Jim Steier
Chairman of the Board
Hometown:
Omaha, Nebraska
Education:
Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska; Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska
Family:
Jim and his wife, Nancy, have nine sons: Jimmy Steier, Mick Steier, Tommy Steier, Charlie Steier, Bear Steier, Jon Korbitz, Jack Korbitz, Michael Korbitz and Rob Korbitz.
Areas of Expertise:
As founder and CEO, Jim possesses in-depth knowledge of all Steier Group services.
Community Involvement:
Jim shares his time with nonprofits in the Omaha community, having served on boards for the National Safety Council and Stephen Center. In addition, he has volunteered at the Heart Ministry Center and Sienna-Francis House. Jim is extremely supportive of the Healing Kadi Foundation, Mount Michael Benedictine High School and Creighton Preparatory School. As a firm, the Steier Group is committed to contributing 10 percent of its profits to nonprofit organizations each year and Jim oversees the distribution of these charitable gifts.
Interesting Fact:
The Omaha Jaycees named Jim as one of the 10 Outstanding Young Omahans in 1999. Jim is also a licensed pilot.
Hobbies:
Jim enjoys exercising and spending time with his sons.
What I like about the Steier Group:
It is a gift and a blessing to assist our clients as they provide critical services and ministries to their constituents and those in need. I am proud that our company has raised over $2 billion for Christian organizations. I am even more proud of the family of fundraising professionals we have assembled here at the Steier Group. I value each employee and am constantly amazed by the talent and passion they bring to our clients and their projects.
Brendan D.
Manson, MBA, M.A., M.Div.
President of Fellowship Development
Hometown:
Orange County, California
Education:
Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, St. John's Seminary (B. Phil. and M.Div.) in Brighton, Massachusetts, St. John's Seminary (M.A.) in Camarillo, California, and Regis University (MBA) in Denver, Colorado.
Areas of expertise:
Campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, stewardship, parish life, donor relations, annual giving, Hispanic Ministry, multicultural ministry, strategic planning.
Community involvement:
Brendan has been involved in several international outreach programs in Mexico, Uganda, Peru, and Jamaica, volunteered at the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding which serves people with disabilities, and is active in his local Catholic parish.
Interesting fact:
It wasn’t until Brendan’s brother, Robert, was born on May 25th that their mom found out she was pregnant with twins. Brendan was born seven minutes later. Their brother, Brian, was also surprised because the twins were born on his second birthday. Brendan is a dual citizen of Ireland.
Hobbies:
Brendan is an avid scuba diver with a Dive Master certification; he enjoys paddle boarding, and plays the guitar, banjo and mandolin.
What I like about the Steier Group:
The Steier Group is a family ministry which measures its success not primarily by its profits but by the measure in which it has helped nonprofits increase their ability and impact to improve lives.
Mike Blum
President of Client Services
Hometown:
Omaha, Nebraska
Education:
Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, University of Nebraska Omaha
Family:
Mike is the proud father to his son, Charlie.
Areas of Expertise:
Campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, arch/diocesan campaigns, strategic planning, pledge redemption, general development
Community Involvement:
Mike has volunteered with Ronald McDonald House of Omaha, A.R.C.H., Inc. and Creighton Preparatory School. He is currently working on the development committee for B&B Sports Academy.
Interesting Fact:
Mike and his son love to attend sporting events all over the country. They’ve traveled to watch the Green Bay Packers, the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and the KC Chiefs. Their annual Father’s Day ritual is going to the College World Series. Mike and Charlie love sports, people watching and concession food.
Hobbies:
Mike is a Harley-Davidson and classic car enthusiast, and he loves photography, architecture and watching his son play basketball.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I love helping clients accomplish their goals. It is so rewarding to develop lifelong partnerships with our clients. Nothing brings me more fulfillment than attending the opening of a newly constructed facility and celebrating major campaign milestones with our clients.
Ben Giles, M.A.
Campaign Manager
Hometown:
Lafayette, Colorado
Education:
Xavier University (B.A.) and University of Dallas (M.A.)
Family:
Ben enjoys spending time with his family.
Areas of Expertise:
Campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, communications.
Community Involvement:
Ben is a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church in Dallas. Having recently finished graduate coursework, he is looking into new ways to get involved in his community.
Fun Fact:
Ben has been trained to give tours of the US Capitol Building.
Hobbies:
Ben is an amateur golfer and enjoys reading, travel, trivia, exchanging letters with friends, writing with fountain pens and plane spotting.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I wanted to pursue work that I would enjoy, find fulfilling and that would involve building strong professional relationships, but especially that would work to the promotion of the Gospel. Steier Group provides me with that opportunity.
