Government Affairs Be A

JOHN A. “JACK” CHELOHA

Omaha, NE ***** 402-***-**** ***********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/jack-cheloha

STRATEGIC LOBBYIST

Government Affairs Public Policy Legislative Analysis Influential Networking Negotiation Creative

Problem-Solving Research Communication Strategy Development

Dedicated lobbyist and attorney with extensive experience advocating for public policies and fostering strategic relationships with key stakeholders. Demonstrates strong communication and negotiation skills with a keen understanding of political processes. Proven ability to work across partisan lines to influence favorable legislation. Committed to driving effective change through research-driven strategies and proactive policy development.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Goosmann Law Firm April 2024- Present

Senior Attorney (Omaha, NE)

Establish a community and government affairs practice department for the law firm

Advise junior attorneys on the practice of law

Continue key relationships with the Nebraska Congressional delegation, Governor and his staff, State Legislature and its staff, Douglas County elective officials and staff and City of Omaha elected officials and staff

Help law firm attract new clients and continue to maintain current clients

City of Omaha (Omaha, NE) October 2016 – December 2023

Deputy City Attorney/City Lobbyist

Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with key contacts in municipal, county, state and federal governments and in public and private organizations

Collaborate with legislative committees, individual legislators, public officials, trade and industrial associations, chambers of commerce and business organizations to assure full communication of ideas, interests and purposes

Appear before the Nebraska Legislature on behalf of the City of Omaha

Consult with the Mayor, City Council, Law Department, and other City of Omaha officials to determine and secure the support and passage of appropriate legislation

Assist City of Omaha officials with policy decisions by performing research, compiling statistical data and providing reports

Hire and supervise interns who assist during Nebraska Legislature sessions

Perform research as needed for the Law Department, including in connection with telecommunications, rights of way, billboard regulation, and municipal liability

City of Omaha (Omaha, NE) November 1994 – October 2016

City Lobbyist

Established and maintained effective relationships with key contacts in municipal, county, state and federal governments and in public and private organizations

Collaborated with legislative committees, individual legislators, public officials, trade and industrial associations, chambers of commerce and business organizations to assure full communication of ideas, interests and purposes

Appeared before the Nebraska Legislature on behalf of the City of Omaha

Consulted with the City Council, Mayor and other City of Omaha officials to determine appropriate state legislation and secure support and passage of appropriate legislation

Performed assignments as needed or the City Council, including budget research, constituent complaint issues, and weekly agenda items

Kennedy, Holland, DeLacy & Svoboda (Omaha, NE) September 1990 – May 1994

Associate Attorney

Practiced legislative lobbying and civil litigation

Represented various contract clients before the Nebraska Legislature dealing with issues related to higher education, appropriations, health care, banking and finance, gaming, insurance and tort reform

Extensive experience with insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, workers’ compensation, personal injury, contract and family law

Appeared weekly at hearings in Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy and other local counties

Responsible for extensive legal research and writing of briefs, memoranda, and demand letters

JACK CHELOHA ***********@*****.*** Page 2

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor (JD)

University of Nebraska School of Law

Honors & Activities:

Moot Court – Board Member, National Team Member,

Senior Rounds Quarterfinalist, Junior Rounds Problem Writer

Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity

The Order of Barristers

Who’s Who Among American Law Students

Outstanding Young Men of America

William M. Holt Scholarship

UNL Pre-Law Club Scholarship

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Political Science, Economics and History

University of Nebraska

Honors & Activities:

Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honorary)

USAA Academic All-American

Golden Activities Key National Honor Society

Pre-Law Club – Founder & President

Intra-fraternity Council Member

Delta Upsilon Fraternity – President & Vice President

ARW Foundation Scholarship

Platte County Agricultural Society Scholarship

ACTIVITIES

Nebraska Bar Association – House of Delegates (2005 to present), Legislative Committee (2001 to 2002)

League of Nebraska Municipalities – Larger Cities Legislative Committee (1995 to present)

JDRF – volunteer, including fundraising, advocacy and outreach (2011 to present)

Nebraska High School Mock Trial Program – Coach & Judge

Omaha Bar Association – Member (since 1990); Legislative Committee Chair (2004 to 2006)

Future Omaha – Treasurer (1998 to 1999)

The Salvation Army – “Be A Hero” Committee Member (2001)

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