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The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently announced that David Chochon, O'Neill, and Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, Neligh, have been selected to participate in Leadership Nebraska Class XIII.

Sheridan-Simonsen is the director of economic development for the City of Neligh and Village of Clearwater. She has worked in economic development since 2015. Prior to working for the City of Neligh, she was employed as a financial administrator in the medical field and was self-employed.

Sheridan-Simonsen holds a Bachelor of Science in business A\administration from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

She currently serves on several boards including the Neligh Area Community Foundation, Neligh-Oakdale TeamMates and the New Moon Community Theater. She also works with the Neligh Chamber of Commerce, Antelope County Fair and assists with fostering the business community.

She is married to Steve Simonsen and they have two sons and recently became full-time foster parents.

Chohon became the market president of Great Plains State Bank in O'Neill in 2016. Previous positions include branch president at Pinnacle Bank in Verdigre, loan officer at Pinnacle Bank in O'Neill and management trainee at Bank of Colorado in Durango, Colorado.

He attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a football scholarship. He was a member of the dean's list and named Player of the Year. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in marketing from Hastings College in Hastings, where he also played football.

Chohon achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, is a member of the O'Neill Rotary, is on the Avera St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation board, Senior Center board, Knights of Columbus member and financial secretary and is active with the local food pantry. David and his wife Janae, have two sons and a daughter.

Leadership Nebraska was founded in 2006 to identify current and emerging leaders throughout the state, enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska.

David Chohon

Participants have been selected from different regions of the state and possess varied backgrounds and diverse talents. All candidates have demonstrated an abiding interest in Nebraska and its future.

The program consists of six sessions covering a broad range of key Nebraska issues including economic development, health care, education, agriculture, government and policy development. Due to restrictions associated with Covid-19, the start date for Class XIII has been delayed, with orientation beginning in September and sessions concluding in April, 2021. Sessions will be conducted throughout various locations of the state.

Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber, said: "Nebraska faces complex challenges in this new economy. Now, more than ever, we need well-informed, connected leaders who are ready to serve their fellow Nebraskans."