Mary is seventh generation Nebraskan, proud to have three Nebraska homestead patent holders in her ancestors. She was born in Lincoln and has lived in southeast Nebraska most of her life. She and her husband Richard Erickson own a residential real estate business and live in Plattsmouth.  They have four children and three granddaughters, who are the heart of their lives.

 

Her passion for her home state and its environment are reflected in her dedicated work as a member of the board of Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) since 2002. Mary has served as corporate secretary and chair of several committees, and currently is 2nd Vice Chair of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Energy Supply Committee. She advises on federal energy policy as a delegate to the American Public Power Association's Policy Makers Council, and attends meetings of the Southwest Power Pool and the Midwest Governors Association.

 

Mary previously served on the Board of Governors for Southeast Community College.  She was appointed Executive Director of the Nebraska Environmental Trust by Governors Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns. She has been recognized by Ducks Unlimited International for outstanding contributions to conservation in Nebraska and was awarded the Policy Makers Award from the Center for Rural Affairs for working to strengthen rural communities in Nebraska.