Restoring Dignity Board

Mary Blaney, President and Treasurer

Mary Blaney serves as Controller of Burlington Capital and oversees the day-to-day activities of the Finance department.  She is also responsible for internal controls over financial reporting.  In addition to her financial duties, Mary is also a member of the Investment Committee for Burlington’s Ag-Venture Fund.  Prior to joining Burlington Capital in 2017, she was an auditor with a national accounting firm, focused on financial service clients.  Mary graduated from University of Nebraska at Omaha with a BSBA with a concentration in Accounting and a BA with a concentration in Spanish and has an active CPA license in Nebraska.  Mary’s free time is spent with her active family enjoying the outdoors and playing sports.

Pamela Finn, Vice President

Pamela Finn is a seasoned business professional with over three decades of experience. She was the owner of a successful international design and manufacturing company, which she led until its sale in 2016. Following the sale of her company, Ms. Finn was President of Business Development for Burlington Capital from 2018-2023. She currently serves as a Senior Advisor to the firm, where she continues to contribute her leadership and
experience, offering guidance and strategic operational oversight. Throughout her career, Pamela has demonstrated extensive expertise in overseeing financial, leadership, and operational aspects of businesses. Her
background includes significant work in company turnarounds, in addition to creating business strategies to facilitate growth and develop strategic relationships. Ms. Finn is also active in the investment and management of a global real estate portfolio. As a consultant, she leverages her extensive business knowledge to assist start-ups, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations in achieving success. Pamela is deeply engaged in her community, serving on several boards, including the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, CUES Schools, and the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Board.

Leah Sawyer Baker, Secretary

Leah Sawyer Baker has worked with refugees in various capacities for eleven years. She graduated with her Masters in Social Work from Boise State in Boise, Idaho, and has worked with refugees in Idaho, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Leah was the Refugee Resettlement Program Manager at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota from 2014 – 2018 and oversaw the Reception and Placement Program for all refugee arrivals in both the Minneapolis and Saint Cloud offices welcoming an average of 700 refugees in the state each year. Leah completed an internship with the State Department, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) in Washington, D.C. working in refugee admissions and spent five months living outside of Karenni Camp One along the Thailand and Burma border. Leah is currently the school social worker at Bancroft Elementary School in Omaha, Nebraska. Outside of work, Leah is a fan of women’s soccer, going for walks, taking Zumba classes, and learning new plant based recipes to prepare on the weekends!

Abdi Hussein, Voting Member

Abdi Hussein serves as a program manager at the International Council for Refugees and Immigrants (ICRI). Mr. Hussein has years of experience working with refugees and immigrant populations, as he worked with both national and international organizations in Kenya in different capacities. Abdi has also worked for Omaha Public Schools, the largest school district in Nebraska, as a community liaison serving over 8,500 EL students. Abdi received OPS Outstanding Educator Award in 2018 and Outstanding Community Leader Award in 2021.  He completed two associate degrees in community health and nutrition and dietetics in 2012 and 2013, respectively. He has also completed a Bachelor of Art degree with a concentration in natural sciences/mathematics in 2021. He is currently pursuing another bachelor’s degree in arts and Sciences at UNO leading him to become a physician assistant. Abdi is also pursuing an MPH in Epidemiology at UNMC.

Cory Nelson, Voting Member

Cory Nelson serves as the Director of Impact Ministries at Relevant Community Church. He has been working with Karen refugees since 2009 both locally in Omaha and overseas along the Thai/Burma border. He has been involved with Restoring Dignity since shortly after its inception and served in various capacities over the years. Cory’s free time is spent with his family traveling and staying active outdoors.

Rosy Htu, Voting Member

Bio and picture coming soon! 

Refugee Community Advisory Committee

We are in the process of gathering members for our Refugee Community Advisory Committee. Check back soon for updates!