Retired Omaha Chamber leader takes consulting position with Wisconsin firm

David Brown, recently retired CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, has been named lead consultant of a Madison, Wisconsin, firm.

Brown, who led the Omaha chamber for nearly 20 years, said he will remain living in Omaha and will work remotely on a project-by-project basis for NEXT Generation Consulting.

The firm helps businesses and organizations develop strategic plans for their future.

Opera singer son

Brown’s first assignment is Capital Crossroads 3.0, where he will lead a team to develop an “equity-centered economic development” vision for Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa. Brown said the focus is to create a strategy that gives every demographic in the community opportunity for success in areas ranging from housing to education.

“David is one of those rare leaders who can envision a bold future and help activate it through influence and motivation,” Rebecca Ryan, NEXT Generation  founder, said in a statement.

Brown said the lighter schedule allows him to also spend time with family and travel with his wife to see their son perform. The son is launching a career as an opera singer.

He also plans to work on local projects, including helping leaders at the University of Nebraska at Omaha connect students with business opportunities and internships.

Passing of Chamber baton

Before Omaha, Brown was president and CEO of the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce in South Carolina. He also had leadership roles at the Monroe County Industrial Development Corp. in Michigan and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce in Indiana.

Brown has worked before with Ryan’s consulting team, including their  partnership developing the Greater Omaha 2040 20-year vision for the region. NEXT Generation also has worked with Omaha Public Schools and the Omaha Public Power District.

Said Brown: “Our decision to work together is a natural extension of Rebecca’s expertise with communities and companies building dynamic strategies for the future and my experience over the years developing community growth strategies.”

Succeeding Brown at the helm of the Omaha Chamber is Veta Jeffery, who previously managed the State of Missouri’s community and economic development services. Jeffery started the Omaha job this week.