Nebraska Public Power District Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nebraska Public Power District has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, and corporate support.

Committed to reliable energy delivery, Nebraska Public Power District maintains a mission of providing sustainable power solutions while fostering economic growth across the state through transparent, publicly-owned utility management.

Leadership Roles at Nebraska Public Power District

  • Chief Executive Officer - Patrick Pope
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Thomas Kent
  • Chief Financial Officer - Traci Bender
  • Nppd Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Laura Kapustka
  • Executive Vice President & District Chief Financial Officer, Nebraska Public Power - Bender Traci
  • Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Support - Roy Steiner
  • Patrick Pope - Chief Executive Officer

    Patrick Pope, the Chief Executive Officer at Nebraska Public Power District, directs the overarching strategic vision for the utility. Overseeing long-term energy planning, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization meets the evolving power demands of the state. This leadership role involves managing complex regulatory environments and coordinating with the Board to maintain operational excellence. By prioritizing grid reliability and infrastructure investment, Patrick Pope directly impacts the stability of the regional energy supply. The Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that modernize power generation assets while maintaining affordability for retail and wholesale customers. Through rigorous oversight of utility operations, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the district. This executive leadership ensures that the organization remains a cornerstone of the state infrastructure, balancing environmental responsibility with the necessity of consistent, high-capacity energy delivery across the entire service territory.

    Thomas Kent - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Thomas Kent, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Nebraska Public Power District, manages the daily execution of corporate policy and utility operations. Overseeing the integration of renewable energy sources, the President & Chief Executive Officer aligns technical capabilities with the broader mission of the district. This leadership role requires constant engagement with stakeholders to ensure the utility provides reliable service across the state. By optimizing internal processes, Thomas Kent enhances the efficiency of power distribution networks. The President & Chief Executive Officer leads the transition toward a more sustainable energy portfolio, ensuring the organization adapts to changing market conditions. Through strategic management of the workforce and technical assets, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the operational integrity of the utility. This executive focus supports the long-term viability of the district, ensuring that energy services remain consistent and cost-effective for all residents and commercial partners.
    Thomas Kent

    Traci Bender - Chief Financial Officer

    Traci Bender, the Chief Financial Officer at Nebraska Public Power District, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the utility. Overseeing the financial planning and analysis department, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all investments in energy infrastructure align with the long-term budgetary goals of the district. This leadership role involves managing debt portfolios and ensuring compliance with state financial regulations. By optimizing the cost structure of power generation and distribution, Traci Bender directly supports the affordability of energy services for the public. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with other executive leaders to secure funding for critical grid upgrades and maintenance projects. Through meticulous oversight of financial reporting and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal stability of the organization. This executive function ensures that the utility remains financially resilient while continuing to provide essential energy services to the entire state.

    Laura Kapustka - Nppd Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Laura Kapustka, the Nppd Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Nebraska Public Power District, directs the treasury operations and revenue management functions. Overseeing the financial modeling for large-scale energy projects, the Nppd Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital expenditures support the growth of the utility. This leadership role involves managing relationships with financial institutions and rating agencies to maintain the creditworthiness of the district. By implementing advanced financial controls, Laura Kapustka improves the transparency and efficiency of the organization. The Nppd Vice President & Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to evaluate the economic impact of new energy technologies. Through strategic oversight of the accounting and procurement departments, the Nppd Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are allocated effectively. This executive leadership supports the overall mission of the utility by maintaining a robust and sustainable financial foundation for all operations.
    Laura Kapustka

    Bender Traci - Executive Vice President & District Chief Financial Officer, Nebraska Public Power

    Bender Traci, the Executive Vice President & District Chief Financial Officer, Nebraska Public Power at Nebraska Public Power District, oversees the strategic financial planning for the entire district. Managing the long-term investment strategy, the Executive Vice President & District Chief Financial Officer, Nebraska Public Power ensures that the utility maintains sufficient liquidity to handle operational emergencies and infrastructure demands. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to forecast energy demand and revenue potential. By directing the financial audit processes, Bender Traci ensures full compliance with public utility standards. The Executive Vice President & District Chief Financial Officer, Nebraska Public Power collaborates with the Board to set financial policies that protect the interests of the public. Through the management of complex financial systems, the Executive Vice President & District Chief Financial Officer, Nebraska Public Power supports the operational scale of the utility. This executive role is vital for maintaining the economic health of the organization.

    Roy Steiner - Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Support

    Roy Steiner, the Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Support at Nebraska Public Power District, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Overseeing the workforce planning for the utility, the Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Support ensures that the organization retains the technical expertise required to manage complex energy systems. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence across all departments. By implementing comprehensive training programs, Roy Steiner prepares the staff for the challenges of a modernizing energy grid. The Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Support coordinates with other executives to align human capital with the strategic goals of the district. Through the management of corporate support services, the Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Support ensures that the internal infrastructure remains efficient and responsive. This executive leadership supports the overall mission by building a resilient and highly skilled workforce capable of delivering reliable power.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nebraska Public Power District Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Nebraska Public Power District?
    Nebraska Public Power District is led by Patrick Pope (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thomas Kent (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Traci Bender (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Nebraska Public Power District’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nebraska Public Power District includes leaders such as Patrick Pope (Chief Executive Officer), Thomas Kent (President & Chief Executive Officer), Traci Bender (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Nebraska Public Power District have?
    Nebraska Public Power District has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Nebraska Public Power District’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Nebraska Public Power District includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Nppd Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & District Chief Financial Officer, Nebraska Public Power.