Our Board
We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a shared purpose: promoting mental wellness in our community.
Angie Heckman
Angie has 29 years of experience in elementary and special education. She was employed as a service coordinator for the Department of Developmental Disabilities and an associate public guardian for the state of Nebraska. In the past, she served 10 years on the board for ARC of Nebraska. She is an active member of Justice in Action. Angie has a passion for advocating for people with different abilities.
Founder and CEO
Casey Conrad
Casey is a native Nebraskan, born and raised in Columbus, and a proud graduate of the University of Nebraska with a degree in Business Administration. After college, he partnered with my family to start Heartland Optical in Lincoln. Today, Heartland Optical serves customers through four locations—three in Lincoln and one in Grand Island. He has been an active member of the North 27th Street Business and Civic Association for 20 years, including 10 years as President. Shaped by my family’s experience with mental illness, my involvement with the Jasme;ne Foundation allows me to support organizations working to strengthen and stabilizeour mental health system.
Board Member
Patti's background is in the financial services industry, where she spent 41 years as a registered sales associate. Currently, she is a freelance writer and blogger at agelessaentures withpatti.com. She spends time reviewing restaurants, sharing stories of her travels, and writing personal stories about the people she meets. Patti has always had a passion for helping people with mental health issues. She has seen too many family members and friends suffer from various disorders, primarily driven by undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues. She hopes that The Jasm;ne Foundation can make a difference by providing resources and support for those who need it most.
Board Member
Patti Wagner Byrne
Fran is a lifelong Nebraskan who grew up in Lincoln with six siblings… life was never boring. She had a variety of jobs whileshe worked on her BA and then worked as a social worker for 26 years. Her primary focus was providing services to individuals with Alzheimer’s and their family members. After deciding to change careers, she was a real estate professional for 23 years. She recently retired but is very grateful for the years working with people and wanted to continue doing whatever she can to make a difference in their lives. Dealing with mental health issues within her own family has given her a unique understanding of the importance of organizations like the Jasm;ne Foundation.
Board Member
Fran O’Leary