Across more than four decades of public service, dedication to the community and professional achievements, Hal is one of the most highly regarded attorneys in Nebraska.
Before completing two terms as the mayor of Omaha, he served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, with positions on the House Ways and Means, Public Works and Transportation, Government Operations, and Small Business Committees. He also was a board member for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities and Omaha’s Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority. In November 2012, he was elected to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
Hal represents a multistate pharmacy benefits management company, an electronic hospital-discharge company, a 50-state home healthcare franchise company, a nursing home operator in Nebraska and Iowa, a business that distributes wholesale pharmaceutical products to nursing homes and statewide nursing and chiropractic physicians’ trade associations. He advises on legislative and administrative strategies and issues, such as corporate structure analysis, federal healthcare compliance and major federal tax legislation. In addition, he has authored numerous publications on Social Security and has frequently spoken on healthcare public policy.
Hal’s extensive community service illustrates his commitment to the healthcare field:
- Active in the Nebraska chapter of the American Heart Association since 1968, Hal has been President and Chair of the Board of Directors. In 2012, he and his wife oversaw the annual Heart Ball, which raised more than $400,000.
- He has been on the Board of Directors for Community Health Charities of Nebraska since 1979 and served on many national committees for the umbrella organization, Community Health Charities of America.
- Individually or together with his wife, Hal has chaired organizational efforts for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Diabetes Association, the Alzheimer’s Association and Essential Pregnancy Services of Omaha.
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Alumni President’s Council
- American Health Care Association, President and Chief Executive, 2004-2005
- American Judicature Society
- Association of Government Accountants
- Council on Excellence in Government, Principal
- Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (Omaha), Board of Directors, 2002-2006
- National Advisory Commission on Public Service
- National League of Cities, Board of Directors, 1997-1999
- Nebraska State Bar Association
- Nebraska State Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Omaha Bar Association
- Republican Mayors and Local Officials of the United States, President, 1995-2000
- Social Security Advisory Board, Chair, 2002-2006
- U.S. Conference of Mayors, Advisory Board, 1997-2001
Awards and Recognitions
- Alumni Achievement Award, Nebraska Alumni Association, 2015
- American Diabetes Association, Father of the Year, 2011
- Grand Masonic Lodges of Nebraska, Humanitarian Award, 2004
- Great Plains Super Lawyers, Health Care, 2014-2016
- Jaycees, Outstanding Young Omahan, 1975
- Mid America Boy Scout Council, Citizen of the Year, 2003, 2012
- National Associated Businessmen, Watchdog of the Treasury Awards, 1981-1989
- National Federation of Independent Business, Guardian of Small Business Awards, 1981-1989
- Nebraska Reserve Officers, Minuteman of the Year, 1985
- Nebraska Society Distinguished Nebraskan Award, 2005
- Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Business Hall of Fame, 2004
- Outstanding Young Nebraskan, 1964
- Silver Beaver Award, 2004; Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, 2000
- Toastmasters International, Communication & Leadership Award, 2005
- U.S. Congress, Peace Through Strength Awards, 1981-1989
- Washington University in St. Louis, Founders Day Distinguished Alumni Award, 2012
- Who’s Who in America, 1981-present
- Who’s Who in American Politics, 1981-present
Civic Involvement
- 33rd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite, Shrine, York Rite Mason, 1995
- 40 & 8 Voiture 206
- Air Force Association
- American Heart Association, Nebraska affiliation
- American Legion Post 112
- Autism Action Partnership, Board of Directors, 2009-present
- Community Health Charities of America, Chair, 2006; National Board of Directors, 2002-2010
- Durham Western Heritage Museum
- Eagles Aerie 154
- Fatherhood Family Initiative, Board of Directors, 2003-present
- Fontenelle Forrest Association
- Freedoms Foundation, Board of Directors, 1998-2006
- Friend of the Scottish Rite, 2012
- Friendship Force
- Great Plains Black Museum, Board of Directors, 2001-2004
- Humane Society and Friends Forever
- Kappa Sigma, Delta Theta Phi and Alpha Kappa Psi Alumni Associations
- Madonna School for Exceptional Children
- Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America, Executive Committee, Vice Chair, Trustee, 2001-present
- Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Nebraska Diplomats
- Nebraska Lodge 1, York and Scottish Rite Masonic Orders
- Nebraska Republican Party, National Committee
- Optimist International
- Performing Arts Society
- Presbyterian Church, Elder
- Reserve Officers Association
- Salvation Army, Tree of Lights Campaign, Vice-Chair, 2010; Chair, 2011-2012
- Sister Cities Association
- St. Peter Claver Cristo Rey High School, Board of Directors, 2002-2008
- University of Nebraska, Board of Regents, 2012-present
- University of Nebraska-Omaha, Development Committee
- United Way/CHAD Division, Chair, 1978-1980
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2503
- Washington University Alumni Association