Amy Thelander officially retires from SWNWBC; reflects on career, community, and family
BY BECKY UEHLING
GRANT TRIBUNE
After more than two decades of service to housing in Nebraska, Amy Thelander has closed her leadership role at Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation (SWNCBC) and is embracing a new season of life—one centered on family.
“I have enjoyed my work at SWNCBC over the past 21 years,” Thelander said. “It has been challenging and rewarding. There have been so many people that have played pivotal roles to help, guide, advise, and support me through my journey at SWNCBC. There is no way I can name them all. I am so blessed to have had the privilege work with so many amazing people in SWNCBC’s five-county service area as well as throughout the state of Nebraska.”
A Cozad native, Thelander and her husband, Brent, moved to Grant February 1994, where they raised their three sons and became deeply involved in the community. Her work experience included daycare, the Grant Tribune, Country Gardens Greenhouse, and Creative Interiors—jobs that fit around the needs of her growing family.
Her career path to SWNCBC began unexpectedly in 2004 when former Executive Director Ann Burge asked if she could help in the office a few days a week. Thelander said she had little knowledge of the organization, but with two sons in school and the youngest just starting preschool, the opportunity felt well-timed.
As her boys grew, Thelander’s role within SWNCBC expanded. She gradually increased her hours, and, over time, housing became a professional passion for her, she said. She eventually became Program Manager, and, in November 2012, was appointed Executive Director by then-Board President Lori Zeilinger.
During her time at SWNCBC, Thelander, with help from her staff and board, navigated an increasingly complex housing landscape marked by evolving regulations, competitive funding cycles, and rising demand for affordable housing—particularly in rural communities.
Thelander saw many successes at SWNCBC, including the following: being awarded 26 housing grants totaling $5.9 million and five technical assistance operating grants totaling $270,000; assisting approximately 300 low-to-moderate income households; and receiving the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund Award in 2021 for SWNCBC’s New Construction Housing Project in Grant.
Thelander’s leadership also extended beyond SWNCBC. In 2018, she was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Commissioner for the Nebraska Commission on Housing and Homelessness, serving two years as Vice Chair and two years as Chair. She is currently still on the Executive Committee, with her term concluding June 30, 2026. She also served on the Advisory Committee for the Center for Rural Affairs and on the Nebraska Housing Developers Association Board.
Throughout her tenure, Thelander said she emphasized collaboration and credited the organization’s successes to a collective effort involving staff, board members, community partners, and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. She also expressed deep appreciation for long-term board members and key individuals who supported SWNCBC’s mission, including longtime coworker Deb Marshall, maintenance provider Maynard Hansen, and NDED program representative Kristi McClung.
Thelander also gives credit to her faith as the foundation of her work and leadership.
“I give all glory to God for this career path he put me on and the knowledge and skill He blessed me with to do this job,” she said.
As her boys completed college and began families of their own, Thelander knew she wanted to begin making more time to spend with her family, and began planning a leadership transition. In January 2024, Amanda (Amy) Sauer joined SWNCBC and assumed the role of Executive Director on July 1, 2025, with Thelander taking on a consulting role. Thelander’s final day in the office was December 17, with her contract officially ending December 31.
Now retired from full-time leadership, Thelander is enjoying her role as “Mamaw” to three grandchildren, spending dedicated days each week caring for them. Two of her sons, Austin and Tyler, live in Grant with their families, while their youngest son, Carson, resides in Omaha with his fiancée, who is currently in medical school. The couple plans to marry later this summer.
Although Thelander is embracing a slower pace, she remains active in housing policy through her continued service on the Nebraska Commission on Housing and Homelessness. She is also open to part-time opportunities in the future.
Thelander said she has no doubt that under Saur’s leadership, along with support from longtime staff member Stephanie Miller and a nine-member Board of Directors, SWNCBC will continue its mission to address the region’s housing needs amid ongoing challenges facing rural development.
Sauer excited about new position of executive director for housing corporation
BY BECKY UEHLING
Amy Sauer is enjoying her position of executive director at Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation (SWNCBC) in Grant that she has held since July 1, 2025, when longtime Executive Director Amy Thelander stepped into a consulting role, and then into retirement at the end of 2025. Sauer joined the non-profit housing organization in January 2024.
In existence since the late 1990s, SWNCBC serves the counties of Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Dundy and Hitchcock in improving housing through various programs, including owner-occupied rehab, new construction, and down payment and closing cost assistance.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and excited to step into the role,” Sauer said. “SWNCBC has a strong mission and a long history of serving our communities, and it’s an honor to help carry that forward.”
As Executive Director, Sauer leads the efforts to bring in funding for the organization, meeting with representatives in the communities SWNCBC serves, overseeing programs, working with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, ensuring SWNCBC is maintaining compliance and assisting in the management of SWNCBC rentals.
“My focus as executive director is on strengthening partnerships and ensuring our housing programs continue to meet local needs,” she said. “There are always unknowns, but with that being said I have a great staff member and board members and we are excited for future possibilities for SWNCBC.”
Assisting Sauer is long-time SWNCBC employee Stephanie Miller who serves as office manager and program director. The SWNCBC’s board consists of nine individuals who represent the five counties the organization serves.
Improving housing in Nebraska has always been a passion of Sauer.
“I have worked in housing in some way or another for the past seven years,” she said. In 2018, Sauer started at West Central Nebraska Joint Housing Authority, often referred to as Section 8, where she helped to provide housing vouchers for low-income families ensuring affordable, decent, safe and sanitary housing.
In 2019 she went to work for West Central Nebraska Development District where she still had a large part in housing as the housing manager/community development specialist while also working with economic development, planning and zoning and nuisance and worked with state and federal grants.
When a position opened up at SWNCBC in 2024, Sauer felt it was a natural step in her quest to help improve housing in SW Nebraska.
“With SWNCBC, I am doing what I enjoy,” she said. “The happiness and appreciation that comes from homeowners when you are able to assist them it brings a joy and warmth to my heart. That’s why I love the housing aspect.”
Saur looks forward to the future of bringing housing opportunities to southwest Nebraska and assisting the communities in growth, she said.
“Even if SWNCBC doesn’t offer a specific program or service someone is looking for, we’re committed to helping people find solutions,” Sauer said. “We work closely with local partners and agencies, and we’re always willing to have conversations, make referrals, and help point people in the right direction.”
Sauer said the way the public can help in improving housing in southwest Nebraska is by staying informed and engaged.
“We encourage residents to learn about the programs available and share that information with neighbors who may need assistance,” she said. “Community members can also support local housing efforts by working collaboratively with us — whether that’s local contractors partnering on projects, local leaders helping spread awareness, or residents reaching out with questions. Even simple conversations help connect people to resources and strengthen housing across our region.”
Sauer is originally from the Roscoe area and attended school in Ogallala. She and Dave Twomey moved to rural Perkins County in 2017 where they raised their son Blake.
For more information on SWNCBC, contact Sauer and Miller at (308) 352-4338, email Sauer at a.sauer@swncbc.org, or visit their website at https://swncbc.org/