Aloha, I’m Nani Reed, a passionate nonprofit development professional who loves working with community impact makers and helping them realize their full potential. My first home is the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, but I’ve also had the joy of living in places like Monterey, California; Tucson, Arizona; Washington, D.C.; and even Okinawa, Japan. After serving 24 years in the United States Air Force, I returned to Omaha, Nebraska to be close to my family and to continue serving in a meaningful and community-focused way. My passion for nonprofit work actually began early in my military career, when I spent my off-duty time volunteering with local organizations. Over the years, that volunteer experience grew into a deep calling to help strengthen communities and support missions that make a difference.
When I transitioned out of the Air Force, I knew I wanted to dedicate the next chapter of my life to nonprofit service. I was fortunate to learn from incredible development professionals, including Paul Strawhecker, and to work with a wide range of nonprofit organizations across Nebraska, North Carolina, and Arizona. Each experience strengthened my belief in the power of philanthropy and the importance of investing in people and mission-driven work.
Today, I serve as the President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Nebraska Chapter, and I’m currently pursuing my second master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. I love what I do, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to help organizations grow, serve, and thrive in the communities they care about most.
