Tech Nebraska today announced that Laurel Oetken, who has served as the organization’s Executive Director since its founding in 2023, will be stepping down on April 18th to pursue a new opportunity in Nebraska’s growing technology ecosystem.  Over the past two years, Laurel successfully led the effort to build and transform Tech Nebraska from a bold idea into an effective and important statewide voice for technology.  “Laurel has done amazing work positioning Tech Nebraska to be an impactful trade association for all technologists and tech-focused companies across the state of Nebraska and has been an effective advocate on technology topics that will influence state policy in the coming years,” said Chris Dill, CIO at Kiewit Corporation and Tech Nebraska Executive Committee Chair.
 
With Laurel’s departure, Tech Nebraska is opening a search today seeking a new Executive Director.  This is a unique opportunity to step into a well-established and successful organization at a pivotal moment in the state’s technological evolution.
 
The organization is well-funded, has an established advisory and governance structure, and is expanding its statewide membership.  As a separate trade association affiliated with the NE Chamber, Tech Nebraska is also able to leverage the NE Chamber’s resources and statewide footprint in its networking events and advocacy efforts.  In the past year, Tech Nebraska launched a highly successful Annual Tech Nebraska Summit, testified on several tech-forward bills at the Nebraska legislature, and built strong partnerships with leaders across business, government, and education, all while shaping key policy conversations that will define Nebraska’s economic future.
 
The Executive Director position is a premier leadership role in the tech ecosystem in the state.  Tech Nebraska invites visionary, hands-on leaders who are passionate about industry advocacy and building a stronger, more inclusive, tech ecosystem in the state of Nebraska to apply.  To express interest in the Executive Director role, please apply here, via LinkedIn, or send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. If you would like additional information, please feel free to make your request to the same email address.
 
Tech Nebraska and the NE Chamber are equal-opportunity employers.  All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

The Nebraska Chamber has officially welcomed Todd Bingham to the NE Chamber team to serve as President and CEO.  In this role, Todd will provide strategic leadership and vision to further the Chamber’s mission of fostering a robust and dynamic business environment.  Bingham will begin in mid-May.
 
“I’m pleased and excited that Todd Bingham will be the new President of the Nebraska Chamber,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone. “His strong connections across the country and the depth of his experience in urban and rural business development make him a great selection to champion the NE Chamber’s efforts and impact on the business climate throughout the state.”
 
“Todd is a wonderful addition to the Nebraska Chamber, bringing backgrounds in public policy and manufacturing, two of the Chamber’s largest endeavors,” said Joel Russell, NE Chamber Board Chair.  “We can’t wait for Todd to get started and make an impact on the statewide economy and business environment.”
 
Before joining the Chamber, Bingham was the President and CEO of the Utah Manufacturers Association, a leading industry organization with a 120-year legacy of advancing Utah’s manufacturing sector. Under his leadership, the association provided critical resources, advocacy, and strategic initiatives to drive growth and prosperity for manufacturers across the state.
 
With over 30 years of experience as a registered lobbyist, Bingham has been a key advocate for business and industry, specializing in governmental and regulatory affairs. He has served on numerous influential boards and councils, including the Governor’s Economic Council, the Utah Employers Council, and the OSHA Advisory Board. Additionally, he has contributed his expertise to the Utah Labor Commission’s Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, the Unemployment Insurance Advisory Board, and the Rural Economic Development Board.
 
Bingham also served as Chair of the Council of State Manufacturing Associations (COSMA) and is a current member of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping policy and advocating for the manufacturing industry at a national level.
 
Prior to the Utah Manufacturers Association, Bingham served as President/CEO for the Utah Mining Association, Regional Director of Associated General Contractors of Utah, and VP of Public Policy for the Utah Farm Bureau Federation.
 
He is the father to three wonderful sons and two incredible grandsons.