The Wire Staff

Angie Kaipust

Employee Communications Business Partner

Angie Kaipust joined OPPD as an employee communications business partner in November. She has more than 25 years of communication experience, including serving as a staff reporter at the Omaha World-Herald and as communications advisor for a national bank. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Angie enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids and miniature dachshund.

Bernie Post

Employee Communications Business Partner

Bernie Post is an Employee Communications Business Partner at OPPD, where he helps bring the district’s internal communication strategy to life for more than 2,000 employees. He joined the district with nearly 20 years of experience in storytelling and organizational communication, spanning corporate, nonprofit and Fortune 500 companies. He specializes in simplifying complex information and elevating employee voices to strengthen culture and engagement.

Danielle Beebe-Iske

Digital Media Coordinator

Danielle Beebe-Iske serves as OPPD's photographer and videographer. Previously, she worked in communication and marketing roles in the health care, lottery and railroad industries. She studied journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In her free time, Danielle enjoys all things outdoors, DIY home renovation and fostering kittens with the Nebraska Humane Society.

Eric BenSalah

Energy Advisor

Eric BenSalah is an Energy Advisor for OPPD. After spending time in the field doing HVAC work, he joined OPPD’s Contact Center in 2012, assisting customers with energy efficiency and heating and cooling-related inquiries. Over the last three years, Eric revamped the Energy Efficiency webpages at oppd.com and launched the new Energy Education Program. In his free time, Eric continues to play drums (for 30 years now) and is an avid reader of philosophy, astronomy, history and all things strange.

Erin Clark

Erin Clark began her career in journalism at KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as a producer, then found herself in corporate financial communications where she honed her interviewing and writing skills. Erin joined OPPD in 2020 and has led technology communications and sits on the OPPD Women's Network Board as Communications Chair. She has a BA in Journalism & Mass Communications from the University of Iowa.

Grant Schulte

Grant Schulte joined OPPD as a content generalist in 2022. He is a former reporter for The Associated Press, where he covered the Nebraska Legislature, state politics and other news for a global audience. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa and a proud Hawkeye. In his free time he enjoys running, reading, spending time with his wife, and all things aviation.

Jason Kuiper

Content Generalist

Jason Kuiper joined OPPD as a communications specialist in 2015. He is a former staff writer and reporter at the Omaha World-Herald, where he covered a wide range of topics but spent the majority of his career covering crime. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha and has also appeared in several true crime documentary shows. In his free time he enjoys cooking, spending time with his wife and three children, and reading crime novels.

Jeni Radik

Communication Assistant

Jeni Radik, a contributor to The Wire, is a jack-of-all-trades. She landed in the OPPD call center in 2008, graduating to Corporate Marketing & Communications. With 25 years’ worth of customer service skills, she morphed into a communications assistant, which is a good fit. When Jeni is not studying, she is spending time with her children, reveling with her grandchildren and bowling (she once rolled a perfect 300), among other activities.

Jodi Baker

Media Specialist

Jodi Baker contributes stories to The Wire in addition to serving as a media liaison for OPPD. She was a reporter, working for news stations from her hometown of Omaha to San Diego, prior to joining the utility in 2013. Jodi has a bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, with a minor in Criminal Justice. She’s married with two older children and two younger dogs – Shi Tzu mixes. She loves watching her daughter’s track meets, going to concerts with her husband Dave, who used to co-host a local music video program, and traveling whenever possible.

Julie Wasson

Brand Journalism Strategist

Julie Wasson is the brand journalism strategist at Omaha Public Power District and the editor of The Wire. She has more than 25 years of print journalism and social media experience, including two stints at the Omaha World-Herald.

Paula Lukowski

Paula Lukowski has more than 34 years of corporate communications experience. By far, her favorite aspect of that role has been profiling the great work done by OPPD employees and retirees. A master gardener, Paula and her husband Mark have two grown children and two grandsons.

Rita Rodriguez

Media Specialist

Wire Staff