Throughout 2024, Chamber members demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening our community’s fabric.
We are proud to recognize local business leaders, volunteers and changemakers — both individuals and companies — who embody the spirit of community and collaboration that defines the Omaha business community through four distinguished awards:
- Chair’s Dedicated Service Award
- Headliner of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Talent Innovator of the Year
Chair’s Dedicated Service Award
Bestowed upon an individual for their sustained and exceptional commitment, diligence and contributions to an organization and community.
Dana Bradford
CEO and Majority Owner, C3 Brands
2025 Annual Meeting. Photos by Monica Sempek, Chamber member.
Dana Bradford and C3 Brands, a consumer brands company based in Omaha and with offices in Atlanta and Montreal, have been acquiring various brands since 2012 such brands as Vornado, Prince, Bobby Jones, Sunice, and Battle. In addition, Bradford serves as a board of directors for Meritage Homes (NYSE: MTH), one of America’s largest homebuilders.
In 1998, Bradford joined McCarthy Capital, where he served as President and Managing Partner from 2004 through 2011. He also served as chairman of Vornado Air, a Wichita-based consumer brand company. In addition, he served as a director on the boards of McCarthy Group, an Omaha-based investment holding company; Ballantyne, a movie projector manufacturer; Guild Mortgage, a San Diego-based full-service mortgage company; SAFE Boats International, a Seattle-based manufacturer of defense and emergency response boats; Prince Global Sports, a manufacturer of tennis products; NRG Media, a Cedar Rapids-based broadcast network of radio stations; and Gold Circle Films, a Los Angeles based movie production company.
Chair’s Dedicated Service Award
Bestowed upon an individual for their sustained and exceptional commitment, diligence and contributions to an organization and community.
Sherman P. Willis
Agent at State Farm Insurance, Instructor at Metropolitan Community College Creighton University School of Law
2025 Annual Meeting. Photos by Monica Sempek, Chamber member.
Sherman P. Willis has long been involved with several professional and community organizations, including the Greater Omaha Chamber, Omaha Children’s Museum, Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center, Urban League of Nebraska, 100 Black Men of Omaha, and Omaha Public Library.
Willis has law, insurance, securities and mortgage licenses in Nebraska and Iowa, and he was previously in-house counsel for Liberty Mutual, practiced law at Fraser Stryker PC LLO, and clerked at Kutak Rock LLP. Originally from Houston, Willis received his bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College in Iowa and his law degree from the University of Iowa. After law school, he clerked for a federal judge. He is a past 40 Under 40 winner and is an alumnus of Leadership Omaha (Class 36). He is married and has three children.
Headliner of the Year
Recognizes an organization that has positively impacted the image of Omaha and Nebraska as a whole.
The Joslyn
Accepted by Amy Rummel, the Director of Marketing and Public Relations.
2025 Annual Meeting. Photos by Monica Sempek, Chamber member.
The Joslyn was a gift to the people of Omaha from Sarah Joslyn in memory of her husband, George. From its first day, November 29, 1931, to today, the museum has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world.
September 2024 marked the reopening of The Joslyn following a two-year closure for renovations and the construction of the Museum’s newest addition: the Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion. This 42,000-square-foot expansion was designed by international architectural firm Snøhetta, in partnership with Omaha-based Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture. The curving volume sits atop a transparent first floor, boasting sweeping views of the surrounding gardens and downtown Omaha. The Hawks Pavilion offers a reimagined entrance, new gathering spaces and amenities, and 16,000 square feet of gallery space featuring contemporary art, including 52 works from the renowned Phillip G. Schrager Collection.
The Joslyn’s collection of more than 12,000 objects represents 5,000 years of human creativity and the world’s diverse cultures. The campus comprises three architecturally stunning buildings— distinct yet connected—surrounded by sculpture gardens. Learning and engagement opportunities abound, and general admission is free to all, always.
Talent Innovator of the Year
This is a new award for 2025 that celebrates an individual or organization that goes above and beyond to pioneer new ideas and drive innovative talent and workforce development solutions for their organization and the Omaha community.
North End Teleservices
Accepted by Chris Phillips, the Chief Operation Officer.
2025 Annual Meeting. Photos by Monica Sempek, Chamber member.
North End Teleservices, LLC, is committed to its mission of creating jobs and changing lives.
An omnichannel global provider of outsourced contact center services to government and commercial sectors, North End Teleservices is a certified woman-owned, minority-owned HUBZone and Enterprise Zone business. It serves as an extension of its clients’ brands and service delivery model, working with small and large B2B, B2C, and government agencies. At its core, North End Teleservices is a human capital service organization underscored by the best technology in our industry.
Since its inception, North End Teleservices has added over $306.2 million to Nebraska’s economy. Its corporate culture embodies the qualities of empathy, integrity, empowerment, expertise, diversity, and inclusivity, with a commitment to community development, reinvestment, and revitalization. North End Teleservices customizes contact center operations to meet every client’s specific needs, and it sets a new standard in business process outsourcing.
Volunteer of the Year
Recognizes individuals who go above and beyond, offering so much of their time and effort to the Chamber and the business community.
GOC’s Young Professional Leadership Committee
Accepted by 2025 YP Leadership Committee.
2025 Annual Meeting. Photos by Monica Sempek, Chamber member.
Young Professional programming has been a cornerstone of the Greater Omaha Chamber for over 20 years, fostering engagement, education, and advocacy for the next generation of leaders. Redeveloped in 2023 and launched in 2024, the program has enhanced its structure, strategy, and impact, positioning it for long-term success. This year, more than 2,000 young professionals participated in its programming, underscoring its relevance and value.
Central to this success is the YP Leadership Committee, a dedicated group of volunteers who serve as an advisory, planning, and execution team, driving the program’s continued growth and impact. We sincerely thank these exceptional volunteers for their invaluable contributions and commitment to the Chamber’s mission.