The prestigious Woman of the Year award was presented to JoAnn Martin at the fourth annual Inspire Awards in 2018. Serving as the CEO of Ameritas at the time, Martin, who passed in 2021, was honored for her professional accomplishments, as well as her contributions to the Lincoln community.
JoAnn joined Ameritas in 1984 as an audit division manager. Over the years she took on greater responsibilities, holding various leadership positions that culminated in her election as the company’s CEO in 2009. Under JoAnn’s direction, Ameritas experienced significant growth, with
the company’s assets expanding by 61% and its customer base increasing by 75%. After a distinguished career, she retired from Ameritas in January of 2020. She is remembered as someone who thrived on team success.
During an interview in September of 2018, JoAnn commented on the proudest moment of her career. “My proudest moment is not a single moment; my proudest moments are when I’m with others who are being recognized for their success. Whether it’s a co-worker, somebody in
the community, or my family, I’m there and I feel a small part of their success… it is extremely gratifying.”
Among her many contributions to the community, JoAnn served in leadership roles for several prominent organizations. She was a board member for NRC Health and Nelnet, providing her expertise and guidance. Furthermore, JoAnn held the position of chairwoman for the American
Council of Life Insurers, the University of Nebraska Foundation Board of Directors, and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. She also served as vice chair for the Lincoln Community Foundation, supporting charitable initiatives.
Beyond her professional engagements, JoAnn generously volunteered her time and talents to numerous other school and community causes. JoAnn graduated with high distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1975, where she majored in accounting and earned her Certified Public Accountant license. After her passing in 2021, former UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green said, “All of UNL mourns the much too soon loss of one of the greatest Huskers, most distinguished alumna, and widely respected business leaders who ever lived. She deeply loved her University and we deeply loved her. She made us all better.”
