For Justin Frederick, Deputy Health Director of Epidemiology and Preparedness at the Douglas County Health Department, earning a Doctor of Public Health degree was never just about adding credentials. It was about becoming a stronger leader and better serving the community.

"I've always believed that learning should be a lifelong commitment, especially in public service," Frederick said. "Public health is constantly evolving, and I wanted to strengthen my ability to lead during emergencies, improve public health systems, and better serve our community."

Frederick recently earned his Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health after approximately 4½ years of balancing full-time work, coursework, research and professional responsibilities.

"It was a challenging journey, but one that reinforced the value of lifelong learning and public service," he said.

His dissertation focused on developing a Community Reception Center (CRC) operational plan for Douglas County to help the community respond to a large-scale radiological emergency. Community Reception Centers are designed to screen, evaluate and provide information to people who may have been exposed to radioactive materials following an incident.

"I chose this topic because preparedness is one of the core functions of public health," Frederick said. "While these types of events are rare, having an evidence-based, operational plan in place helps ensure we're ready to protect residents if the unthinkable ever occurs."

One of the accomplishments he is most proud of is that the project extends beyond academia.

"It wasn't simply an academic exercise," he said. "It produced a practical plan that Douglas County can continue to build upon to strengthen our emergency preparedness efforts."

The experience also broadened his perspective on the role public health plays every day.

"Public health is about much more than responding to outbreaks," Frederick said. "It's about building systems, strengthening partnerships, using data to guide decisions and preparing for future challenges before they happen. Some of the best solutions come from collaboration across many different disciplines and organizations."

Frederick hopes more people recognize that much of public health's impact happens behind the scenes.

"Many people only notice public health during emergencies, but much of our work happens quietly every day," he said. "Public health professionals help prevent disease, monitor health trends, ensure safe food and water, prepare for emergencies, improve environmental health and promote healthier communities. Success often means preventing problems before they ever become visible."

That proactive approach is what makes public health so essential.

"Public health works to protect everyone, regardless of age, background or where they live," Frederick said. "By preventing illness, promoting healthy behaviors, preparing for emergencies and addressing community health challenges, we help create a healthier, safer Douglas County."

Looking ahead, Frederick plans to use what he has learned to continue strengthening the department's preparedness, emergency response capabilities and disease surveillance while supporting evidence-based decision-making across its programs.

He also hopes to mentor the next generation of public health professionals.

"I want to continue building partnerships that improve the health and safety of everyone who lives, works and visits Douglas County," he said.

For employees considering an advanced degree of their own, Frederick offers simple advice:

"Don't be afraid to take the first step. There will never be a perfect time, but consistent progress adds up over time. Find a program you're passionate about, build a strong support system and remember why you started."

Above all, Frederick says this achievement reflects the people around him.

"I'm incredibly grateful to work alongside such dedicated colleagues across Douglas County," he said. "Public health is truly a team effort, and any success I've had reflects the support, collaboration and commitment of the people I work with every day."

He hopes to continue teaching and mentoring students and early-career practitioners, sharing both academic knowledge and real-world experience.

"Investing in future public health leaders ultimately strengthens the health, preparedness and resilience of Douglas County for years to come," he said.

When you first start a new job, filling out benefits paperwork can feel like a blur. You choose your options, name a beneficiary for your life insurance or pension plan, and likely move on with your work.

Leaving those choices on autopilot can lead to unintended consequences down the road. Taking a few minutes to review and update your beneficiary designations is one of the easiest ways to protect the people you care about.

Primary vs. Contingent: Know the Difference

When reviewing your accounts, you have the option to set two types of beneficiaries:

• Primary Beneficiary: The first person (or people) in line to receive the proceeds of your accounts or life insurance policy. If you name multiple primary beneficiaries, you can choose how the assets are split among them.

• Contingent Beneficiary: Think of these as your "backup" options. A contingent beneficiary will only receive the assets if all primary beneficiaries have passed away, cannot be found, or decline the payout.

Did You Know? Beneficiary Forms Beat a Will

One of the most common misconceptions about financial planning is that a will covers everything. In reality, beneficiary designations take legal precedence over a traditional will.

If you do not list a beneficiary at all, the benefit typically goes to your estate and will be distributed through probate court.  Having clear, up-to-date designations on file ensures your wishes are followed directly, saving your family time, legal hassles, and potential conflicts.

High Stakes: The Pension Beneficiary Trap

While outdated life insurance or 457 designations create immediate financial hurdles, failing to update your pension beneficiary can cause long-lasting consequences for both your family and the County's pension plan.

If an employee gets divorced and forgets to remove an ex-spouse from their pension beneficiary form:

• Children Can Be Completely Cut Out: Even if an employee intended for their children or a current spouse to receive survivor benefits, the pension plan is legally obligated to pay the beneficiary on record. Children can miss out on five or more years of guaranteed monthly payouts, leaving them without intended financial support.

