the omaha mounted Foundation

Carol Copeland is a native Texan but has called Omaha, Nebraska home since 1985.  She graduated from Oklahoma Christian University  and St Anthony Hospital School of Medical Technology. She was certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists as a medical technologist. 

Since 2017, Carol served as the Volunteer Coordinator for the International Omaha Jumping and Dressage competition and World Cup Finals. She has also been an active volunteer with Women's Ministry Leader at Southwest Church of Christ, President of Oklahoma Christian University Alumni Board and President of Leawood Southwest Homeowner Association.  Currently, she serves on the Advisory Board of Nebraska State Recycling Association.  

Carol, and her husband Rick, are avid lovers of outdoor adventure.  They enjoy summers  in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming in their log cabin and spending time with their grandchildren.

Kerry Heinrich is currently the Director, Marketing Communications for WoodmenLife. Heinrich earned her Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in 1993. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in History and Spanish from Northwestern University. She is an accredited public relations professional, earning her APR designation in 2001. 

An active community member, Heinrich currently serves as the President of the Nebraska Kidney Association and as a director on the board of CHAD. She was honored as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Omahans” in 2000 and as one of The Midland Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 2005. In her free time, Heinrich enjoys cooking, reading, working out, traveling, and spending time with her dog.

A seasoned professional in the field of dentistry, Dr. Matranga is the owner & operator of 40th and Dodge Family Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Matranga earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Marquette University School of Dentistry. After joining the U S. Air Force, he served as a General Dental Officer at several Air Force bases, including Phan Rang Air Base, Viet Nam, and San Vito, Air Station, Italy, as Preventative Dental Officer. 

Captain Matranga earned his Master of Science degree in General Dentistry from the University of Texas at Houston and his board certification from the American Board of General Dentistry.

Kate M. Peterson recently retired after a 36-year career as a Civil Engineer with the United States Army Corps of Engineers.   Kate is married to Mark Peterson, and together they have raised two accomplished children, Sierra Bolkema and Marshal Peterson. Both Sierra and Marshal have achieved notable success in the rodeo world, a passion supported by their mother. Sierra has held titles including Miss Wahoo Rodeo, Miss Rodeo Burwell, and Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2012. Marshal is a former College National Rodeo Finals contestant in calf roping and team roping, and was the Great Plains Region Calf Roping Champion. He continues to compete in team roping events.  

Kate is co-leader of the Platte Valley Wrangler 4H club in Saunders County, where she volunteers alongside her husband, daughter and son. She loves volunteering to nurture young talent and foster a love for horses and rodeo. Kate's passion for equestrian activities extends to her own pursuits; she enjoys barrel racing and team roping, frequently participating in local jackpots. 

Kate finds immense joy in helping youth become better versions of themselves through the discipline and dedication of working with horses.

Jackie Vinci is Corporate Events & Client Support Officer at American National Bank. Jackie graduated from Russell Sage College in Troy N.Y. with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. Jackie worked for 20 years in Washington, D.C., in the event management industry as Director of Special Events for Courtesy Associates/Smith Bucklin orchestrating corporate and association events throughout North America. Prior, she was Director of Operations for the Presidential Yacht Trust managing all official and client events, as well as sponsorship marketing for the former Presidential Yacht Sequoia including two eight-month, 7,000-mile national goodwill voyages around the eastern seaboard and Mississippi River. 

In 2013, Jackie joined the Omaha Equestrian Foundation and was instrumental in helping build the foundation for the annual event, The International Omaha, featuring elite competition in jumping and dressage. From conceptualizing and creating the educational experience to managing sponsorships, vendors, and show elements, she played a key role in growing audience engagement and building momentum. This work ultimately led to Omaha hosting the first Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals in 2017, where Jackie served as a member of the organizing team.

Jill Wagner dedicated 24.5 years of service to the Omaha Police Department. She began her career in the Uniform Patrol Bureau, served seven years as a School Resource Officer at Omaha South High School, and concluded her career with seven years in the Omaha Mounted Patrol, where she spent most of her time partnered with police horse Zane.

Prior to joining OPD, Jill earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Northwestern College.

Throughout her law enforcement career, Jill was deeply committed to community engagement and volunteerism. She worked extensively with the Police Athletic League (PAL) and PACE programs and most recently volunteered her time teaching jiu-jitsu and chess. Jill has trained in jiu-jitsu for 25 years and continues to actively instruct both jiu-jitsu and self-defense on a regular basis.

In addition to her professional and athletic contributions, Jill volunteered for many years with Special Olympics through OPD and assisted her church with the Operation Christmas Child shoebox drive