2025-2026 Nebraska
District Leadership Roster
Leadership Roster coming soon!
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Governor - Chyrel Kritikos
Secretary - Gaylea Sturgis
Treasurer - Gaylea Sturgis
Governor-Elect -Linda Leatherman
Immediate Past Governor - Chyrel Kritikos
Past Governor -Ardis Moody
Past Governor-Les Dome
JOI Governors
Region 1 Governor Assistant - Alisha Melroy (mentor-Linda Wheeler
Region 2 Governor Assist Position Open (mentor-Judith Kluge)
Region 3 Governor Assist -Tamara Bailey (mentor Sandra Allen)
Region 4 Governor Assist- Sheila Roselle (mentor Mike Kritikos)
DISTRICT FOUNDATION REPRESENTATIVE Jeremy Williams
COMMUNICATION/MARKETING
District Directory
District Newsletter Sharon Flinn
Social Media Position Open
Website Sharon Flinn, Gaylea Sturgis, Chyrel Kritikos
Zoom Coordinator Position Open
ACTIVITIES
CCDHH Mark Claussen
Optimist International Essay Contest Jeffrey Sears
Optimist International Oratorical Contest Judith Kluge
Optimist International Junior Golf Kerianne Kluge
Tri-Star Sports Bob Gundman
Childhood Health and Wellness Linda Wheeler
Nebraska Academic Decathlon Ardis Moody
CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION
Chair Ardis Moody
Coordinator Ardis Moody
Chaplain Position Open
Credentials Gaylea Sturgis
Hospitality Jeremy and Melissa Williams
International Convention Ambassador
Leadership Development Linda Leatherman
Parliamentarian Sandra Allen
Registrar Gaylea Sturgis
Sergeant at Arms Michael Kritikos
LEAD Linda Leatherman
Marvin Wastell, Beryl Lantz, Sandra Allen, Ivan Wineglass, Nani Reed, Mary Knight
Personal Growth and Involvement (PGI)/Professional Development Program (PDP) Position Open
Optimist of the Year Gaylea Sturgis + 2
GROWTH Marvin Wastell
International Position Open
Achievement and Awards Position Open
Club Fitness Linda Wheeler
JOI CO-CHAIRS
Tammy Johnson
OPTIMIST CLUB OF THE YEAR
Gaylea Sturgis with 3 committee positions open
STANDING COMMITTEES
Audit and Finance
Chair Gaylea Sturgis
Al Penner and Linda Leatherman
Candidate Qualifications
Chair Ardis Moody
+ 3 past governors
Policy Review
Chair Ardis Moody
Gaylea Sturgis and Michael Kritikos
Strategic Planning
Position Open
Zone Alignment
Chair Chyrel Kritikos