Meet Our Staff

Chris Wagner, Executive Director     chris@projectextramile.org

Chris joined Project Extra Mile in September 2014 following the completion of his Master’s Degree overseas. Between 2002 and 2011, Chris worked on a variety of policy issues at the federal level while employed by the U.S. Senate and two government affairs firms. Chris brings with him a wealth of policy advocacy knowledge and experience from his work on behalf of municipal and state governments, nonprofit organizations and private companies, in addition to a strong personal commitment to Project Extra Mile’s mission.                   

Beatha Kliewer, Operations and Finance Director     beatha@projectextramile.org     

Beatha serves as the operations & finance manager for Project Extra Mile. She joined the organization in 2000 and has served in a variety of capacities. However, her main focus has always been finance. She takes pride in her work and finds joy in supporting the organization with her behind-the scenes role. She is honored to be part of such an effective and worthwhile organization. When she is not working, she spends time with her husband and their four children. 

Liene Topko, Policy & Research Coordinator   liene@projectextramile.org 

Liene joined Project Extra Mile in December 2017 after completing her Master’s in Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). During her time at UNMC, she worked as a Research Associate where she had the opportunity to refine her research skills, gain insight of public health, as well as work on manuscripts and policy briefs. She is very passionate about making a difference in the community and looks forward to being part of the team at Project Extra Mile. 

Cecelia Fuller, Program Coordinator    youth@projectextramile.org     

Cecelia is the newest member of Project Extra Mile, joining the team in May 2025. She graduated with a Bachelors in Journalism from Creighton University in May 2024 with an emphasis in Public Relations. Cecelia has been heavily involved in social justice and advocacy throughout her time at Creighton, even receiving the David A. Haberman Journalism Award for excellence in Journalism through service to the community. She is excited about joining the team and ready to learn more about advocacy and policy in her Nebraska community.