Board of Directors Spotlight: STAN HAWKINS

Over the coming months, we’ll be shining the spotlight on our amazing Board members, who help to set the vision of our organization and guide our practices to ensure that we stay true to our mission. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Stan Hawkins!

An Air Force intelligence veteran working at Bellevue University, Stan joined our Board in 2022 when he had lunch at our Omaha Veteran’s Campus and became hooked on our mission and the need for our services to veterans. “I was retired from the Air Force with a good job and secure future,” says Stan, “but I saw these comrades without a secure future and I knew I wanted to be a part of making things better for them.” Stan’s work at Bellevue University was already focused on helping veterans to get educated and find good jobs, so serving on our Board was a perfect fit.

In addition to serving as the Secretary of our Board and working as Bellevue University’s Director of Government and Military Affairs, Stan enjoys reading, podcasts, golf, and “glamping” on the Missouri River where he goes to fish, hunt, boat, and retreat with his family. Some of his other leadership positions in the community include serving on the board of Life Bridge Charitable Solutions (helping service members with PTDS related connections) as well as many speaking engagements and panels.

When reflecting on our mission at New Visions, Stan likens it to a lighthouse, seeing people in need drawn in by the hope and light provided by our programs and staff. “The staff amazes me,” says Stan, “their patience and care for individuals is incredibly inspiring and Christ-like. I wish people would have more grace for the homeless and understand that it could happen to anyone.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. We’re so grateful for Stan’s leadership in helping us to be that lighthouse of help, hope, and opportunity for our neighbors experiencing hunger and homelessness.