Events

Matthew S. Aubry, Operations Manager, Omaha Airport Authority

Matt Aubry joined the Omaha Airport Authority as Operations Manager in September of 2016.  His career prior to Omaha includes just over 6 years as an Operations Coordinator for the General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (July 2010-September 2016) and 2 ½ years at Peoria International Airport as an Operations Specialist (January 2008-July 2010).

Matt’s academic background consists of a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) in Aviation Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois (Springfield). He is also an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

Patrick S. Kelly, Senior Project Manager, Omaha Airport Authority

Pat Kelly joined the Omaha Airport Authority as a Senior Project Manager in April of 2022.  His career prior to the Airport Authority includes almost 20 years in the consulting engineering field for electrical and low voltage systems for firms in the Omaha metro and nearly 10 years as a owner of an electrical contracting business with his parents in Kearney NE.

Pat’s academic background consists of a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in Construction Management. He also holds BICSI accredited Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification, a DBIA design builder certification and is a licensed Electrical Contractor in the state of Nebraska.

About Congressman Don Bacon

Growing up and working on a farm in Illinois, Congressman Don Bacon
learned first-hand how the value of hard work and commitment contributes to
the success of a small business. He moved from the family farm to attend
Northern Illinois University, from which he graduated with a Bachelors of
Political Science in 1984, the same year he married Angie, the love of his life.
They have three sons, one daughter, and five grandchildren. One year later,
he began his military career by joining the U.S. Air Force and serving nearly
30 years, ultimately retiring as a Brigadier General.

During his career in the Air Force, Congressman Bacon specialized in
electronic warfare, intelligence, reconnaissance, and public affairs. His career
highlights include two tours as a Wing Commander, at Ramstein Airbase in
Germany and Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska; group command at
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona; squadron command in Arizona,
and expeditionary squadron command in Iraq. In total, Congressman Bacon
served 16 assignments including four deployments across the globe, three of
which were in the Middle East, and one assignment to Iraq in 2007 to 2008
during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Congressman Bacon’s military decorations include the Air Force
Distinguished Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, two Legion of Merits, five
Meritorious Service Medals, and the Aerial Achievement Medal. Additionally,
he was selected as Europe’s top Air Force Wing Commander for his time at
Ramstein Airbase, as well as recognized as a distinguished graduate of the
Air Command and Staff College, Navigator-Electronic Warfare School, and
Officer Intelligence School. Further, Congressman Bacon has earned two
Masters Degrees, from the University of Phoenix in Arizona and the National
War College in Washington D.C.

Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 2014, Congressman Bacon served
as the military advisor to Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01), where he
specialized in military affairs focusing on Offutt Air Force Base and the
Nebraska National Guard. He also was an Assistant Professor at Bellevue
University where he taught Undergraduate Leadership along with American
Vision and Values (The Kirkpatrick Signature Series), until his 2016 election to
Congress, representing Nebraska’s Second Congressional District.

Presently, Congressman Bacon serves on two committees within the House
of Representatives: the House Armed Services Committee, and the House
Agricultural Committee.

As president and CEO, Tobi oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of Goodwill Omaha’s mission programs, federal contracts and retail organization. Tobi began her career with Goodwill as a mission program coordinator in October 2006. Since then, she has served in a variety of positions, including organizational development manager, federal contracts director, and director of mission advancement. She was appointed President and CEO in 2020. She is an active member of Vistage® Worldwide, Rotary Club of Omaha, and a trustee of the Business Ethics Alliance®, which promotes an environment where the discussion and practice of ethics are encouraged and expected in our community.

Goodwill is a nonprofit governed by a board of directors. 

Lindsey Rai Kortan - Chief Executive Officer Lindsey Rai Kortan is the Chief Executive Officer for the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha. She is responsible for executing the strategic vision for the organization as it aligns with the mission. Lindsey Rai originally began working for the Ronald McDonald House as the Director of Development and was appointed CEO nine months later. She brings with her a diverse professional background inclusive of academic administration, non-profit management, and environmental compliance.

She is originally from California and has been living in Omaha for the past 12 years.  She earned her undergraduate degree on the President's List for English Literature at California State University, Long Beach and her Masters of Public Policy from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with emphasis on Ocean Law and Policy.  She has two young boys and serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Aqua Africa.

Brian Barks is President & CEO at Food Bank for the Heartland. In this role, he is responsible for overall management and direction of Food Bank for the Heartland as well as overseeing the budgetary, strategic planning, and community relations management functions. Brian became President & CEO in July 2018 after spending nine years as the Director of Development & Communications at the Food Bank.
Prior to the Food Bank, Brian spent more than 20 years in the broadcast industry working in North Platte, Omaha and Phoenix, AZ. Brian was born in Iowa, graduated high school from Omaha Burke and earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.