Melinda Berry
Vice President of Campaign Services
Hometown:
Omaha, Nebraska
Education:
Marian High School in Omaha, Nebraska and the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Family:
Melinda and her husband, Jerad, have two sons: Austin and Ethan.
Areas of Expertise:
Print design, grant writing, marketing and web design
Community Involvement:
Melinda is a parishioner at St. Wenceslaus in Omaha.
Interesting Fact:
Melinda started her career at the Steier Group as a campaign manager.
Hobbies:
Melinda loves to boat, camp, go to the movies and is an avid soccer fan.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I love the culture at the Steier Group and the impact we have working as a team. In my role as a graphic designer and grant writer, I have the privilege of working with clients all over the country. It is a wonderful feeling to know that my life’s work has helped so many in their effort to raise money for our faith.
Julie Brown
Operations Administrator
Hometown:
Omaha, Nebraska
Education:
Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska, University of Nebraska Omaha
Family:
Julie is married to Joel.
Areas of Expertise:
Office administration, research, event planning, social media, design
Community Involvement:
Julie volunteers with several community service agencies.
Interesting Fact:
Julie and her husband are both big baseball fans who cheer for rival teams. Julie cheers for the St. Louis Cardinals and Joel is a Chicago Cubs fan.
Hobbies:
Julie loves being outdoors in the summer – working in the yard, gardening, sitting on the deck with friends and family, and outdoor concerts. She also enjoys DIY projects and cooking for the office.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I enjoy working with a team of people who make an impact on people, churches and community nonprofits every day.
Sarah Deeney, M.A.
Marketing Coordinator
Hometown:
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Education:
Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria, Minnesota; Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana (B.A.) and University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota (M.A.)
Family:
Sarah and her husband, Scott, have four children: Luke, Gianna, Cecilia and Maria.
Areas of Expertise:
Marketing, branding, copy editing, copy writing, social media
Community Involvement:
Sarah leads a Well-Read Mom book club, which she has participated in for the last 10 years. She loves singing and has cantored at her church throughout the years.
Hobbies:
Sarah's interests include fitness, running, yoga and hiking.
Jenny Howard
Client Services Support Specialist
Hometown:
Lincoln, Nebraska
Education:
Pius X High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
Family:
Jenny and her husband, Dan, have three children: Charlie, Ben and Molly.
Areas of Expertise:
Education, training, office administration, operations.
Community Involvement:
Jenny is a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and taught at St. Pius/St. Leo and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Schools for many years prior to joining the Steier Group. Much of her volunteer time is spent at her parish and school.
Fun Fact:
Jenny cheered/danced at the halftime show at the Cotton Bowl in 1994 along with about 1,000 other people.
Hobbies:
Jenny loves watching my kids play soccer, eating, listening to music, and spending time with my family, friends and my dogs.
What I like about the Steier Group:
My husband has been with the Steier Group for many years. I know firsthand that the Steier Group is a supportive and wonderful place to work and I enjoy collaborating with team members and clients to help them achieve their goals.
Hometown:
Omaha, Nebraska
Education:
Daniel J. Gross High School in Omaha, Nebraska, and University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Family:
Rich Kaipust and his wife, Angie, have two children: Kristin and Joey.
Areas of expertise:
Grant writing, editing, campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, project management, development.
Community involvement:
Rich is an active member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and serves on the Board of Elders. Rich is a softball coach in the Millard Fury organization and softball committee member for Millard United Sports.
Interesting fact:
Rich has visited 37 states at least once, but has never left the country.
Hobbies:
Rich loves to ski, even with a full hip replacement. He doesn't play golf as often as he would like, but he still enjoys hitting the links. He also loves to watch sports and bad sitcoms.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I love working in a collaborative and team-oriented environment, and helping people achieve their fundraising goals. I also can't think of anything more fulfilling than seeing your company's work help make a difference in a community.
Becky Ludemann
Senior Graphic Designer
Hometown:
Downers Grove, Illinois
Education:
Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois, and Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska
Family:
Becky and her husband, Jeremiah, have two daughters, Avery (7) and Emma (4).
Areas of Expertise:
Marketing, graphic design, web design and logo design
Fun Fact:
Becky loves anything and everything Irish!
Hobbies:
Becky enjoys traveling to visit family and friends, cooking, working out and browsing Pinterest for design inspiration.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I love the team approach the Steier Group brings to every client project. It’s rewarding to know that every creative pursuit I’m a part of is helping to fulfill a client’s vision and mission. In any given day, I could be working on a logo design for a diocese in the Midwest, a brochure for a parish in Texas, and an alumni mailing for a school in Oregon. I am grateful for the opportunity to use my creativity for so many different Steier Group partners all over the country.
