Phyllis Schoenholz, extension educator is working under the direction of the Nebraska Rural Intitiative as a member of the Communities of the Future team. This focused team's purpose is to assist communities and regions to build capacity while documenting "lessons learned." Although state-wide programming is being carried out, most of her work is in south eastern Nebraska along the South Highway 81 corridor. Presently, her primary programming responsibilities include helping communities plan for their future, developing community leadership development and information technology training.

Phyllis earned her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1968 and 1989, respectfully. Her undergraduate degree major included Home Economics Education. Her graduate program included an interdepartmental Home Economics degree with an emphasis on human development. As an extension educator for 16 years, she has participated in numerous state and national professional development conferences and workshops.

Ms. Schoenholz is also a member of Cooperative Extension's Community Resource Development Action team, Technologies Across Nebraska partnership, the conNEcting Nebraska technology training team and the Center for Applied Rural Innovation fellows.