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2025 Election Candidate Profiles
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PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

HUNTER BOE

Friends and Colleagues,

It is with much excitement that I put forth my name for your consideration as President Elect.

Over the last decade, I have served in rural, single-high-school districts (Wahoo, Norris), and a large, suburban district (Lincoln Standing Bear), teaching students from elementary

through high school, though the bulk of my experience has been 6-12. And, like many of you, I have been heavily involved in musical theatre, show choir, church ministry, and private instruction.

One constant in my career has been NCDA, where I have been involved as a college intern, member, and, for the last 7 years, District 1E Representative. This organization has given me great friendships, inspiration, repertoire, rehearsal techniques, and a community that both challenges and uplifts. I know the significance of its impact. I want to do my part in giving back through leadership and service. I will bring an energy and enthusiasm, strong relationships to folks across the state, and a clear vision for our next steps as an organization, specifically for expanding our online presence and community engagement. Thank you for your consideration. -Hunter

LACEY FRANZEN

My name is Lacey Franzen. I teach 6-8 grade vocal music at Hastings Middle School. I grew up in Imperial, NE, and am a graduate of Hastings College. I have taught in combinations of K-12 general and vocal music in Nebraska. My mission is to build community with support and encouragement through music.

I’ve been a proud NCDA member for many years. When I started teaching high school choir 18 years ago, I felt very unprepared to step into that role from originally being an elementary music specialist. This organization guided me to be prepared with more tools and tidbits to build sound and precision and vowel shape, and to walk into each high school, middle school, and elementary school to build programs with grace and hard work. NCDA is an important place to continue to build on these tools and to create networking that lasts a lifetime. Being together and present in the room making music matters.

The future of choral singing in Nebraska is bright when we build off of our knowledge as a collective community. This strength we have in the choral singing community only continues to be strong by reaching out to others in a collective effort to support our colleagues across the state.

AT-LARGE CANDIDATES

LAUREN BYERS

My name is Lauren Byers, and I’ve just completed my fifth year of teaching, and my third year in secondary vocal music at Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools My journey with the Nebraska Choral Directors Association began during my time as an undergraduate at Nebraska Wesleyan where I served as a collegiate intern for NCDA all four years under the mentorship of Dr. William Wyman. My internship experience sparked a lasting appreciation for Nebraska’s choral community, and I’ve made it a point to attend every conference since.

NCDA has played a vital role in my development as an educator, offering invaluable support, mentorship, and connection—especially during the early years of my career and throughout the challenges of the pandemic. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience has been growing in relationship with the educators I once looked up to who have now become trusted colleagues and collaborators. That sense of community and shared purpose is what makes NCDA so special. I’m hopeful and excited about the future of choral music in Nebraska- one where our tradition continues to grow in quality and becomes more open and inviting to all singers, directors, and educators alike.

CHRIS WORK

My name is Chris Work, and I serve as the Vocal Music Director at Plattsmouth High School and the Choir Director for the Tangier Shrine in Omaha. I am deeply passionate about creating impactful musical experiences for my students, with a strong emphasis on vocal technique, music literacy, and individualized feedback. NCDA has played a pivotal role in my professional journey, offering a sense of community and immense knowledge. Many of the most meaningful connections in my career have begun through interactions with fellow NCDA members at conventions.

As we look toward the future, Nebraska choral music faces both challenges and exciting opportunities. With a decline in available accompanists and tightening arts funding, we must also recognize the growing accessibility of vocal literature, the wealth of performance recordings, and the surge in popularity of show choir programs. For NCDA to continue thriving, we must actively engage and support directors across the state—especially those not currently involved. I would be honored to contribute to this growth and help shape the next chapter of our organization.