• Lifelong Unintended Payouts: Depending on the pension election option, the plan may be forced to pay monthly joint-and-survivor benefits for the remainder of the ex-spouse's lifetime—an outcome the employee never intended.

• Impact on the Plan's Health: Unexpected lifetime payouts to non-intended beneficiaries create long-term financial liabilities. This directly harms the overall funding status of the pension plan, affecting the collective health of the benefit for all participating employees.

The Risk of Naming Minor Children Directly

While naming your children as primary beneficiaries feels like a natural choice, insurance carriers cannot legally pay policy proceeds directly to a minor under the age of majority.

Listing a minor outright can trigger a court process where a judge appoints a legal guardian or conservator to manage the funds. This introduces several major issues:

• Delays and Legal Costs: The court appointment process can take months, and court/attorney fees are usually paid out of the policy benefit, reducing the amount your child receives.

• Loss of Control: The court-appointed guardian—who might not be the person you would have chosen—decides how and when the money is spent until the child reaches legal age.

• Unrestricted Payout at Legal Age: Once the child reaches the legal age of majority, the remaining funds transfer to them in full with no restrictions, regardless of whether they are ready to manage a large sum.

Better Alternatives for Minor Children

To keep courts out of the process, consider these alternatives:

• Establish a Trust: A trust lets you appoint a trustee to manage and distribute the funds according to your exact rules and timelines.

• Name a Custodian (UTMA): Under state laws like the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, you can name an adult custodian to manage the funds for your child until a set age without court involvement.

• Name a Trusted Adult: You can designate a spouse or relative to manage the funds on your child's behalf, though this offers the least legal protection as there is no formal requirement for how the money is spent.

Action Steps: How to Keep Your Plan Current

To make sure your assets go exactly where you intend without unnecessary delay:

• Review your designations across ALL plans: Check your benefits portal or contact carriers to confirm who is listed as your primary and contingent beneficiaries for life insurance, 457 plan, and your pension plan.

• Choose the right structure: Weigh whether a trust, custodian, or adult beneficiary makes sense if minors are involved.

• Revisit after major life events: Check your information whenever you experience a marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or loss in the family, or during annual Open Enrollment.

• Consult a professional: Consider speaking with an estate planning attorney or financial advisor if you have a complex estate, divorce decree mandates, or state-specific rules to navigate.

Where to make changes?

Employees should review and update their beneficiaries on the County’s benefit enrollment website:   http://guardian.benselect.com/douglas

• Username: Employee ID or SSN

• PIN: Last 4 digits of your SSN and the last 2 digits of your birth year

Employees who have active accounts or plans with additional vendors should use the contact information below or review the list of carrier contact information on our benefits website. 

• MassMutual Service Center:  1-844-975-7522

• Metlife (TX Life) Customer Service:  1-800-283-9233

• Voya:  1-402-445-2046  

• Nationwide:  1-712-297-4511

Flu Shot Clinic - Coming Soon! 

• The Flu Shot Clinic will be available in September for Douglas County employees. 

• Dates and locations:

  • • Wed. Sept. 23:  12-1 p.m., Douglas Room at the Fitzgerald Building

    • Wed. Sept. 30:   8-10 a.m., Civic Center, Room 702

    • Wed. Sept. 30:   Noon-2 p.m., Goodwill Building

YMCA Membership Fees - Payroll Deduction

• Employees may elect to pay YMCA membership fees through payroll deductions on the second check of each month. 

• Membership Benefits: 

  • • Group Fitness & Virtual Classes

    • Free Childcare when using the U

    • 2 Free sessions with a Wellness Coach

    • Access to all 12 metro Omaha locations

    • Reduced rates on sports, swim lessons, camp & more

• Checkout the Benefit Guide for more information.  

Congratulations!

RETIREMENTS

• Chris Sweney - Corrections

• Joel Bettin - Engineer

• Mary Holliday Horton - Health Center

• Eddie Sekera - Public Properties

• L'Tanya Crowder - Treasurer

PROMOTIONS

• Abby Carbaugh - Administration

• Achol Bol - Clerk of the District Court

• Jamie Gates - Clerk of the District Court

• Lanett Wright - Clerk of the District Court

• Korahire Asalhoue - Health Center

• Ouoba Nouadiba - Health Center

• Khatiwada Manisha - Health Center

• Roeun Thaligia - Health Center

• Ashley Washington - Health Center

• Kossiwavi Ayite - Health Center

• Brenda Mims - Health Center

• Susan Meisenbach - Health Center

• Aseria Windom - Health Center

• Pamela Henderson - Health Center

• Michael McQuaid - Public Properties

• Tyler Bieterman - Treasurer