The Greater Omaha Chamber has announced the 2026 inductees into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame, honoring a distinguished group of leaders whose exceptional achievements have shaped Omaha’s business landscape and enriched its community.
This year’s honorees represent the highest caliber of entrepreneurial leadership, civic dedication, and transformative impact:
- The Honorable Jean Stothert, former mayor of Omaha
- Derek Leathers, chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Werner
- David G. Brown, former president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber
- Richard Russell and Carol Madson Russell, chairman of Millard Lumber Inc and civic leaders
- Steve Menzies, founder of Applied Underwriters, North American Casualty, and United Risk
The Omaha Business Hall of Fame was initiated in 1993 as part of the chamber’s centennial celebration and has since become a hallmark event, celebrating business excellence and legacy. The 2026 honorees will be formally inducted at a gala event held August 19 at the Holland Performing Arts Center.
Nominees are selected by a committee formed of Greater Omaha Chamber board members and Omaha Business Hall of Fame inductees.
The evening will include an hors d’oeuvres and cocktail hour, an induction ceremony and a dessert reception. Proceeds from the event support the Greater Omaha Chamber Foundation’s development of the next generation of Omaha leaders. Honoree achievements will also be commemorated in a permanent Business Hall of Fame exhibit at The Durham Museum.
“We are proud to recognize a class of leaders whose impact can be seen across nearly every part of Omaha’s story,” said Heath Mello, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “Through decades of business leadership, public service, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and civic engagement, these honorees have helped build institutions, create opportunity, strengthen our economy and improve the quality of life for generations of our community. Together, they represent the kind of lasting leadership and selfless commitment that makes our city so special.”
To learn more about the Omaha Business Hall of Fame or to purchase tickets, visit OmahaChamber.org/BHOF.