NE Chamber leaders welcomed a new chair and 11 new members to its Board of Directors for 2025. Joel Russell, President & CEO of Millard Lumber in Omaha will serve as chair for the 2025 term.
“I’m thrilled to take part in the NE Chamber’s mission on a deeper level this year as the 2025 Board Chair,” Russell said. “Together, we’ll continue to make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business through enhancing legislative policies and connecting with business leaders across the state.”
The following individuals begin their terms on the board this year.
Brook Aken, Manager – Economic Development, Omaha Public Power District, Omaha
Serving as Economic Development Chair
Cameron Arch, Associate General Counsel, Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Nebraska, Omaha
Serving as District 1 Representative
Matthew Burke, Director – Commercial Banking, FNBO, Omaha
Serving as Leadership Nebraska Chair
Bob Caldwell, EVP/Chief Administrative Officer, NEBCO Inc., Lincoln
Serving as District 2 Representative
Rex Fisher, Senior Vice President, HDR, Omaha
Serving as District 1 Representative
Kyle Gilster, Office Managing Partner – Washington D.C., Husch Blackwell LLP, Omaha
Serving as District 1 Representative
Amber Holle, Executive Director, Falls City Chamber of Commerce, Falls City
Serving as NE Chambers Association Chair
Zac Holoch, President & CEO, Cornerstone Bank, York
Serving as District 4 Representative
Stephen Hornady, President, Hornady Manufacturing Company, Grand Island
Serving as District 5 Representative
Jim Nolan, Vice President, Communications & Government Affairs, Mutual of Omaha – United of Omaha, Omaha
Serving as Appointed District 1 Director
“Our board represents a broad spectrum of business leaders and organizations across the state, and we’re thrilled to add these 11 individuals to further enhance our statewide presence,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone. “Our board is vital in helping us deliver on our mission of ensuring Nebraska’s business climate stays competitive and offers economic growth to Nebraska businesses.”
New board members are nominated by the current board and elected by the broader NE Chamber membership. Board members promote economic growth across the state and establish the association’s policies with input from members and 12 councils.