Jon Watts
Jon Watts
A native of Kearney, Jon has been the director of business services and accounts payable for the University of Nebraska at Kearney since 2013. Previously, he served as assistant director of business services. Jon is married to Erin (Altmaier) Watts. They have three children: Ava, Brody, and Mason.
A product of Kearney Public Schools, Jon attended Northeast Elementary, Horizon Middle School and graduated from Kearney High School in 2000. Jon earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 2004 and a master’s degree in Management from Bellevue University in 2009.
Jon is a two-time president of UNK’s staff senate and an active member of the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education.
“We have a responsibility for our community’s future,” Jon said. “Community Partners is a proven and tested way to confront and address health-related challenges facing our community. When you are serious about having a positive impact on your community, you look for organizations that have a plan and a record of success. Community Partners has both. It was a logical choice to contribute both time and treasure.”
Jonathan Nikkila
Jonathan Nikkila
Jonathan is also a native of Kearney. He attended Kenwood Elementary and Kearney Catholic High School, and later graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hillsdale College in Michigan. Jonathan and his wife, Miriam, have four children, ages 7, 5, 3, and 10 months.
Jonathan has been a member of the Kearney City Council since 2012. Before that, he served as a member of the city’s Board of Adjustment. Jonathan is also the director of government affairs for the American Federation for Children, a national public policy organization that focuses on K-12 education. Though the organization is based in Washington, D.C., he works remotely from Kearney because of the community spirit, family-friendly environment, and less stressful pace of life.
Jonathan is excited to partner with Community Partners because of its tremendous track record in executing important projects related to heath issues in Buffalo County. He appreciates that Community Partners is contributing to our community in more ways than nearly anyone can imagine, and doing it effectively.
Jonathan’s vision for Buffalo County is continuing to cultivate and celebrate the “get it done” attitude that defines our community. He appreciates that when our area is faced with an opportunity or a problem individuals step up, without need of fanfare. He believes Community Partners is the epitome of this community spirit.