The AIM Institute Speakers Bureau features our staff members with expertise in information technology, 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:

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.  Erickson 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. 

As the Vice President of Information Technology for AIM, 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. Haeder 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. Haeder has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of South Dakota. 

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. Hiykel 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. Hiykel 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.

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 was selected by the AIM Board of Directors in July of 2006 to serve as the President and CEO of the AIM Institute.  Previously, Kandace served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the prior six years and has been with AIM for over 16 years. She 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. Kandace is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is writing her dissertation on the societal impact of the nonprofit sector's utilization of information technology.

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. Sweeney 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. Sweeney has been a catalyst for growth within AIM and has provided leadership for the information technology community. Sweeney 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.