Deputy Director - MIPS

Meet Derrick Niederklein, Deputy Director of MIPS.  Derrick is responsible for leading the efforts at MIPS to ensure products and services meet the diverse needs of Nebraska Counties.  Derrick has an extensive career in public service, previously serving the State of Nebraska in the Property Assessment Division, and as Deputy Assessor in Lancaster County.   Derrick holds a Master of Arts in Management, and an Assessment Administration Specialist designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers.   Derrick has a passion for optimizing organizations and helping colleagues reach new heights, and often serves as a guest speaker to share his enthusiasm about purposeful work.   Outside of work, Derrick enjoys spending family time with his wife and two girls, and enjoying the many pure aspects of their farm in Jefferson County.

Head of Product Development & Innovation

Meet Matt Thieman, Lead Programmer Analyst at MIPS with a two-decade tenure.  Matt is originally from the town of Petersburg, in Boone County. Matt has a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Computer Science and Mathematics from Wayne State College, and his expertise is the backbone of many vital MIPS programs.  His skills ensure that every solution aligns seamlessly with the unique needs of Nebraska county offices.  Outside the office, Matt finds enjoyment in the great outdoors through camping and hunting, and on the sports field, where he coaches his children’s athletic pursuits.  Matt and his wife, Andrea, live in Malcolm, NE with their three children.

Head of GIS & Assessment Systems

Meet Evan Flamme, the versatile Program Analyst at MIPS. With a background in engineering, Evan's public service pursuits began as a residential appraiser and statistical modeling analyst at Lancaster County Assessor’s office.  Adept at tackling complex technical challenges, Evan's problem-solving skills enable him to evaluate the broader scope of programs with precision.   Evan heads up MIPS GIS efforts and assessment team needs.   Outside of work Evan enjoys golf, family time with his wife, and serving as a head coach for Special Olympics.  Evan’s service to customers and innovative spirit make him a great addition to the MIPS team.

Assessment Lead

Meet Alice Lauer, Assessment Specialist at MIPS, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. Born and raised in Kimball, Nebraska, Alice's journey in assessment began as a county appraiser and a fee appraiser trainee in North Platte.  She later excelled as a Senior Residential Appraiser and Appraisal Operations Manager in Lancaster County. Her role at MIPS is clear: serving counties and assisting county assessors with their mass appraisal projects.  Alice embodies the spirit of helpfulness and expertise, making her a great addition to the growing line of MIPS services. In her leisure, Alice finds joy in family time with her husband and two grown children, and also enjoys running, weightlifting, and photography.

Support Specialist II

Meet April Schweitzer, a seasoned Support Specialist at MIPS, with over two decades of industry experience and recognized as a true leader in her field. April's exceptional qualities extend beyond her technical expertise; she is known for her patience, kindness, and genuine commitment to her clients' success. As a devoted mother of four, April leads an active life, particularly enjoying the thrill of watching her children participate in sports, ranging from college-level competitions to pee-wee leagues. Her dedication to both her profession and her family exemplifies the balance she brings to the MIPS team, making her a valuable asset and a trusted advocate for client satisfaction.

Support Specialist II

Meet Heather Waite, a seasoned Support Specialist, whose two-decade tenure in the industry has shaped her into an invaluable asset at MIPS. Heather is known for her client support expertise and is a champion in helping both clients and teammates reach their fullest potential. Her creative flair shines as she often works behind the scenes, utilizing her design skills to enhance various aspects of MIPS products. Beyond the office, Heather dedicates her free time to local filmmaking and spending time with her husband and children.  Heather is not just a Support Specialist, but a dynamic teammate whose dedication enriches the MIPS team and extends into her vibrant community involvement.

Support Specialist

Meet Josh Phillips, a dedicated Support Specialist at MIPS. Josh is originally from North Platte, Nebraska, and plays a pivotal role in ensuring counties receive top-notch support for their MIPS software and hardware needs. With a friendly demeanor, he is not just a technical expert but also a welcoming presence for our valued clients. Beyond the office, you will find Josh enjoying the great outdoors with his wife and two dogs, on the open road riding his Harley, or working out in the yard.  With a passion for both technology and the simple joys of life, Josh is a well-rounded professional and helpful source on the MIPS support team.

CAMA Support

Meet Mike Szatko, who has worked at MIPS since 1994 specializing in CAMA and assisting assessors and their staff with pricing of properties.  While primarily working with Assessors, Mike also serves to ensure counties have enough checks, direct deposit vouchers, tax statements, and ensures counties have various other items to help county operations run smoothly. Mike is originally from Ralston, Nebraska and comes from a family of 9 children.  Outside of work, you may find Mike enjoying a cigar or golf with his son Adam, who lives in Lincoln, or enjoying the Great Northwest with his daughter Liz and her husband who live in the Seattle area.

Assessment Specialist

Meet Phil Hughes, a Commercial Assessment Specialist at MIPS.  Leveraging a strong background in commercial mass appraisal, Phil previously served as a commercial appraiser in Lancaster County and as a Capital Manager for apartment investors.  Phil brings a wealth of expertise to the team, and has a knack for sorting out complex processes into straight forward approaches.  Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds joy in family moments with his wife and two daughters on their farm near Crete.  Phil is a well-rounded individual dedicated to both the precision of property assessment and the warmth of family life, and is an asset to clients with which he works.

