Celebrating Excellence: 2026 NNLA Annual Conference Award Winners & New NCNLPs
The 2026 NNLA Annual Conference was a wonderful occasion to pause and recognize the outstanding individuals and organizations who make Nebraska's nursery and landscape industry so strong. From seasoned veterans to newly certified professionals, this year's honorees represent the very best of what our industry has to offer.
Distinguished Nursery Professional Award — Brett Schroer
Brett Schroer has been a dedicated leader and advocate for Nebraska's nursery and landscape industry for many years. A past president of NNLA, Brett has consistently contributed his time, knowledge, and leadership to support the association and its members. Known for his commitment to education and mentorship, he has gone out of his way to help others succeed while advancing the profession as a whole. Please join us in congratulating Brett Schroer as the 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Nursery Professional Award — it is well deserved.
Distinguished NCNLP Award — Tim Dungan
The Distinguished Nebraska Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional Award is presented to a current NCNLP who exhibits the ideals and standards associated with professional certification and is actively advancing the NCNLP program. This year's award goes to someone who embodies that mission through knowledge, passion, and a genuine love for the industry. Tim Dungan of Great Plains Nursery is a dedicated leader within the NCNLP program and a strong advocate for professional excellence. As a member of the NCNLP Committee, Tim actively supports the certification program while mentoring others along the way. His commitment to education, service, and high professional standards makes him a truly deserving honoree. Congratulations, Tim Dungan — the 2026 Distinguished NCNLP!
Distinguished Nebraska Landscape Professional Award — Nate Jensen
The Distinguished Nebraska Landscape Professional Award recognizes a current NNLA member who has served as a role model for the industry and community and has dedicated more than 10 years to the nursery and landscape profession. This year's recipient truly embodies those qualities. Horticulture is in his blood, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a constant desire to learn, grow, and elevate those around him. As an NCNLP and active industry leader, he encourages education, certification, and involvement through NNLA events, boards, and committees. Known for his kindness, integrity, and follow-through, he leads with trust and purpose — and his commitment to giving back is evident in everything he does. Through his company, Crew of the Month recipients choose a charity close to their heart, with donations made in their honor. Please join us in congratulating Nate Jensen, a respected leader, mentor, and role model in Nebraska's nursery and landscape industry.
NNLA Hall of Fame — Marti Neely
One of the highest honors our association can bestow, the NNLA Hall of Fame Award recognizes a member who has been instrumental in advancing both NNLA and the nursery and landscape industry, with more than 20 years of active service. This year, we are proud to induct Marti Neely. With more than 30 years dedicated to the profession, Marti built a remarkable career as the former owner and principal designer of Marti Neely Design & Associates — one defined by creativity, professionalism, and sustainable practices. A former NNLA Board President and nationally recognized designer, she has earned numerous credentials and honors, including APLD Certified Designer and Fellow, NNLA Certified Nurseryman, and NNLA Distinguished Landscape Professional. Her dedication to education, service, and supporting the next generation of professionals has left a lasting and meaningful impact on our industry. Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Marti — thank you for everything you have given to this profession.
Golden Leaf Award — Mulhall's Nursery
The NNLA Golden Leaf Award is presented to a group or individual who has demonstrated outstanding support for NNLA and Nebraska's nursery and landscape industry. This year, we are proud to recognize Mulhall's Nursery. A cornerstone of Nebraska's landscape and nursery community since the 1950s, Mulhall's has remained dedicated to growing high-quality plant material and providing exceptional customer service under the leadership of brothers Dan and Sean Mulhall, and following the legacy of their father, John Mulhall. For decades, Mulhall's has helped shape and enhance landscapes across the Omaha area, leaving a lasting mark on neighborhoods and communities alike. Their continued commitment to quality, innovation, and service reflects the very spirit of this award. Congratulations to Mulhall's Nursery — a most deserving recipient.
Welcoming Our Newest NCNLPs
The Nebraska Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional designation represents knowledge, credibility, and a genuine commitment to excellence in our industry. Earning the credential is no small feat — candidates must successfully complete a three-part exam covering plant identification, landscape design, and the NCNLP manual, with a minimum score of 75% required on each section. Certified professionals also commit to five hours of continuing education annually to maintain their designation.
We are thrilled to welcome five new NCNLPs who tested in February 2025. Please join us in congratulating Jamie Bastian, Katie Naumann, Megan Potts, Sara Gronewold, and Zoe Gildersleeve on this outstanding achievement. We are so proud to have you as part of the NCNLP community, and we thank Metro Community College's Fort Omaha Campus for graciously providing testing space.
To all of this year's honorees and newly certified professionals — thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your continued investment in making Nebraska's nursery and landscape industry the best it can be.