Board of Directors Spotlight: Dean Mathisen

This week our Board of Directors Spotlight shines on Dean Mathisen! Dean has served on our Board since 2021, but has been associated with New Visions for much longer. Dean is an Army veteran who was stationed in Germany when the Berlin Wall fell. He was also deployed to Kuwait and served a total of 14 years in the military before retiring. In 2002, Dean was called upon to serve his country in a different capacity as a constituent contact for veterans for Nebraska Congressman Lee Terry. Dean went on to also serve with Joni Ernst (IA) and Don Bacon (NE) in roles that continued to connect him to veterans and to helping the community in many different ways. But it was during his time with Lee Terry that Dean first connected with New Visions.

Dean remembers, “During my work with Lee Terry, I discovered a grant for serving homeless veterans. Lee knew Harry Wallar, so the three of us began a series of meetings that would eventually lead to the opening of Nebraska’s finest homeless shelter for veterans.” New Visions Omaha opened in 2012, bringing Dean’s initial vision of a Grant Per Diem (GPD) veteran’s facility to life. When Dean joined the Board in 2021, it was partly because he wanted to see the continued success of New Visions Omaha. Since then, Dean has also witnessed some of the other New Visions programs that bring powerful impact to the community. “All you have to do is stand outside the building,” says Dean, “and you can see the mission taking place every day.” In addition to continuing to serve our Omaha Veteran’s Campus, Dean has also served at our drive-through Food Pantry, our meal-site, and our Christmas Celebration. “The Christmas Celebration is the icing on the cake when it comes to New Visions programs,” says Dean. “When I’m out there handing out hams and turkeys to families, I try to make sure they know that they aren’t forgotten.”

Along with continuing to serve veterans and our board in many ways, Dean is also active with his VFW Post. In his free time, Dean enjoys horseback riding, deer hunting, and caring for his dog. Dean has been fighting for veterans for a long time, and we’re so grateful to have him fighting along with us for the dignified treatment of veterans and others experiencing homelessness.