Local Leaders

Omaha

May 20, 2026

About the Event

At Tech, Talent & Transformation, we are challenging Nebraska’s status as a growing force in the global tech economy. Join us for a series of dynamic presentations, interactive exhibits and networking opportunities. Together, we will explore how tech sector investments support economic growth in the Good Life by strengthening local infrastructure, building workforce capacity and catalyzing hometown success. We hope you leave thinking about Nebraska’s competitive advantage in the tech space and how it will shape everything that comes next.

Tech, Talent & Transformation is an afternoon forum, followed by a cocktail reception.

May 20, 2026

Scott Conference Center – Omaha, NE

Forum: 1:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.

Cocktail Reception: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00  p.m.

Speakers

Ted Abernathy

Managing Partner
Economic Leadership

Katie Thurber

Commissioner of Labor
Nebraska Department of Labor

Mike Cassling

Chairman of the Board
Cassling and CQuence Health

Doug Rood

Senior Operations Manager
Collins Aerospace

Gary A. Girard

Vice President for Community and Workforce Education
Metropolitan Community College

Shelby Strattan

Investment Manager
Invest Nebraska

Brennan Costello

Director
The Combine

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA

Chancellor,
The University of Nebraska at Omaha

Thank You to Our Sponsors