Joan Squires inducted into Omaha Business Hall of Fame

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O-pa President Joan H. Squires was officially inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame on August 21. She was one of seven honorees at the event hosted by the Greater Omaha Chamber at the Holland Center.

Established in 1993, the Omaha Business Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made a significant, historical contribution to the Greater Omaha business community “either through sustained superior accomplishment, or through a specific important achievement,” according to selection guidelines for Hall of Fame inductees.

“It is an honor for the Chamber to induct this outstanding class of business leaders into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame,” said Heath Mello, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “All seven inductees are truly giants in their industries, and all have given so much back to our business community and to our city.”

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Watch Joan’s highlight video from the ceremony.

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Joan came to Omaha in 2002 to establish and develop Omaha Performing Arts. Under her visionary leadership, O-pa is now the largest arts organization in Nebraska overseeing the Orpheum Theater, Holland Performing Arts Center, Steelhouse Omaha, and the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement (opening in early 2026). Her influence in the arts and entertainment world put Omaha on the map as an important stop for touring Broadway, music, and other performances. Her passion for the arts fuels O-pa’s transformative education and community engagement offerings that continue to expand.

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I don't remember arts in Omaha before Joan Squires.

– Jack Koraleski, O-pa Board Chair

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Working in the heart of downtown, O-pa reaches over 550,000 people per year with an annual economic impact of $61M.

“When I first came 21 years ago there was no CHI Health Center, no Holland Center, no revitalized riverfront. All this growth has contributed to a sea change. There’s a synergy about it, too. It’s not just O-pa. We all work together,” said Joan.

Joan recognizes the impact arts and entertainment have on a city — it’s about quality of life just as much as economic impact. And with O-pa’s demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, the organization strives to enrich the lives of people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds across the state and region.

We at Omaha Performing Arts want to extend our heartfelt congratulations on the prestigious honor of joining the Omaha Business Hall of Fame. It is a testament to Joan’s outstanding contributions, unwavering dedication, and remarkable achievements in the business community. Her commitment to excellence and innovation serves as an inspiration to us all.