CUES Fund

Marzia Puccioni Shields

CEO/Executive Director

Marzia Puccioni Sheilds joins the CUES Fund after a successful run as the Chief Development Officer for Heartland Family Service in Omaha. Previously she also worked as a Senior Director of Development at Creighton University and as the Regional Vice President of the Arthritis Foundation, Heartland Region and served as Executive Director of the Nebraska chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.

Marzia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Known for her transformative leadership, Marzia has over 20 years’ experience in philanthropy and non-profit management.

Marzia immigrated with her parents from Italy as a child. She is fluent in Italian. She was the first in her family to attend college. “My parents had a dream for me and my sister when we immigrated from Italy. Education was part of that dream. Education is a powerful tool that can change a community, change a world. “

She has lived in Omaha for many years, but still has family in Italy. She and her husband Jim Shields have two married daughters, three grandchildren and six “furry” grandkids. The first parish she attended after coming to the United States was St. Bernard’s parish in Omaha. She currently attends St. John Vianney parish and has also attended Our Lady of Lourdes/St. Adalbert parish.

Cynthia “Cindi” Elston Horning

Chief Development Officer

Cindi Horning serves as the Chief Development Officer at CUES School System. With a passion for education and a proven track record in fundraising and development, she plays a pivotal role in advancing the school’s mission and ensuring its continued growth and success.  With a rich background in Retail and Operation Management, Cindi brings 28 years of business and 10 years of Nonprofit experience to the CUES Fund. She has a proven history of driving successful development initiatives, cultivating strategic partnerships, and implementing innovative fundraising strategies.

Cindi holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University. She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning and stays abreast of the latest trends and best practices in business and corporate giving.  Known for her visionary leadership, Cindi is dedicated to fostering a culture of philanthropy within the CUES community. She believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to ensuring that CUES continues to provide a high-quality learning experience for all students. Leveling the playing field for our students/families and putting them on trajectory of success.

Outside of her professional role, Cindi is actively involved in the local community. She has and does serve on many boards, committees, and community organizations, further demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the schools’ campus.  Born and raised in Omaha, She and her husband of 30 years reside here in Omaha. They have raised three kids and are avid KU Jayhawks fans.

Kent P Carson

Chief Operating and Information Officer

Kent Carson joined the CUES Fund in April 2022 as Database Administrator and was named the Chief Operating and Information Officer in December of 2022. Kent has 30 years of experience directing information technology systems, business operations, administration, risk, and facilities management. Most recently, Kent served as Chief Operating and Information Officer for the Nebraska Children’s Society. In this role, Kent led the Agency through a period of technology expansion, administrative growth, risk assessment, facilities management and operational consolidation. These efforts standardized technology resources, expanded secured communication and facilities, and restructured the agency’s overall approach to administrative support.

Kent’s previous positions include: Director of Networked Systems for Guarantee Life Insurance Company, Networking and Systems Integration Director at ITI Marketing Services, and Information Technology Officer and Director of End-User Computing for FirsTier Financial, Inc. He taught numerous Business and Information Technology courses at College of St. Mary in Omaha as an adjunct professor.

Kent has a Nebraska Educators Teaching Certificate and has been conferred a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master of Arts Management, a Master Business Administration, and a PhD in Organization and Management.

Tim Adams

Accountant

A Bellevue native, Tim’s Catholic roots go back to elementary school. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary, started his high school career at Creighton Prep and graduated from Bellevue High school. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from Bellevue University.

After spending 35 years as an accounting manager at a trucking company, Tim decided he was not quite finished with his career. Tim joined the CUES team in 2018. From paying the bills to organizing paperwork, Tim manages many daily financial tasks of the organization. In 2019, Tim also began serving as the Business Manager for Sacred Heart Church.

Tim and his wife Phyllis have been married for over 45 years. Their two daughters, Christina and Laura, gave them four grandchildren to spoil.

Lisa Schnackel

Controller

Lisa Schnackel joined CUES in 2023 as the Controller, she prepares monthly financial reports, processes payroll for CUES Fund and CUES School System.

Born and raised in Atlantic, IA, Lisa moved to Crescent to attend Iowa Western Community College, receiving an Associate of Art degree in business. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Buena Vista University. Prior to joining CUES Fund, Lisa was the controller for 6 years for two non-profits, Educare of Omaha and Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative. Other finance experience includes 18 years in hospitality and 9 years in manufacturing.

Trish Walz

Senior Director of Projects and Special Events

Trish joined the CUES Fund team in 2018 and is now the Senior Director of Projects and Special Events.

She was born and raised in Omaha and received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Trish has a background in civic philanthropy, business and marketing. Before she joined CUES, Trish led events and stewardship and development with the Archdiocese of Omaha.

In her current role, Trish uses her creativity and passion for helping others to create inspiring and engaging events for our donors, students and other stakeholders. She oversees planning and execution of The Gathering and Tee It Up Fore CUES, two signature fundraising events that help underwrite the cost of student education.

Trish and her husband have four children.

Christina Siegel

Executive Administrator

Christina Siegel joined the CUES Fund in August 2023 as the Executive Administrator providing administrative support to the CUES Fund leadership team. Christina has over 16 years of experience working as an administrative professional, previously supervising administrative departments with Children’s Hospital of Nebraska and Nebraska Children’s Home Society. Christina has a passion for working with non-profit organizations that provide support to children and families.

Christina was born and raised in Omaha. She graduated from Omaha North High School. She and her husband have two children.

Katie Jones

Marketing and Development Coordinator

Katie Jones joined the CUES Fund as an intern in September of 2023. She was then promoted in January 2024 as the Associate Director of Marketing and Development.

Katie was born and raised in Omaha, NE. She attended Duchesne Academy High School before moving to Lincoln, NE where she studied at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.