Meet Nick.

Nick was born to a 17-year-old Benson High student who raised him as a single mother. His childhood was marked by empty fridges, utility shut-offs, and evictions. He got his first job (stocking shelves) shortly after his 14th birthday to start supporting himself. Thanks to his public school teachers, he managed to keep his grades up.

Although awarded a full scholarship, Nick continued to work to pay for college expenses. He took the graveyard shift on a factory assembly line and odd jobs in construction. At Harvard, Nick won the university’s most competitive public service fellowship and earned medals as captain of the archery team. His final thesis, which focused on public infrastructure construction in Nebraska, received high honors.

In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Nick founded a nonprofit organization aimed at rebuilding communities in the region. When civil war erupted in 2006, many major humanitarian organizations departed, but Nick led a team that continued to build refugee schools and supply local hospitals even as bombs and artillery exploded around them. His work spanned several years and was recognized by members of Congress.

After college, Nick enlisted in the Army, where he excelled. He was selected for Officer Candidate School and earned his commission as a lieutenant from the Infantry School. He underwent advanced engineering training and led soldiers in various roles and missions, including overseeing battalion humanitarian and civil works assets. During eight years of honorable service, he received decorations and medals from the Army, the Engineering Regiment, and a foreign government.

After graduating from the University of Nebraska School of Law and gaining experience at a prominent Omaha firm, Nick accepted a leadership position at Hawkins Construction. In this role, he negotiates complex infrastructure projects and resolves construction challenges. He has been a central figure in delivering many of Nebraska's largest public infrastructure projects, including pollution prevention in the Missouri River, Eppley Airfield renovations, Florence Water Treatment Plant modernization, and the construction of the Lincoln South Beltway.

Nick is married to Jill Batter. Jill is an attorney who works to help small businesses owners grow their businesses. Her community service includes work on the Board of Voices for Children in Nebraska, one of the state’s leading child advocacy organizations, in addition to volunteer work in the Florence community. Jill and Nick are proud parents to three future OPS students.

While in college, Nick volunteered his summer hours with a Minne Lusa neighborhood nonprofit, sponsoring people coming out of prison who were looking for work. Today he serves on a variety of boards and advisory groups dedicated to neighborhood issues, historic preservation, and construction education. He was elected to the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he works to expand affordable housing, develop local infrastructure, and increase access to childcare. He has provided hundreds of hours of pro bono legal services to community nonprofits and small businesses in the neighborhood.