Boris Kodjoe
September 25, 2021Dr. Ope Banwo
October 10, 2021Hal Daub
Former Congressman & Omaha Mayor ; Counsel, Husch Blackwell, LLC
As Congressman, he authored more than 200 separate pieces of legislation, many of which are in the law today – among them are requiring congressmen to pay Social Security taxes, and extending IRA deductibility to the non-working, or non-W-2’d spouse. He was a pivotal player in enacting the 1986 Tax Reform Act and the Papio-Missouri Basin Reauthorization for the flood control, recreational lakes and trails system we enjoy today among many other significant legislative successes.
As Mayor, Hal is remembered for transacting substantial tax rate reduction for all Omaha property tax payers, bringing innovations like Police helicopter to advance public safety, infra- red helmets to the fire departments, Sun Dawgs summer youth program to the Omaha Parks, Downtown riverfront development for a Convention Center and Arena and pedestrian bridge, the Holland Performing Art Center, the Union Station Durham Museum project, the First National Bank Tower, the Union Pacific Center, the Hruska Federal Court House, the Curtis Regional Park Service Headquarters, the South Omaha stockyards and North Omaha development projects, the West Dodge Expressway, led the fight to transform the old Aksarben race track into the economic miracle it is today, and too many others to name here.
Hal is Senior Counsel at the law firm of Husch Blackwell, LLP, the largest Midwest and one of the country’s 100 largest law firms where he practices corporate, finance, healthcare and is a part of their Government Solution Practice. He has received many honors and recognitions including: Distinguished Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver Awards in Scouting, and its Citizen of the Year; Omaha Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame; Humanitarian Award by the Grand Masonic Lodge of Nebraska; Communication and Leadership Award from Toastmasters International; and is a 33rd Degree Mason. Hal has served as Chair of the Salvation Army “Be a Hero” luncheon, its Tree of Lights Chairman and he and his wife have supported and chaired many civic and charitable events including the capitol campaign for Madonna School. He serves on the Boards of Boy Scouts Mid-America Council, Salvation Army, Autism Action Partnership, Wounded Warrior Family Support and Fatherhood Family Initiative. He served as a member and Chair of the Presidentially appointed and Senate confirmed Social Security Advisory Board and served as an elected Regent of the University of Nebraska. He is a member of Omaha Downtown Rotary and Optimist International.
Hal is a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2503, American Legion Post 112, “40 & 8” American Legion, and the Reserve Officers Association.
Hal has three children and five grandchildren. He is married to the former Mary Wurdeman who is active in her own right in numerous civic and philanthropic organizations.