Heath Mello, a former state senator and higher education executive, began his role as the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce President & CEO in August 2023.

As President & CEO, Mello is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the Greater Omaha Chamber, with a focus on economic development, public policy, workforce and community partnerships across an eight-county service region.

Mello currently serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Nebraska Highway Commission and also serves as a member of the U.S. Strategic Command Consultation Committee and the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Nebraska Advisory Committee. Mello also serves on numerous boards including the Business Ethics Alliance and Aksarben Foundation Board of Councilors.

For eight years, Mello served as a Nebraska State Senator representing South Omaha and spent four years as chairman of the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee. While in the Legislature, Mello also served on the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee, the Legislature’s Planning Committee, and a number of select committees and task forces.

Prior to his time at the Greater Omaha Chamber, Mello previously served as the University of Nebraska System Vice President for External Relations, a nonprofit executive, and in various community affairs roles with Metropolitan Community College in Omaha.

An Omaha native, Mello earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Meredith Bond serves as the Director of the U.S. Commercial Service’s Omaha office, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. She supports companies across Nebraska by developing international marketing strategies, identifying overseas business partners, and resolving export-related challenges. Meredith works closely with local trade organizations and collaborates with Commercial Service colleagues around the world to deliver tailored solutions that help U.S. firms expand globally.

She has served as President of the Midwest International Trade Association (MITA) and continues to contribute as a member of its Board Advisory Committee. Meredith is a graduate of Bucknell University and holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from American University.

Michael A. Salerno is Vice President, Global Banking and Institutional Payments at FNBO, where he manages a diverse portfolio of commercial and correspondent bank customers. He consults with trade and treasury management professionals located throughout the United States to help define, create, and implement effective trade finance, global payment and international risk management solutions. Michael specializes in providing foreign exchange and international payment solutions for financial institutions.

Michael is the Treasurer for the Nebraska District Export Council and the National Association of District Export Councils. Michael holds a BS in Finance and Banking from the University of Nebraska, and an Executive MBA from the University of Nebraska.