Our Team

Darla Blevins, Disaster Case Manager

If you’re considering our services, chances are Darla will be the first person you’ll meet. Darla has been a Cass County resident for more than 20 years and believes in working and serving the community she lives in, taking pride in serving those she considers friends and neighbours. Darla addresses each individual’s disaster recovery needs on a case by case basis using a client-led wrap-around service. Outside of the CCLTRG she also works part-time at The Salvation Army Mental Health Respite Department in Omaha serving those with chronic homelessness, substance abuse/addiction and mental illness.

Jessica Twentyman, Executive Director

Jessica joined our organization in early 2021 after partnering with us during her time with the Red Cross. Jessica oversees the day to day operations at CCLTRG, identifying and leveraging resources in the community for recovery efforts. She has been working with Disaster Recovery Organizations since 2015 after volunteering in Dominica and has worked across the US following disasters including Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

Gary Harpster, President/Secretary

Gary has been a resident of Cass County since 1987 and is very active in our community currently serving as our President as well as the President of Middle Island Lake Association, a small lake community located within Cass County. He has training in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling, Fire Fighting, Search and Rescue, and Diving Recovery. Gary’s background is in Electronics Technology, Private, and Commercial Pilot Ratings and retired from Duncan Aviation in 2018 after 33 years. As a previous Chairman of the Aircraft Electronics Association, representing nearly 1,300 members in 40 different countries, he worked with the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington along with other government entities in building and bettering the safety aspects of the aviation industry. Additionally from 1971-1976 he served as a Naval Seabee in the United States Construction Battalion. 

Brittney Hensley, Treasurer

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Brittney volunteered to join the Cass County Long Term Recovery Group as she felt compelled to help provide the community with the resources needed in disaster recovery.  She attended Bellevue University and obtained her Master’s Degree in Emergency Management in 2017. While a student at Bellevue University, she volunteered for both the Red Cross Disaster Action Team and the Tri-County Community Emergency Management Team through the Sarpy County Emergency Management Agency. She has now worked for the Sarpy/Cass Health Department for 3 years as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.