The Greater Omaha Chamber (omahachamber.org) is investing in experienced, career economic development talent to better serve growing companies across the region, announcing the addition and continued leadership of three seasoned professionals focused on business attraction, expansion, and retention.
Joe Fox, Senior Director of Economic Development: Joe Fox leads all business attraction and expansion activities for the Greater Omaha Chamber and the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership.
Most recently, Joe served as Deputy Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED), where he oversaw the state’s national and international business recruitment, retention, expansion, workforce development, innovation, and marketing efforts. He also served as Interim Director of NDED, leading the agency’s mission to support Nebraska’s communities, businesses, and people in a global economy.
Previously, Joe was Director of NDED’s Business Development Division, managing programs related to talent retention, job training, site and building development, foreign direct investment, export assistance, and innovation grants supporting prototyping, R&D, and seed investment. Earlier in his career, he led statewide innovation initiatives including grants and technology commercialization programs. Joe holds a Bachelor of Journalism in Advertising from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and an MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Indiana University.
John O’Connor, Business Growth & Expansion Representative: John O’Connor works directly with existing companies to identify growth opportunities and address challenges through confidential, one-on-one Growth Consultations.
With more than 20 years of experience, John brings a balanced background across both the private and public sectors. His experience includes Council Bluffs Savings Bank, Olsson (engineering), Powin (battery storage), Nebraska Public Power District, and the Nebraska Department ofEconomic Development.
John’s work focuses on local companies with site selection, workforce development, incentives and policy guidance, research and data, import/export assistance, and strategic partner introductions—helping businesses grow productively and profitably across the Greater Omaha region.
Kent Heermann, CEcD (Emeritus), Business Growth & Expansion Representative: Kent Heermann brings more than 45 years of economic development experience, with deep expertise in business retention, expansion, and recruitment.
Kent’s career spans leadership roles in Emporia, Kansas; York, Nebraska; and Aurora, Nebraska, where he supported projects ranging from Fortune 100 companies to small and mid-sized businesses. Known for his relationshi p-driven approach, Kent focuses on listening first, understanding business needs and working collaboratively to reduce barriers to growth and strengthen the regional business climate.
Together, Joe, John, and Kent form a highly experienced team dedicated to helping companies start, scale, and succeed in Greater Omaha. Businesses interested in exploring growth opportunities, including expansion planning, site selection, workforce solutions, or incentives are encouraged to contact Joe Fox, John O’Connor, or Kent Heermann to schedule a confidential Growth Consultation. For more information, please visit omahachamber.org.