmedia Productions
  • LinkedIn