Blair, Neb., April 5, 2019 – Gateway Development Corporation today announced the appointment of Mike Rooks as executive director.
Rooks, together with community partners, will oversee Washington County’s economic development initiatives, including business-and-talent recruitment.
“We are proud to welcome Mike as Gateway Development Corporation’s new executive director. Mike brings a wealth of experience that will continue Washington County’s positive momentum, and we look forward to capitalizing on his innovative, collaborative approach to business growth,” said Terry Dutton, president, Washington County Bank and 2019 Gateway Development Corporation board Chair.
A graduate of University of Nebraska – Omaha and Buena Vista University, Rooks holds a Master’s in Public Administration, and brings experience in team-building, training, management and real estate.
Most recently, Rooks was carrier training manager at Brightstar, where he developed growth opportunities for Sprint Corporate and Rogers Canada. Prior to his Brightstar experience, Rooks was co-manager of Council Bluffs’ Walmart.
“My wife and I moved into the Greater Omaha area about 17 years ago, and we have come to call it home and will never leave,” Rooks said. “We can’t believe how much growth there is, wherever you look something new is being developed. I think Washington County is the next big area for the Greater Omaha area, and they have a great start with all the biosciences happening there. I’m looking forward to helping spur growth, and help the current businesses prosper.”
Gateway Development Corporation is one of Nebraska/Iowa’s six collaborative counties that, together, form the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership. As such, the collaborative contributed to more than $1.4 billion in regional capital investment in 2018.
About Gateway Development Corporation
Founded in 1989, Gateway Development Corporation was organized to help Washington County, Nebraska grow through recruitment and development of commercial and industrial enterprises. Gateway is a nonprofit investor based organization that is a cooperative partnership between the county’s public and private sectors.
Media Inquiries:
Jill Bruckner, Communications/PR Manager
Greater Omaha Chamber
402-978-7920
jbruckner@omahachamber.org