Gretchen Twohig, executive vice president of provider partnerships and health outcomes at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), and Joni Wheeler, executive vice president of strategic talent and enterprise shared services at BCBSNE, were recently recognized for their dedication to supporting Nebraska communities.

In June, Twohig was honored during the Women’s Center for Advancement’s (WCA) Tribute to Women event.

Each year, WCA shines the spotlight on deserving women whose work, dedication and commitment help shape women and girls in Omaha. Through Tribute to Women, the WCA has recognized and honored more than 300 amazing leaders, teachers, great thinkers, impact-makers and movers and shakers.

Tribute to Women nominees must be area residents who work and/or volunteer in the Greater Omaha Metropolitan Area. They must have volunteer and philanthropic contributions outside of their professional careers that impact the community.

Twohig is active in the community and currently serves on the boards of United Way of the Midlands, Ignite Nebraska, Think Nebraska, LLC, Sapphire Edge, Inc. and the Nebraska Blue Foundation. Previously, she served on the boards of College Possible, Women’s Fund of Omaha and the WCA.

“Gretchen embodies what it means to be a leader in the community,” Jay Warren-Teamer, community and strategic engagement leader at BCBSNE, said. “Her commitment to giving back and uplifting girls and women in Omaha is truly inspiring, and she sets a standard for others to follow in creating meaningful impact.”

Continuing the recognitions, Wheeler was honored in August during the Inclusive Communities’ Humanitarian Awards.

In 2022, Wheeler founded Ignite Nebraska, an organization that trains underemployed adults for high-demand careers, provides personalized support and connects them with real employers. Her passion for connecting Nebraskans with job opportunities played a key role in her nomination and selection for the Mart Sedky Corporate Leadership Award. The award honors the legacy of Mart Sedky, a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion at Omaha Public Power District.

For seven decades, the annual event has honored individuals and organizations whose dedication to justice, equity and community reflect the core values of Inclusive Communities, an organization dedicated to championing inclusion and belonging.

“The good work doesn’t stop when Joni leaves the office,” Warren-Teamer said. “She goes above and beyond in every aspect of her life to ensure her community members have the opportunities they need to succeed.”

Wheeler is active in community service and currently serves on the board of directors for ICAN, Boys Town National Board of Trustees, as well as talent track lead for the Omaha Chamber’s Thrive 2020 initiative. She is also part of a UNO women’s Maverick basketball mentoring program and is a strong advocate for mental illness programs for children.

Learn more about how BCBSNE employees show up for communities across the state on the Community Engagement page.