W. Todd Johnson is the next senior vice president of economic development for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

Johnson, the past global channel leader of entrepreneurship and job creation at Gallup, will join the chamber leadership in early January 2021.

“Todd brings a wealth of global experience to our region, along with unparalleled initiative to connect our community’s stakeholders on critical issues. He’s a consummate collaborator, and a cogent thought leader. We’re excited to welcome him to the team,” David G. Brown, president and CEO of the chamber, said last Friday in a release.

Johnson will join Brown in leading the work of the Greater Omaha Chamber Economic Development Partnership. The partnership’s efforts span seven counties in southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska.

“I have lived and traveled around the world, and these experiences only caused my love and passion for Omaha to grow,” Johnson said in a statement. “There has never been a better time to focus on rebuilding and restarting. Working to enhance and advance Greater Omaha is exciting, and I’m looking forward to expending my energy toward the growth and prosperity of this very special place.” Brown said that Johnson will work on job creation and investment, boosting the area’s startup ecosystem, encouraging retention and expansion of existing business, recruiting new business and stressing the importance of developing, retaining and attracting a diverse talent pool.

The Omaha metro area has recently announced a new Amazon robotic fulfillment center in Papillion and a new Dollar General distribution center in Blair.

“When we talk about ‘making an investment in the community,’ it’s about so much more than putting numbers on the board,” said Timothy J. Burke, president and CEO of Omaha Public Power District and chair of the chamber’s board. “It’s about people, and Todd embodies the leadership acumen and vision needed for this position.”