The AIM Institute Speakers Bureau features our staff members with expertise in information technology, social media, talent recruitment, workforce development, and career exploration.  Please contact Dee Studt at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange a speaker:

Dr. Kandace Miller

President & CEO

Presentations:

The Impact of Technology on Society
High Demand Careers of the Future
The AIM Model of Community Development
It's a Great Time to be in IT

Kandace Miller, Ph.D., was selected by the AIM Board of Directors in July of 2006 to serve as the President and CEO of the AIM Institute.  Kandace served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the prior six years and has been with AIM since 1993. Kandace holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Community Service from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her dissertation research is on the impact of information technology on societal values. Kandace also holds an M.S. degree in Education (Counseling and Psychology) and a B.A. degree in Speech and Communications, both from the University of Kansas.

Dr. Robert Sweeney

AIM President & CEO Emeritus

Presentation:

Trends in IT Management Functions and Strategies 

Robert Sweeney, Ph.D., is President & CEO Emeritus for the AIM Institute. Robert began with AIM as the Executive Director in April 1992 and retired as President & CEO in October 2006. He has more than 30 years of professional experience as an educator, manager and economist. Robert has been a catalyst for growth within AIM and has provided leadership for the information technology community. Robert holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Georgia State University, an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from Louisiana State University and a B.S. in Farm Operations from Iowa State University. 

As the Vice President of Information Technology for AIM, Adam Haeder's responsibilities include management of the IT department and all related technology ventures. He has been the lead instructor in AIM's Cisco Regional Networking Academy and is the Vice President of the Omaha Linux Users Group. Adam has written books about the IT job market and Linux certification. He serves on the technology advisory councils of Omaha Public Schools, Millard Public Schools, the University of Nebraska Lincoln and Omaha campuses, and the Linux Professional Institute. Adam has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of South Dakota. 

As the Business Development Director for the AIM Institute, Tim Erickson's responsibilities include research of public policy and business development issues as well as assistance with strategic partnerships including business, government, education, and communities, especially in Nebraska and the surrounding area.  He is also responsible for coordinating development of business tools for outstate areas and assists with project management in several of our grants.  Tim is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and has a law degree from Creighton Law School.  He has 20 years of experience in information technology businesses and government, where he has worked for Governors and the Legislature. 

Jeff Slobotski

Director of Innovation and New Media

Presentations:

Building Our Region's Creative Class
Utilizing Social Media to Build Your Business' Brand

Jeff Slobotski is the Director of Innovation & New Media at the AIM Institute. His role is to create and strengthen partnerships between business leaders and entrepreneurs in Nebraska, as well as provide resources and knowledge to its members around many of the new and innovative ways of sharing information.

Jeff is also the the Founder of Silicon Prairie News, a website dedicated to highlighting Omaha and the region's innovators, entrepreneurs and creative class. The site showcases the interesting achievements and projects of those pushing the envelope in our area. In addition to the individuals covered on the site, the team at Silicon Prairie News helps to organize events that connect the various groups of entrepreneurs including BarCamp Omaha and the annual Big Omaha conference.

Marie Hiykel

Educational Grants Manager

Presentation:

How Jobseekers and Students Use the AIM Virtual Career Center

Marie Hiykel has served at the AIM Institute since 1999 as a TRIO Grant Manager for Educational Talent Search. Marie is responsible for staff supervision, curriculum development and budget management with emphasis on coordination of student academic programming and staff development. She enjoys the opportunity of bringing curriculum, technology and research together for 21st-century teaching and learning. Marie received both her Master of Science (2003) and Bachelor of Science (2000) degrees in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She received an endorsement in Instructional Technology at UNO in 2008.