Meet the Omaha Leaders Leadership Team
The Omaha Leaders Board of Directors is a team of influential city leaders who volunteer their time to serve the leaders of Omaha. You will recognize them at the Global Leadership Summit, Leaders Lunches, and other Omaha Leaders initiatives.
AMIE GAMBOIAN
Board Chair, Omaha Leaders
CEO/Executive Coach - Who You Are® Leadership Coaching & Consulting
Amie is passionate about the divine intersection of marketplace and ministry leaders uniting around a central vision to impact her city. She serves primarily executives, entrepreneurs, ministry leaders and collegiate coaches. Amie and her husband, Pete, have two delightful daughters and one Coonhound.
Church home: Lifegate Church, West Dodge
Leadership role model: Dave Bushnell inspires Amie to be a stronger mobilizer of fellow influencers.
CHRIS MEHAFFEY
Vice Chair, Omaha Leaders
CEO & Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America
Chris is dedicated to building the next generation of leaders through servant leadership to others. He believes that in conjunction with coaching and mentoring, the most impactful method to foster leadership is to focus on the well-being of people and the communities in which they live. Through his 30+ years of service to the Boy Scouts of America, Chris has helped grow young leaders to better their families and communities through the Scouting program. Chris currently serves as the CEO & Scout Executive of the Mid-America Council, BSA, which serves more than 9,000 youth and 3,000 adults throughout northeast Nebraska and western Iowa. Chris’ greatest joy comes from being a husband to his wife, Jennifer, and Dad to his three daughters.
Church home: Relevant Community Church
Leadership role model: Chris resonates with John Maxwell and his quote, "A leader who produces other leaders multiplies their influence."
WALT HOOKER ("HOOK")
City GLS Team Chair
Senior Associate Pastor, Bellevue Christian Center
Walt, or “Hook,” as he’s known to many, is committed to the vision of building a world-class leadership community that creates impact and ignites transformation. A pastor for 25 years, Hook loves serving with people, teaching, and counseling. He and his wife, Melba, have three adult children and seven grandchildren and spend their free time enjoying BBQ, cards, and pool.
Church home: Bellevue Christian Center
Leadership role model: Pastor Gary Hoyt, a former boss of Hook’s, had a prayer life and commitment to Christ that was authentic and primary in his life.
ERIN PEARSON
Events Team Chair
Erin believes in the mission of Omaha Leaders and loves growing and serving alongside so many talented leaders. Working with others is what fuels Erin’s soul, especially as she serves small business, nonprofits, and local communities. She’s married to her best friend, Justin, and they stay active together raising their two young sons.
Church home: Lifegate Church, West Dodge
Leadership role model: Erin admits that many leaders inspire her, but that she especially admires Amie Gamboian’s intentionality and Rachel Hollis’ inspirational content.
TOM HOUGHTONs
Secretary, Omaha Leaders
Business Consultant, Round Peg Solutions
BOB FORREST
Engagement Chair, Omaha Leaders
Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
KATELIN KNUST
Communications Team Chair
Owner, Sage Fingerprint Brand Strategy & Design
Katelin is passionate about creating opportunities for rising leaders to learn and be influenced by seasoned leaders. She believes that everyone can be inspired toward growth by those they spend time alongside. Katelin and her husband, Jared, have two young boys and can often be found wearing off their energy at the Omaha zoo!
Church home: Christ Community Church
Leadership role model: Dave Ramsey is an inspirational leader for small business owners and leaders because he is consistently focused on serving and developing his team members. Katelin enjoys his "Entreleadership" content and the way that Dave draws from his own life experiences as he coaches others.
DR. FAYE HAGGAR
Events Team Vice Chair
Director of Education Development, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Faye is a firm believer in people and loves surrounding herself with impactful leaders, solving problems, and serving her community. She’s a self-proclaimed technology nerd with a love for learning, holding a bachelor’s in education, a master’s in curriculum and instruction, and a doctorate in educational administration. An enthusiastic Enneagram 7, Faye loves spending time with friends and family, including her supportive husband, Tim, and two daughters.
Church home: St. Martha's Episcopal
Leadership role model: Faye is in awe of authentic female leaders -- the trailblazers who are full of passion and imagination; the ones who life others, have servant hears, and have changed the world.
BILL BOWES
Development Team Chair, Omaha Leaders
Fire Chief, Papillion Fire Department
Bill has the heart of a servant. He is excited about the vision and mission of Omaha leaders and is dedicated to serving current and future leaders of the Metro. He believes that, with God's grace and favor at our backs, Omaha Leaders will have a tremendous community impact. Bill and his wife, Julie, have a blended family of seven children and nine beloved grandchildren.
Church home: Tribe Church
Leadership role model: George Washington understood his role in a critically important time in history. He was a humble yet strong leader who demonstrated wisdom and a deep concern for his fellow countrymen.
JOSH THINNES
Development Team Vice Chair, Omaha Leaders
Manager of Software Development Scrum Master, CSG
Josh is passionate about leadership by examples. Whether he is leading at work, church, or at home, Josh embraces his roles with humility and demonstrates grace for all. He loves to rally behind a developing leader and help them reach their unrecognized potential. Josh is married to Andrea and has three kids: Emily, Alex, and Mady. You're likely to find him running Omaha's trails before the sun is up!
Church home: Lifegate Church, West Dodge
Leadership role model: Josh really appreciates the wisdom of Ken Blanchard and the way Ken interweaves biblical truths and everyday life.
