Luisa Smith joins NE Chamber legislative team

​LINCOLN, Nebraska – January 6, 2026 – Luisa Smith has joined the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry this week as its Director of Government Affairs.
 
Smith has been working on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. since 2021, most recently as a Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator James E. Risch. Her policy expertise includes areas such as energy, transportation, science, and infrastructure. Smith grew up on her family’s cherry orchard operation in The Dalles, Oregon. She earned her bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Idaho and a master’s degree in Strategic and Defense Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
 
“Luisa’s vast experience in federal legal and policy issues and her analysis and advisory skills will advance the Nebraska Chamber’s efforts to inform and advocate for members in the Unicameral and in Washington,” said Todd Bingham, President and CEO of the NE Chamber. “She has a keen mind for sophisticated policy areas, understands what it takes to run and grow a business and is an effective communicator and skilled in legislative strategy. We welcome her to Lincoln and look forward to her work for a stronger Nebraska.”
 
Smith will work with Executive Vice President of Legislation and Policy Hunter Traynor, Executive Director of Tech Nebraska Emily Allen, Vice President and General Counsel Ron Sedlacek, and President/CEO Bingham on legislative and policy issues.
 
Luisa will serve as the dedicated government affairs and policy lead for Tech Nebraska, managing Tech Nebraska and the NE Chamber’s shared technology & innovation portfolio and assisting as well with the NE Chamber’s broader agenda and presence before the Legislature. 
 
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