The University of Nebraska System has of its "Shaping the Future" video series, featuring Heath Mello, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. The series, hosted by President Jeff Gold, features conversations with researchers, students and educators and partners across the state who are changing lives and making an impact.
In the video, Mello shares insights on economic development, workforce growth and the critical role the University of Nebraska plays in preparing students for high-demand careers. A former state senator and past vice president for external relations for the University of Nebraska, Mello has long been a champion for public service and economic and workforce development in Nebraska.
“My journey is like a lot of other Nebraskans. I was a first-generation college student who came to the University of Nebraska thinking I wanted to be a lawyer,” Mello said. “But through my experiences at UNL—engaging with faculty, student organizations, and advisors—I realized public service was my calling.”
As the leader of the Greater Omaha Chamber, Mello oversees one of the country’s largest business organizations, which works across multiple counties in Nebraska and Iowa to foster regional economic growth. Chamber membership includes more than 12,000 professionals from more than 3,000 member businesses. A key focus of the organization is workforce development, an area where the Chamber and the University of Nebraska have a strong partnership.
“The university is arguably the best talent magnet we have—not just in our region, but across the state,” Mello said. “From research and faculty to students and startups, the university plays a critical role in talent development and economic growth.”
Mello also highlighted the Chamber’s new three-year strategy, which includes a focus on "brain gain"—an effort to attract and retain skilled workers in Nebraska.
President Gold underscored the importance of the university’s partnership with the business community, noting its impact on the state’s economy:
“When the University is doing well, the state is doing well,” Dr. Gold said. “Our research, workforce initiatives, and business partnerships are helping to drive Nebraska’s growth and innovation.”
New episodes of “Shaping the Future” are released monthly and feature faculty, staff, students and partners from across the university’s four campuses and the state of Nebraska. Topics will include athletics, counterterrorism, agriculture, student success, healthcare, K-12 education and many others.