When you look at the heart of Omaha’s civic leadership, few names stand out like City Councilman Pete Festersen. First elected to the Omaha City Council in 2009, Pete has since been re-elected in 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025 — soon becoming the longest-serving councilman in Omaha’s history. His tenure includes three terms as President of the City Council, a testament to his dedication, steady leadership, and commitment to seeing Omaha thrive.
Councilman Pete Festersen’s Ongoing Commitment to Omaha
But Pete’s dedication to the community goes far beyond City Hall. As Vice President of Public Affairs for CHI Health — one of Omaha’s largest private employers — Pete works daily to strengthen connections between health care and the communities it serves. His professional journey has always focused on making Omaha a stronger, more vibrant city. Before his current roles, Pete led his own small business and held senior leadership positions with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Peter Kiewit Foundation, and served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Mike Fahey.
True to his community-first mindset, Pete has invested countless hours in boards and nonprofits that directly impact the lives of Omaha families. He currently serves on the boards of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Douglas County Board of Public Health. He lends his guidance to vital organizations such as Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue and the Food Bank of the Heartland capital campaign, ensuring families in need have access to healthy, nourishing meals.
His past service includes chairing the Omaha Planning Board and working with beloved local institutions like the Omaha Children’s Museum, College World Series, Inc., and the United Way of the Midlands campaign. Whether it’s supporting education, public health, or food security, Pete’s dedication shows up in countless corners of Omaha life.
An Omaha native, Pete’s roots run deep. A proud graduate of Central High School, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Connecticut College and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. A graduate of Leadership Omaha, he’s been recognized many times for his outstanding service, including the Excellence in Public Service Award from UNO, Elected Official of the Year by ASPA-Nebraska, and the UNO Citation for Alumni Achievement.
At home, Pete’s greatest pride is his family. His wife, Paige, shapes young minds as a preschool teacher at Dundee Presbyterian Church, while their daughters, Anna and Caroline, remind him every day why community matters so much. Outside of work and service, Pete is an accomplished sailor — a Nebraska State Champion in both soccer and curling — and keeps the beat as a lifelong musician and drummer in a local rock band.
Through every chapter of his career and life, Councilman Pete Festersen remains anchored by a simple belief: that true leadership means building a stronger community for everyone. And as Omaha continues to grow, Pete’s unwavering commitment to service ensures that it grows together.
First Responders Foundation
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