Casey Craven is the Storeroom Manager at the Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College, overseeing inventory and supporting classroom operations. A 2016 MCC Culinary Arts graduate, he has worked in restaurants, catering, and event venues, including Lot 2 and Liberty First Credit Union Arena. He also supports Nebraska ProStart (a two-year culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students) and leads a summer culinary camp for teens, sharing his skills and passion for the craft.

Chris began her career as a Registered Nurse in adult and neonatal ICU and then spent 25 yrs. in Hospital Administration. After leaving the hospital setting, she became the owner of a health care company. Both of these experiences led her to a career in insurance. As a nurse she worked with Medicare, Medicaid and many different insurance companies assuring the patient they received the proper benefits for their episode of care and as a small business owner she was responsible for assuring her employees received the best health, dental, and vision plans available.

Chris also spent time volunteering for the State of Nebraska’s SHIIP Office where she would educate clients on all aspects of Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part D Plans, and state subsidies available to help with financial problems, and to provide support during the decision-making process.

As the owner of Flaxbeard Insurance Advisors, Chris focuses on health insurance for every age group and represents many insurance companies so her clients are able to choose the one that best fits their needs.

Christine was born and raised in Omaha, NE. She is married to Gary Flaxbeard and they have 3 adult children.

Vernetta Kosalka is an award-winning hospitality professional specializing in event planning, event design and hospitality management education in Omaha, NE. Kosalka graduated from College of Saint Mary in 2003 with a dual degree in Business Administration and CIM and later received her Master's in Organizational Leadership in 2007. With over thirteen years of experience, she has garnered respect from her peers and continues to give back to the Omaha community through volunteering on the Omaha Police Officers Ball Committee benefitting Special Olympics Nebraska, being an Advisory Board Member of the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce and serving as the Special Events Committee Chair.