Board of Directors

Jim Schulte – President

Jim Schulte received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Creighton University in 1983.  As an accredited teacher, Mr. Schulte spent a number of years teaching mathematics, physics and computer science at the high school level.  Mr. Schulte’s professional career then extended to over 20 years in various roles within the Information Technology Department of ConAgra Foods, a Fortune 500 Company. 

In 2006 Mr. Schulte left his position as Vice-President of Information Technology, ConAgra Trade Group to pursue entrepreneurial interests.  Currently Mr. Schulte is a principal and partner in three separate companies involved with manufacturing, technology and long term care.  Mr. Schulte, along with Mr. Snawerdt, are the founding members of the CREATE Foundation.

Peter (Rocky) Snawerdt – Vice President

Peter (Rocky) Snawerdt assumed leadership of the Electro-Optics and Electronic Warfare activities at Harris Corppration in 1996.  In 1999, Mr. Snawerdt founded a high tech company which he ran as President and CEO until selling the company to one of the top three defense contractors in 2005. 

Mr. Snawerdt has also held numerous executive management positions (CEO, CTO or CEO) within technology start-up companies.  Mr. Snawerdt currently holds eight patents for technical innovations, with other patents currently pending.  Mr. Snawerdt has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from Tulane University and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Texas – Arlingtion.

Dr. Winnie L. Callahan

Executive Director, The Peter Kiewit Institute

Assistant Vice President, University of Nebraska Foundation

Winnie Callahan has served as Executive Director of The Peter Kiewit Institute (PKI) and Assistant Vice President of the University of Nebraska Foundation since PKI’s inception in 1997.  While overseeing PKI, Winnie has been instrumental in helping develop partnerships with more than 1,000 businesses.  In addition, she works closely with the Scott Technology Center, USSTRATCOM’s Global Innovation and Strategy Center and local as well as national leaders to promote economic development and entrepreneurship.  Prior to her tenure with PKI, Winnie has served as a teacher, a building principal and assistant superintendent.  She also served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Nebraska, Omaha where she taught both graduate and undergraduate courses in the College of Education. 

Winnie herself holds an undergraduate degree from Winthrop University, and Masters and Doctorate degrees in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska.  Winnie has served on a wide array of community boards and has been elected president of several.  She is a frequent speaker locally, and nationally, on topics related to building excellence in the education fields of engineering, technology and telecommunications.  Winnie’s numerous recognitions include the Nebraska Literacy Award, the YWCA’s Outstanding Woman of Distinction Award, and the Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Honor.  She served for three years as a consultant to Walt Disney on numerous educational videos using Disney characters to portray difficult Math and English concepts to young children.  Most recently, Winnie received the University of Nebraska’s Alumni Achievement Award and was honored as the West Point Society of Nebraska’s “Distinguished Citizen 2007”. 

Gary Hoogeveen

Gary Hoogeveen earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Fall and a PhD. in Space Physics from Rice University in Houston, Texas.  Mr. Hoogeveen held various management positions in the energy industry with Advantica (formerly Stoner Associates), a pipeline simulation software and engineering company in Houston, Texas and as a project development manager with MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company in Omaha, Nebraska.  Mr. Hoogeveen joined Northern Natural Gas in August, 2002 and served as Vice President of Information Technology until October, 2004 at which time he advanced to his current position of Vice President of Customer Service. 

Mr. Hoogeveen serves on the board of the CREATE Foundation and is a member of the executive board of directors of the Omaha Metropolitan YMCA.  He is a sports enthusiast, especially in golf, tennis, and water and snow skiing.  Gary enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, reading and tries to stay current on his former scientific research interests.