Brian Norton
Vice President of Communications
Hometown:
Carrollton, Texas
Education:
Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska
Family:
Brian enjoys spending time with his parents, who moved to Omaha to be near their only son. Brian loves to visit his extended family in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Areas of Expertise:
Marketing, design, web development, copy editing, social media
Community Involvement:
Brian served as a big brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters for eight years. He now serves on the board for the Omaha Press Club Foundation, which provides scholarships to college journalists.
Interesting Fact:
Brian once won a free flight to New Zealand by answering a trivia contest on Twitter.
Hobbies:
Brian loves reading, traveling to new and exciting places, and taking Tucker, his dog, for long walks.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I am excited to help the Steier Group connect with great clients from across the country and help those organizations reach their campaign goals.
Hometown:
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Education:
Creighton University (B.A.)
Family:
Monica Olson and her husband, Eric, have two adult children: Laura and John.
Areas of expertise:
Grant writing, editing
Community involvement:
She is an active parishioner at St. Gerald Catholic Church, where she serves as a Eucharistic minister and also taught religious education. Monica has volunteered with Walt Disney Elementary School, the Girls Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Council, and the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Bell Ringing and Christmas Assistance programs.
Interesting fact:
Monica celebrated her 40th birthday in Ireland.
Hobbies:
Monica enjoys learning and reading about history, trying out new recipes found on Pinterest and spending time with family and friends.
What I like about the Steier Group:
As a member of St. Gerald Catholic Church, a former Steier Group partner, I know firsthand how the Steier Group helps organizations achieve their goals to better serve their communities.
Ellie Raby
Graphic Designer
Hometown:
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Education:
Providence Academy in Plymouth, Minnesota, and University of St. Thomas (B.A.) in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Family:
Ellie and her husband, David, have two children: Evelyn and David Jr ("Chip").
Areas of expertise:
Graphic design, web design and UX/UI design, digital marketing, project management.
Community involvement:
Ellie is a member of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Catholic Parish Community. Previously, she served as the marketing/design board chair for Fort Lewis Community Spouses Club, Fort Rucker Community Spouses Club and Social Design Alliance. She is also the past president of Fort Rucker Military Council for Catholic Women and is a current member of Joint Base Lewis-McChord MCCW.
Interesting fact:
Her college job was acting as the school mascot, Tommie the Tomcat, at the University of St. Thomas. Go Tommies!
Hobbies:
Ellie enjoys running and fitness, reading with her Well-Read Moms book club, and staying up to date with interior decorating, typography and web design trends.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I am thrilled to use my skills and expertise to support the needs of Christian churches and faith-based institutions, working alongside a team that shares my deeply held faith and values.
Natalie Ruch
Vice President of Executive Services
Hometown:
Onawa, Iowa
Education:
West Monona Community School in Onawa, Iowa, Iowa State University
Family:
Natalie is blessed that she is able to see her immediate family in Iowa and San Diego on a regular basis.
Areas of Expertise:
Sales support, marketing, data management
Hobbies:
Natalie enjoys spending time with her three nephews, going to movies and concerts, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I enjoy the culture at the Steier Group and all of my coworkers. Everyone works hard and is dedicated to our clients' needs, but we also make sure to have a good time as well.
Sara Saenz
Communications Specialist
Hometown:
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Education:
University of Nebraska at Lincoln (B.A.)
Family:
Sara and her husband, Bob, have one daughter: Lillian (2)
Areas of expertise:
Editing, grant writing, copywriting
Interesting fact:
I have almost ridden every mile of RAGBRAI (an annual bike ride across Iowa) several times.
Hobbies:
Sara enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dog, biking, watching sports and eating her husband’s cooking.
What I like about the Steier Group:
I enjoy being part of a team, and the Steier Group is a good one. I really like the idea of a lot of people coming together and using their talents and skills to advance worthy causes.
Mick Steier
Executive Associate
Hometown:
Omaha, NE
Education:
Mount Michael Benedictine Abbey and School; University of Nebraska at Omaha
Family:
Mick Steier is the son of Jim Steier. He is the second oldest out of five boys: Jimmy, Tommy, Charlie and Bereket.
Areas of expertise:
Campaign planning studies, capital campaigns, wealth research and social media.
Community involvement:
Mick volunteers at the Heart Ministry Center and volunteer coaches for his alma mater, Mount Michael Benedictine High School, a Steier Group success story.
Interesting fact:
Mick was an all-conference football and baseball player.
Hobbies:
Mick enjoys watching and playing all sports, specifically basketball, football and baseball.
What I like about the Steier Group:
My father, Jim, started the Steier Group six months after I was born. I’ve spent my whole life around the company, making it like a second family to me. It is amazing I am now to the point in my life where I can work alongside such great people.
