Nebraska Childrens Home Society announces Lana Temple-Plotz as new CEO

August 16, 2017 | 4 min read

Lana Temple-PlotzTemple-Plotz will assume role from Karen Authier on October 1

OMAHA, Neb. (Aug. 16, 2017) – Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS) is pleased to announce Lana Temple-Plotz as its new chief executive officer. Temple-Plotz will replace Karen Authier, current CEO of NCHS, effective October 1.

Temple-Plotz joined NCHS in June 2013 and currently serves as the chief program officer, providing oversight for the organization’s services to children and families across the state of Nebraska. Authier has served as CEO for ten years and announced in March 2017 her plans to retire on September 30.

“When I accepted the responsibility to lead Nebraska Children’s Home Society a decade ago, l looked forward to the opportunity to build on the organization’s rich history of service to children and families across Nebraska,” said Authier. “As I look forward to my retirement, I am confident that Lana will successfully continue our 124-year commitment to Nebraska’s children, families and communities.”  

The selection of Temple-Plotz as CEO comes after a months-long comprehensive search process lead by the NCHS board of directors.

“We are excited to have Lana as our new CEO,”  said Elizabeth Pantano, board chair for NCHS. “She has a track record of strong leadership within some of the largest children’s services organizations in the state and intimately knows the inner workings of NCHS, which will provide for a smooth transition.  We are looking forward to the future and are extremely pleased to have her on board.”

Temple-Plotz will work alongside Authier to begin transitioning into her new role beginning September 1 and assume full responsibilities on October 1.

“I’m excited to begin my new role at Nebraska Children’s Home Society,” said Temple-Plotz. “NCHS has a long history of exceptional service to children and families and I am confident our team will continue this legacy for many years to come.”

Temple-Plotz is an experienced nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience in organizations serving children and families. Prior to her role at NCHS, Temple-Plotz worked for C&A Industries as executive director of community relations, director of Children Services for Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, and held several leadership roles at Boys Town. Temple-Plotz earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Human Development and the Family at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She has authored four publications, serves on several boards and committees including Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA) and the Nebraska Foster Care Rate Reimbursement Committee.

About Nebraska Children’s Home Society

Since 1893, Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS) has been providing safe and loving care to children of all ages statewide. NCHS helps women and teens facing unplanned pregnancies; strives to build, strengthen and support adoptive, biological and foster families; provides early intervention programs; offers teen pregnancy prevention education; and ensures that children begin school ready to learn.

NCHS has 10 offices located throughout Nebraska in Alliance, Grand Island, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha (3) and Scottsbluff.