OUR LEADERSHIP STUCTURE
Grassland Gallery is being developed by a dedicated core team of three members who lead the vision, coordination, and creative direction of this meaningful event. Their collaborative work lays the foundation for a thoughtful and place-responsive experience, while the planning and execution are strengthened through the support of valued community partners and members of our county coordinator teams. Together, these collaborators contribute local knowledge, relationships, and expertise that make it possible to thoughtfully plan, organize, and deliver an event that is deeply rooted in the communities and landscapes it celebrates.
THE CORE LEADERSHIP TEAM
The three leading members of the team pioneering the event.
CORE LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBER
BROCK ORTNER
Brock Ortner is an Assistant Extension Educator with University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, serving Engagement Zone 1 from the Sheridan County Extension office in Rushville, Nebraska. He focuses on livestock systems with an emphasis on beef cattle nutrition, cow-calf operations, and grazing systems. In his Extension work, Brock provides research-based programming and practical support to ranchers and livestock producers throughout northwest Nebraska, helping strengthen local agricultural operations and decision-making.
COORE LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBER
RYAN BENJAMIN
Ryan Benjamin is a Livestock Systems Extension Educator with University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, based in Engagement Zone 2 at the Cherry County Extension office in Valentine, Nebraska. As a Beef Systems Extension Educator, he delivers educational outreach and programming grounded in UNL research to support Nebraska’s beef industry and livestock producers. Ryan works with ranchers, producers, and industry partners to address production, grazing, and range management challenges, helping strengthen Nebraska’s livestock systems.
COMMUNITY ARTS & AGRICULTURE ADVISOR
BRENNA LITYNSKI
Brenna Litynski holds an M.S. in Animal and Veterinary Science from the University of Wyoming, with an emphasis in livestock nutrition. A first-generation rancher, her professional background spans livestock management, agricultural education, natural resource stewardship, and community outreach, with a focus on making science-based information accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
In addition to her work in agriculture and natural resources, Brenna is a fine artist, illustrator, and digital designer. She brings these creative disciplines together with her scientific training to develop engaging educational resources, visual communications, and community-focused projects. Her work bridges science and art to foster meaningful connections between producers, land stewards, and the broader public through innovative, research-informed storytelling and education.
DIGITAL MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS TEAM MEMBER
CARA SMITH
Cara Smith is a current student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Originally from Battle Creek, Michigan, she is currently double majoring in Advertising + Public Relations and Journalism, with a minor in Art through the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Outside of Nebraska Extension she works for the Daily Nebraskan as a digital staffer and writes a monthly column for them. She hopes to follow her passion for journalism outside of college and pursue a career within the field.