Throughout 2025, Chamber members continued to show a strong commitment to strengthening the fabric of our community. We are proud to recognize local business leaders, volunteers and organizations who exemplify the spirit of collaboration and service that defines the Greater Omaha business community through three distinguished awards:
- Chair’s Dedicated Service Award
- Talent Innovator of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
Chair’s Dedicated Service Award
Bestowed upon an individual for their sustained and exceptional commitment, diligence, and contributions to an organization and community.
Anna Castner Wightman
Sr. Director of Corporate Affairs, FNBO
Anna Castner Wightman currently serves as Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at FNBO and is in her 26th year at the company. She began her career working on Capitol Hill for Congresswoman Virginia Smith and Congressman Bill Barrett, who both represented the 3rd Congressional District of Nebraska.
She first learned the importance of commitment to community at her family’s dining room table in Columbus, Nebraska. Her father Lloyd would tell of his recent projects as City Administrator, and her mother Kay would share her volunteering experiences. These early moments learning from her parents shaped Anna into a path of service for the Nebraska community.
She serves on the Board of Governors for Nebraska Wesleyan University, Board of Directors for the Nebraska State Fair, and is involved in other community service. Anna and her husband, Jack Wightman, have two daughters – Emalie and Meg.
Talent Innovator of the Year
This award celebrates an individual or organization that goes above and beyond to pioneer new ideas and drive innovative talent and workforce development solutions for their organization and the Greater Omaha community.
Werner Enterprises
Accepted by Nathan Meisgeier, President & Chief Legal Counsel, and Stefanie Christensen, Vice President of Human Resources
Werner® delivers superior truckload transportation and logistics services to customers across the United States, Mexico and Canada. With a modern truck and trailer fleet, more than 12,500 talented associates and our innovative Werner EDGE® technology, they are an essential solutions provider for customers who value the integrity of their supply chain and require safe and exceptional on-time service. Werner provides Dedicated and One-Way Truckload services as well as Logistics services that include truckload brokerage, freight management, intermodal and final mile.
As they celebrate their 70th anniversary this year, they remain committed to the foundations of our success. Werner embraces inclusion as a core value and manages key risks and opportunities through a balanced sustainability strategy. This milestone marks seven decades of dedication to their drivers, their customers and the innovative spirit that continues to move the industry forward.
Volunteer of the Year
Recognizes individuals who go above and beyond, offering so much of their time and effort to the Chamber and the business community.
David Arnold
Director of Strategic Initiatives, Hawkins Construction Company
David Arnold, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Hawkins Construction, has built a career spanning public service, entrepreneurship, and corporate development, with more than 15 years of experience supporting growth and innovation in Nebraska. He began his career in Omaha in the Mayor’s Office before transitioning to the private sector, where he joined venture-backed startup MindMixer and later served as Managing Director of Straight Shot, investing in and incubating early-stage software companies. He also spent nine years leading corporate development at Buildertrend, evaluating new product opportunities, sourcing strategic partnerships, and leading corporate transactions ranging from buy-side acquisitions to managing sell-side diligence as the company took on private equity investors.
In the Omaha business and civic community, David has served on Greater Omaha Chamber task forces and economic development committees and councils, and most recently held a leadership role in GOC’s Omaha Competes. He now serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives at Hawkins Construction, where he focuses on helping the organization grow beyond its core business by developing new capabilities and launching new lines of business.
Chad Denton
President, CFO Services
Chad Denton, a Partner at CFO Services, has worked in economic development for over 35 years, including constant-ongoing roles to promote and support Nebraska’s economic development success. In Nebraska, he is both a current and past board member of the Nebraska Chamber (and Council Chairman for the Economic Development Council), has served on several Greater Omaha Chamber task forces and economic development committees/councils, and most recently held a leadership role in GOC’s Omaha Competes.
In the Omaha Community, Chad served as the Council Chair and Student Mentor for a GOC’s legacy Youth Leadership Omaha, Board Member/Council Chair for the inaugural year of GOC’s Young Professionals, and is a graduate of Leadership Omaha’s Class of 21.
In addition to recognizing our annual award recipients, we were honored to share the stage with the Association of Defense Communities to present the 2026 Defense Community Champion to Randy Norwood. This recognition highlights leadership and commitment in strengthening the vital connection between our region and the defense community.
This award honors a dedicated advocate for Greater Omaha’s connection to national defense and a champion for Offutt Air Force Base, its service members, and families.
Randy Norwood
AVP of Military Affairs & Strategic Partnership, Greater Omaha Chamber
Randy Norwood is a staunch advocate for the Greater Omaha community and its connection to National Defense. He tirelessly supports Offutt Air Force Base’s military members and their families, builds connections across the region, state, and nation. He formulates relationships with government, nonprofits and businesses to enhance mission focus and understanding of Offutt and US Strategic Command, the quality of life of members living in the community, and develops new and enhances existing pathways for separating and retiring servicemembers.