Arch Receives NE Chamber Foundation's Inaugural Compass Award

LINCOLN, Nebraska – May 11, 2026 – State Senator John Arch of Omaha was honored in April with the inaugural Compass Award from the Nebraska Chamber Foundation.

Noted as a “champion” who believes in Nebraska’s future, NE Chamber of Commerce & Industry Interim President Matt Williams presented Arch the award during a NE Chamber Foundation Go Big Future series event at Nebraska Innovation Campus.

“Winning Nebraska’s next generation will require champions who believe in our state’s strong future, but more than that, champions who are willing to help define that future, defend it and deliver it,” Williams said. “Nebraska needs champions who can clearly articulate that future in a way that brings others along — across regions, across industries and across party lines. Champions who understand that progress doesn’t happen by accident, but through steady leadership and the willingness to engage in the hard work of leadership. 
 
“This award recognizes Speaker Arch’s steady leadership and service to Nebraska. He has helped guide important conversations at a critical time for our state, and he has done so with a focus on stability, responsibility and long-term thinking.”
 
Arch was elected to the Legislature in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 to represent the 14th legislative district. In addition to twice being elected as Speaker of the Legislature, Arch has served as the chairman and vice-chairman of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee. He currently sits on the Legislature’s Executive Board, the Rules Committee, the Planning Committee, the Legislative Oversight Committee and is a member of the Capitol Commission. During his two terms, Arch has been a champion of legislative oversight, leading two investigative committees and creating the new Division of Legislative Oversight. As speaker, he emphasized balancing Nebraska’s budget and addressing budget deficits while advocating for tax relief and economic growth.

Prior to his election to the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature, Arch served in health care administration for over 30 years. In 1993 he became a hospital administrator at Boys Town National Research Hospital.  He would spend 28 years at Boys Town in its health care division, with six of those years serving as Executive Vice President of Health Care and Director of the National Research Hospital and Clinics.

Arch sits on the board of Assure Women’s Center and is a member of Grace Life Bible Church, where he is a board member and teacher.

NE Chamber Foundation President Tera Norris described the new award.

“The Compass Award represents leadership that points the way for Nebraska. In moments of uncertainty, a compass offers clarity and confidence — qualities reflected in this honor. It will be given to those who demonstrate unwavering principles, thoughtful direction, and a commitment to guiding Nebraska toward opportunity and growth,” Norris said. “Speaker Arch is a model for future awardees.”

###

---