Staff
The focus of Midlands Community Foundation is to assist with community development by improving and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Sarpy and Cass counties.
Diane Knicky
Executive Director
Diane Knicky has been with Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) since 2007 and was recently named Executive Director in September 2022. Ms. Knicky was previously Director of Operations and Public Relations where she managed all media publicity and marketing projects and programs for MCF and its charitable funds, oversaw and directed fundraising event coordination for the annual Gala, formerly the Reflection Ball, and golf tournament and collaboratively led the bi-annual MCF Grant Program.
As Executive Director, Ms. Knicky will be responsible for overseeing the development of MCF’s strategic plan and continuing to enhance MCF’s non-profit organization, donor, business, and community partnerships. Over the last 17 years, Ms. Knicky has shown a strong commitment to MCF’s mission which has had a significant and positive impact in the Cass and Sarpy communities.
In 2020, Ms. Knicky was recognized as one of the Suburban Newspaper’s Women of Distinction.
Prior to joining the Foundation, she had a 20-year career in public relations.
Christine Nelson
Finance Director
Christine Nelson joined Midlands Community Foundation in April 2023. As Finance Director, Christine is responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, accounting, and audit activities of MCF and all its charitable funds.
Ms. Nelson earned her Bachelor of Science, Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Nebraska Omaha. She is a Certified Public Accountant.
Prior to joining MCF, her career included 20 years with a local lawn and landscape business, most recently as Accounting Manager.
Celeste Pille
Community Relations and Development Specialist
Celeste Pille joined the Midlands Community Foundation as the Community Relations and Development Specialist in November of 2024. In this role she’ll help carry out the mission of the Foundation through marketing and communication strategies, and the development and strengthening of relationships with community partners. She has spent the last 8 years of her career in the nonprofit sector and has 15 years of experience in marketing.
Ms. Pille also has years of personal experience with Midlands Community Foundation through board service on multiple organizations with funds at MCF. She has experienced first-hand how MCF empowers nonprofits and looks forward to helping others benefit from partnering with the Foundation in any capacity.