Civic Nebraska’s board of directors recently announced the appointment of Nancy Petitto, a 2006 CoJMC graduate, as the organization’s next executive director. Petitto, a proven leader who joined Civic Nebraska in 2018, begins the transition to the top leadership role immediately.
The appointment concludes a six-month search that included Civic Nebraska’s board, senior leaders, staff, and stakeholders. Petitto, of Lincoln, succeeds founder Adam Morfeld, who led the organization for 16 years.
“It’s an honor to be entrusted with this incredible responsibility, and it’s my deep privilege to lead such an exceptional team of democracy-builders across our state,” Petitto said. “I’m fortunate that my journey through Civic Nebraska – guided by our incredible staff, stakeholders, and partners – has equipped me with the experience, insight, and determination to step into this moment confidently.”
Executive director is Petitto’s fourth role at Civic Nebraska. From 2018-21, she led Collective Impact Lincoln, a local neighborhood-strengthening partnership between Civic Nebraska and Nebraska Appleseed. In 2021, she was promoted to director of Civic Nebraska’s Civic Health Programs, a position she held for three years. In 2024, Petitto became senior director of programs, overseeing Civic Nebraska’s Youth Civic Leadership, Civic Health, and Voting Rights Initiatives programs.
As the organization’s principal leader and community representative, Petitto will guide and advise senior directors and administrative team members on development, financial, programmatic, people and culture, and policy matters. She is tasked with maintaining Civic Nebraska’s momentum and status as the state’s pre-eminent voting rights organization while expanding and innovating amid a changing democracy-building arena.
Petitto is no stranger to such challenges. Since 2018, she has helped lead Civic Nebraska through rapid growth and fortified the organization’s community connection during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Civic Nebraska is now a statewide organization of 30 full-time and 75 part-time staff.
“The board had the luxury of being able to consider several outstanding candidates to lead our organization,” said Omaid Zabih, chair of the board of directors. “Nancy’s extensive experience with Civic Nebraska’s mission, values, and priorities, combined with her passion for and skills in strengthening our state’s communities, will be invaluable as we continue to build a more modern and robust democracy for all Nebraskans.”
Zabih expressed gratitude to the board and Director of Development Kyle Cartwright, who has served as interim executive director since August.
Cartwright said Civic Nebraska is well-positioned to continue its democracy-building mission as Petitto’s tenure begins.
“For the past six months, I’ve had the privilege of guiding our senior leadership team and our dedicated staff,” he said. “We didn’t miss a beat during the interim, and we’re eager for a new era of growth, innovation, and impact.”
Petitto attended the University of Nebraska, where she earned a bachelor of journalism in news-editorial and master of arts in educational administration with a focus in higher education administration, leadership, and organizational management.
Before joining Civic Nebraska, she worked in the academic, administrative, and research departments at Nebraska U. Petitto has served on the Belmont Community Center's board of directors since 2022 and is currently its president. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, Scott, and spending time with their dogs, Frankie and Murphy.
“Civic Nebraska stands at a pivotal moment to expand our reach, redefine civic engagement, and strengthen the civic health of our communities,” Petitto said. “We’re primed to adapt, sharpen our focus, and drive impact where it matters most.”
About Civic Nebraska
Civic Nebraska creates a more modern and robust democracy for all Nebraskans. It is dedicated to increasing K-12 civic engagement, promoting statewide civic health, and protecting voting rights. To learn more, visit CivicNebraska.org.