Residential Data Collector

Meet Daniel Bauer, a Residential Data Collector at MIPS. Daniel brings valuable experience from his work in various roles within county government, with a focus on mass appraisal in recent years. His background gives him a deep understanding of property assessment processes and local government operations. Outside of his professional life, Daniel is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing. He also values spending quality time with his wife, balancing his passion for the outdoors and family life.

Residential Data Collector

Meet Kristian Cornwell, a Residential Data Collector at MIPS, bringing a strong technical background and hands-on experience to the role. He is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned his degree in geography. Prior to joining MIPS, Kristian worked in the GIS Department at the Nebraska Department of Transportation, where he gained valuable skills in data collection, mapping, and analysis. His attention to detail and technical proficiency make him a key contributor to the MIPS team. Outside of his professional life, Kristian enjoys playing guitar in a band, and staying active with the local fitness community.

Residential Data Collector

Meet Trece Hickman, a Residential Data Collector at MIPS. He leverages his strong background in customer service and a degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Throughout his career, Trece has excelled in client-facing roles, most notably as an onboarding specialist at a transportation and logistics corporation, where he honed his skills in communication, training, and support. His expertise in building relationships and ensuring client satisfaction makes him a valuable asset to the MIPS team. Outside of work, Trece is passionate about fitness and competes as a powerlifter, dedicating much of his free time to training and maintaining a connection with fitness.

Programmer Analyst

Meet Bob Lilley, the seasoned CAMA Programmer at MIPS, whose extensive experience spans nearly four decades in the software development for county government. Bob is an invaluable resource to the county assessment offices he serves, offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise. At MIPS, he is a well-known staple, recognized for his dedication and team contributions. Outside the world of programming, Bob enjoys quality family time around their home in Otoe County and playing challenging computer games that keep his mind in problem-solving mode.

Programmer Analyst

Meet Casey Halstead, a seasoned Software Developer at MIPS who brings a dynamic skillset to the coding realm.   Casey is originally from Custer County, Nebraska, and holds degrees in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems from Wayne State College. Casey is frequently involved in the creation of software solutions tailored to the specific needs of Nebraska counties. In addition to his work, Casey also enjoys spending time with his wife and two young daughters. With his technical knowledge and commitment to serving counties, Casey is a key contributor to the MIPS team and their line of products.

Programmer Analyst

Meet Dan Balderson, a seasoned Software Developer at MIPS with a passion for enhancing the functionality and efficiency of MIPS software products. Originally from Holt County, Nebraska, Dan’s background is in Computer Science with his education from Wayne State College.  Beyond his coding prowess, Dan finds joy in learning, spending time with friends, gaming, and enjoys time with his wife and their 3 pets.  At MIPS, Dan is a dynamic asset driven by a commitment to serving the unique needs of Nebraska counties.  His dedication to both innovation and client success make him an invaluable member of the MIPS team.

Web Developer

Meet David Dobson Jr., the Web Developer and Webmaster at MIPS, where he works on creating and maintaining county websites, and serves as technical support for county clerks.  David grew up in Boone and Fillmore counties and is a University of Nebraska Kearney alum.   David holds a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Management, and manages much of the front-facing web content that MIPS provides. Beyond the digital realm, David enjoys gaming and spending time with his wife and their young family.

Programmer

Meet Emma Reichle, a Software Developer at MIPS whose journey began in Indiana before she found her home in Computer Science at the University of Nebraska Kearney.  Emma is a valued member of the Assessment Team, known for her innovative thinking and multifaceted talents. Beyond her core responsibilities, Emma lends her expertise to various projects, including Nebraska Taxes Online, Assessment and Treasurers.  In her leisure time, Emma channels her creativity as a dedicated DIY enthusiast, and as an avid gamer.   Emma has a thirst for knowledge, always on the lookout for opportunities to learn or experience something new.  Her diverse interests and talents serve to enrich the fabric of the MIPS community.

Programmer Analyst

Meet Glen Masek, the Assessment Programmer at MIPS, with a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in the industry. Glen plays a pivotal role in ensuring the Assessment Administrative System operates at peak performance, along with handling critical administrative reports. Beyond his extensive assessment skills at MIPS, Glen finds joy in the great outdoors, often through farming in Lancaster and Saunders Counties, camping with friends and family, or hitting the open road with his wife on their motorcycles. Glen embodies a unique blend of expertise and a deep appreciation for serving clients, both of which contribute to his invaluable presence within the MIPS team.

Programmer Analyst

Meet Nich Smith, a seasoned Programmer at MIPS with nearly two decades of experience, brings a wealth of expertise to our team.  Raised in Kearney County, Nich's journey began at the University of Nebraska, Kearney where he earned a degree in Computer Science. His extensive knowledge spans multiple domains, with a special focus on spearheading projects like Personal Property Online, Nebraska Deeds Online, and County Clerk software. Beyond the coding world, Nich finds enjoyment in the great outdoors, in camping adventures, quality time with his wife, and their nurturing role as foster parents to dogs and cats in need.  His dedication and multifaceted talents make Nich an invaluable asset to the MIPS community.

Programmer

Meet Rich Scheer, a Programmer Analyst at MIPS whose expertise spans the realms of hardware and software, earning him the esteemed title of the resident subject matter expert on reporting outputs for the diverse set of MIPS solutions. Rich is also incredibly helpful, always ready to lend his expertise to his colleagues and clients. Outside the world of programming, you'll find Rich tinkering with his awesome sports car and truck, engineering and printing 3D models, or extending a helping hand to friends in need. Rich is not just an invaluable asset to the MIPS team but an embodiment of both technical excellence and open generosity.