Meet Heath Mello, President and CEO at The Greater Omaha Chamber (omahachamber.org).
Tell us a little about your business. – The Greater Omaha Chamber is the oldest business membership organization in the State of Nebraska that drives regional economic development, champions a strong business climate and serves it’s nearly 3,000 members through various programming and events that assists them advancing their mission.
How did you get started in the business? – I served a volunteer with Greater Omaha Chamber and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce for the past six years, assisting primarily with public policy and education-related matters.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Finding “work-life” balance in technology-connected world. While I still have not found balance completely, I have become more mindful of others boundaries even if I choose to spend my time writing emails or memos.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?– Being elected by my fellow state legislators as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in 2013.
Tell us a little about your family. – I’ve been happily married to my wife Catherine for nearly 14 years and we have a 10 year old daughter Angelina and an eight year old son John.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – My election to the Nebraska Legislature in 2008 at the age of 29.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Golf.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – That I am an avid reader of nonfiction books. In fact, I haven’t read a fiction book since college.
Who inspires you? – My wife, Catherine. She is a one-of-a-kind mother and world class executive, while being a partner who not only loves me but both challenges and makes me stronger.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “The only kinds of fights worth fighting are those you’re going to lose, because somebody has to fight them and lose and lose and lose until someday, somebody who believes as you do wins.” – I.F. Stone.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Tenacious.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Gonna Fly Now” (Theme from Rocky).
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Super speed, to help me get to meetings on time faster.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I’ve come to understand that in my new role with the Greater Omaha Chamber you have to use every talent and skill you have every single day – and then try to develop new ones..
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Musician.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 346-5000 | hmello@omahachamber.org | omahachamber.org