Beth Whited of Union Pacific and Paul West of Carson Wealth to Lead the Chamber in the Future
OMAHA, NE – The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the largest business membership organization in Nebraska, has announced its Chair-Elects for 2025 and 2026. Beth Whited, President of Union Pacific, will serve as incoming for 2025 and Paul West, Managing Partner of Carson Wealth, will serve and become chair in 2026.
“On behalf of our nearly 3,000 members, I’m delighted to welcome both Beth and Paul in as board chairs over the next two years,” said Heath Mello, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. “They bring a wealth of business experience, community leadership, and strategic perspectives to this position that will be extremely beneficial in this leadership role. The
Chamber relies on the active engagement of our business community and we’re fortunate to have these two members represent and lead our board in that important work.”
Currently, Carmen Tapio, President and CEO of North End Teleservices, is serving her second year as chair of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The responsibilities of the board chair focus on leadership convening and development, board governance, and strategic planning. The position works closely with the Chamber President and CEO on business development priorities and fostering advocacy and collaboration with broader business community.
Beth Whited is President of Union Pacific and has been a leader at the Fortune 500 company for over three decades. She is committed to the community through her involvement on the Aksarben Foundation’s Board of Governors and as a board member for RPM International, Inc., Humanities Nebraska and the Omaha Symphony. She is also the founding member and former president of Union Pacific’s LEAD (Lead, Educate, Achieve, Develop) Women’s Initiative.
“I am honored to step into the role of board chair in 2025,” said Whited. “As someone who has lived and worked in Omaha for some time, my vision is to foster a business community that not only thrives, but also collaborates and innovates together ‒ truly making Omaha the best place to live and work.”
Paul West, CFP®, CAP®, CExP, is managing partner at Carson Wealth. He has built countless relationships around Omaha through his professional and philanthropic work, including with the Omaha Chamber board. He currently serves the community in other roles including as chair of the board for the Dreamweaver Foundation and as a board member for Omaha Marion, 1890 Foundation, OICH and CHI Foundation.
“Being involved with the Omaha Chamber has been a rewarding experience, and I am excited to take on the role of board chair in 2026,” said West. “I look forward to working hand in hand with our dedicated board members and Chamber leadership to best position the Omaha business community for the future. There have been tremendous successes achieved together with the larger business community, and I know there are only more good things ahead.”
Celebrating 130 years, the mission of the Greater Omaha Chamber is to champion a thriving business community and prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration.