David Holmquist Appointed State President of AARP Nebraska

David Holmquist of Omaha has been named the new volunteer state president of AARP Nebraska.

In his role serving nearly 200,000 Nebraska members age 50 and over, Holmquist chairs the state executive council and works with the state director to provide vision and leadership for AARP’s work at the state and community level. The state president serves as the principal AARP volunteer spokesperson in Nebraska.

“It is an honor for me to serve as the volunteer president of AARP in Nebraska and work with the dedicated staff and team of volunteers on the mission set forth by AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus,” Holmquist said. “During my term I will be guided by her charge that what we do, we do for all.”

Holmquist was appointed to the AARP Nebraska Executive Council in 2012 and served as AARP State Coordinator for Federal Affairs. In 2014, Holmquist was just one of 24 volunteers nationwide chosen to participate in AARP’s Volunteer Leadership Institute, an intensive program designed to elevate highly skilled and motivated AARP volunteers to the next level of volunteer leadership.

Holmquist has had a long and successful career in public service, policy making and communications. For 20 years until his retirement in September, Holmquist served as government relations director with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in Nebraska. Previously, he worked with Nebraska Public Radio Network, and held positions in commercial broadcasting and advertising. Early in his career, Holmquist served as Assistant Dean of the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Long active in community service, Holmquist has held many leadership positions in diverse organizations including the American Cancer Society, Rotary International, Grand Island/Hall County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Development Exchange, a national organization of public radio development officers. Holmquist is also an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, currently serving at St. Augustine of Canterbury in Elkhorn.

Connie Benjamin, AARP Nebraska State Director, said, “AARP is a volunteer-driven organization and the state president is a key volunteer leadership position. Dave is a natural leader and brings a wealth of experience to this role. He is widely respected and has developed excellent relationships with elected officials and volunteers. His background is well-suited for our advocacy work at the state and federal level and to enhance our volunteer engagement in Nebraska.”

The state president serves a two-year term and can be reappointed to two additional terms.

Other Executive Council members are Frank Herzog, Omaha; Janet Hibbs, Columbus; Recia Lord, Omaha; Tim Potter, Omaha; June Ryan, Lincoln; Kathy Ward, Lincoln; and Rosalee Yeaworth, Omaha.