2014 Omaha Business Hall of Fame Honoree (1952-2012)
Paul C. Jessen, Founder, Chairman and President – Koley Jessen P.C.
A natural leader, Paul Jessen used his considerable skills to help build a community while also building a business. He made the firm he co-founded, Koley Jessen, one of the top law firms in the region
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before his death in 2012 at age 59.
Passionate about the College World Series, Jessen led the complex, tri-party negotiations that resulted in a 25-year CWS contract extension, the foundation on which the new TD Ameritrade Park Omaha was built.
In 2012, the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben inducted Jessen posthumously into the Court of Honor. He helped retain one of the country’s top rodeos,
Ak-Sar-Ben’s River City Rodeo & Stock Show, in Omaha.
Jessen’s community generosity and leadership also was felt at the Omaha Community Foundation, Westside Foundation and American Red Cross Heartland Chapter.
He was honored by the Nebraska State Bar Foundation, Best Lawyers in America, and Chambers USA for his work with tax and corporate law. He was a fellow of the American College of Estate and Trust Counsel.
The Westside High School alumnus graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 1974, he went to work as a CPA while attending Creighton University School of Law, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1977.
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The Omaha Business Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have contributed to the business history of the Greater Omaha area, either through sustained superior performance or a specific achievement.
This year’s inductee class, which also includes Louis, Irv and Ron Blumkin, will be welcomed and honored at the Business Hall of Fame Gala on Wednesday, April 23, at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The evening begins with a 6 p.m. hors d’oeuvres dinner followed by the induction ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Parking is included.
The Omaha Business Hall of Fame Gala sponsors are Fraser Stryker, KPMG LLP and U.S. Bank.