Lori Johnson graduated in 2001 with an A.A.S. degree in Business Administration from Southeast Community College. She continued with her education at Doane University where she earned a B.S. in Business Management in 2009. She said her time at SCC provided her with a solid foundation.
"SCC is all around a great place to get you headed in the right direction," she said. "I chose SCC for two reasons: cost savings and work/life/school balance. I was unclear of what I wanted to do and couldn't see paying higher rates for my first two years of education. Also I needed to work full-time to pay for school, so I needed a college with flexibility."
Johnson has spent the past 15 years at Great Plains Appraisal in Lincoln and climbed up the ranks from staff technician, to trainee, to staff appraiser, to her current role as senior staff appraiser and vice-president. She also serves as secretary on the board of directors and assists the Lancaster County Board of Equalization as an assistant referee coordinator. She hopes to attract more women to the field.
"My profession is dominated by males. My goal is to get more females interested in the commercial appraisal profession and if I can be a source of encouragement or inspiration for just one woman, I'll consider it a win," she stated.
Jason Pickerel with Great Plains Appraisal nominated Johnson for the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award. Not only is she an outstanding appraiser, he said, but a wise mentor and highly respected.
"Lori's talent and love for the appraisal field is admirable," he said. "She is a real difference-maker in the improvement and growth of Great Plains Appraisal."
"I was very honored when I found out I was chosen for this award," she commented. "I try to hold myself to the highest level possible in my profession and it's very humbling and rewarding when people notice."
Born and raised in Neligh, she graduated from Neligh-Oakdale in 1997. She and her husband Aaron live in Lincoln and have two children.