News Release: Jon Abegglen Joins Platte Institute Board of Directors
Contact: Adam Weinberg
(402) 452-3737
aweinberg@platteinstitute.org
Jon Abegglen Joins Platte Institute Board of Directors
KEARNEY, NE – The Platte Institute Board of Directors has elected Jon Abegglen, of Kearney, as the board’s newest member. The board, chaired by Gail Werner-Robertson of Omaha, is responsible for overseeing the Platte Institute’s mission to remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska.
A photo of Abegglen can be found here. His complete board member biography may be viewed on the Platte Institute website.
Abegglen plans to retire this year from his current position as Vice President of Commercial and Agribusiness Banking at First National Bank. But he will still be keeping a busy schedule with his many civic and community commitments, a tradition he has continued over 40 years, serving on more than two dozen boards, committees, and task forces in his career in Kearney.
“Kearney is a growing and thriving part of Central Nebraska, thanks in part to years of hard work and leadership from community-minded people like Jon Abegglen,” said Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute.
Abegglen currently serves as the Chairman of the City of Kearney Community Redevelopment Authority and is a committee member for the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Innovation Task Force. He also serves on the UNMC Chancellor’s Board of Counselors and the College of Nursing Advisory Board.
His community involvement was recognized in 2015 when he received the Kearney Hub’s annual Freedom Award for Business and Industry.
“Over his career, Jon has invested countless hours into the Kearney community and causes in Nebraska. It is an honor for the Platte Institute to have Jon choose to share his time, talent, and wisdom with us,” said Vokal.
In addition to his business and board experience, Jon Abegglen has taken roles in capital campaigns for the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Central Community College Kearney Center, and the YMCA.
“I came to Kearney in 1973 as a college student, and started my career here, with no intention of staying the rest of my life. But when people talk about the Good Life—that’s what I found here in Kearney,” said Jon Abegglen.
“Now that I’m retiring, I’m thinking about how the next generation can find the success I enjoyed here. Joining the board of the Platte Institute and supporting its mission of removing barriers for Nebraskans is one way I can help protect and expand those opportunities into the future,” said Abegglen.
Abegglen holds a Comprehensive Business Degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Jon is married to Leslie, and they have four children and three grandchildren.
To schedule an interview about this announcement, please contact Adam Weinberg at (402) 452-3737 or aweinberg@platteinstitute.org.
The Platte Institute advances policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. For more media resources, please visit PlatteInstitute.org/Media.