2025 Brings Changes to OHB Board 

At OHB’s Board of Directors Meeting in January, one new member was elected, and new officers were appointed to the Executive Committee, including new Board Chair, Serenna Russell. Additionally, two board members, Victor Baez and Freddie Clopton, retired after several years of dedicated service.    

Darius Christensen Joins Board as New Member 

We are excited to announce the election of Darius Christensen to our Board of Directors. Darius is currently an Account Executive at Albireo Energy where he cultivates strategic partnerships and spearheads client acquisition initiatives in his territory of Nebraska and Southeastern Iowa. Darius is an Omaha boomerang, splitting time growing up in Omaha and Kearney, Nebraska. 

Outside of his professional career, Darius is deeply invested in the Omaha community. He has served in several capacities for the Omaha Chamber Young Professionals Council. He also has a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, playing a key role in advancing several DEI initiatives throughout his professional career. 

“Darius has an unmatched enthusiasm for our city and helping it be a great place for all of us to share,” said Jeff DeWispelare, President & CEO at OHB. “He is an excellent addition to our Board of Directors and will add great value in moving our strategic plan forward.” 

Serenna Russell Elected New Board Chair 

Also at our January Board Meeting, Serenna Russell was elected as the new Board Chair leading OHB’s 10-person Board of Directors. She has served on the OHB Board since 2019, most recently acting as Vice Chair. Serenna holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She is active in the community, volunteering with the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Daughters of the Nile, and Order of the Eastern Star.  

We are honored to have Serenna continue to lead OHB in this new capacity. Her dedication to OHB and her commitment to youth and families in our community truly shines through her leadership. Serenna takes over the Board Chair role from Rebecca Atkins who will continue to serve on the board as Secretary. 

Other Board Members who were elected as officers at the January meeting include Jason Gustafson, Vice Chair; and David Gibbs, Treasurer. 

Dedicated Board Members Retire 

The January Board Meeting also brought a time of gratitude and celebration for two members who are retiring from the board, Freddie Clopton and Victor Baez. Both men helped lead OHB the past several years, including through the challenging Covid-19 pandemic. Victor served on the board from 2017 through 2024, acting as a Community Director and also as Secretary. Freddie served for eight years on the Board as a Masonic Director. Our sincere gratitude goes out to both Freddie and Victor for their leadership, expertise and dedication to helping OHB thrive.