Theresa Thibodeau
Summary
Strategic business professional with a proven track record in influencing business direction through leadership and successful decision-making. Skilled in fostering startup growth and establishing key partnerships, notably as CEO of the Heartland Independent Business Association. Demonstrates expertise in business management and team leadership, notably through ownership of Primrose School of La Vista. In public service, contributed significantly to policy as a Nebraska State Senator and enhanced organizational growth and volunteer engagement as President of the Douglas County Republican Party. Holds an educational background in psychology and is pursuing parliamentary procedure, enhancing capabilities in policy analysis and stakeholder relations. Recognized for playing a pivotal role in community and economic development in Nebraska.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Douglas County Republican Party President
Douglas County Republican Party
2019.01 - 2021.01
- Built a team that rebuilt operational structure and strategy
- Collaborated with candidates to produce campaign plans
- Exponentially increased the volunteer base
- Connected the county party to federal, state, and other local officials
- Our team pioneered a fundraising plan that took the organization from operating in the red to a budget of over $400,000 in just under two years
- Introduced modernization of data analysis and voting trends.
Owner
Early Childhood Development Center
La Vista
2010.01 - 2021.01
- Spearheaded negotiations for contracts, land acquisition, and selection of building contractors, paving the way for business development
- Actively collaborated with city and county officials to resolve infrastructure challenges, ensuring seamless planning and development processes
- Managed a $2 million annual budget, optimizing financial resources to drive business growth and sustainability
- Strategically hired and cultivated a dynamic team of 49 employees, fostering a culture of professional growth and operational excellence
- Identified and nurtured management talent, creating a robust leadership pipeline
- Worked with and advised then-Governor Ricketts on keeping childcare open for essential employees while maintaining a safe environment for children and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nebraska State Senator
State of Nebraska
Lincoln
2017.01 - 2019.01
- I represented Legislative District 6, covering approximately 28,000 constituents in NW Omaha
- Served on the Agriculture, Urban Affairs, and Government Affairs committees to efficiently craft bills for consideration by the entire Legislature
- Wrote, proposed, and voted on legislation for state government
- Worked with other lawmakers to set an annual budget for the state
- Debated bills on the legislative in support of other state legislators
- Alerted constituents of government actions and programs through newsletters and personal appearances at town and individual meetings.
CEO
Heartland Independent Business Association
Current
- Founded the Heartland Independent Business Association in January 2023
- Established foundational processes for business and start-up operations
- Manage partnerships and strategic business relationships
- Build productive relationships with the business community
- Analyze business metrics to determine a potential membership base
- Develop and maintain fundraising and membership growth plans
- Communicate business performance, forecasts, and strategies to stakeholders
- Devise and present business plans and forecasts to the board of directors
- Maintain P&L and shoulder fiscal responsibility
- Advise and mentor new business owners on financial plans, strategic planning, and funding methods
- Work directly with federal, state, and local elected officials to ensure a business-friendly environment that recruits and sustains small businesses across Nebraska.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Nebraska At Omaha
1998-12
Currently Pursuing - Parliamentary Procedure
Certified Professional Parliamentarian
Skills
- Excellent Communication
- Leadership in complex environments
- Strategic Planning
- Policy Analysis
- Public Policy Research
- Policy Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Decision-Making
Accomplishments
- Midlands Business Journal 40 under 40 Recipient
- Sarpy County Chamber "Up and Coming Business Award 2015
- Leadership Omaha Graduate
- Leadership Sarpy Graduate
Timeline
CEO
Heartland Independent Business Association
Current
Douglas County Republican Party President
Douglas County Republican Party
2019.01 - 2021.01
Nebraska State Senator
State of Nebraska
2017.01 - 2019.01
Owner
Early Childhood Development Center
2010.01 - 2021.01
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Nebraska At Omaha
Currently Pursuing - Parliamentary Procedure
Certified Professional Parliamentarian
Additional History
- Transitioned from workforce to home to focus on our children's early development and school readiness.
- Worked in several leadership roles within human resources and human resources consulting.
Board Memberships
- City of Omaha Personnel Board
- Douglas County Juvenile Judge Appointment Committee
- Set Me Free Project BOD
- St. Robert Bellarmine Foundation BOD
- St. Robert Bellarmine Home and School Board
- President Sarpy Chamber, Women of Wisdom Christ Child Society
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Board President
- La Vista Community Foundation Board
- La Vista Economic Development Board
Awards
- Midlands Business Journal 40 under 40
- Sarpy County Chamber "Up and Coming Business"
- Leadership Omaha Graduate
- Leadership Sarpy Graduate
Additional History
- Transitioned from workforce to home to focus on our children's early development and school readiness.
- Worked in several leadership roles within human resources and human resources consulting.
Board Memberships
- City of Omaha Personnel Board
- Douglas County Juvenile Judge Appointment Committee
- Set Me Free Project BOD
- St. Robert Bellarmine Foundation BOD
- St. Robert Bellarmine Home and School Board
- President Sarpy Chamber, Women of Wisdom Christ Child Society
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Board President
- La Vista Community Foundation Board
- La Vista Economic Development Board
Awards
- Midlands Business Journal 40 under 40
- Sarpy County Chamber "Up and Coming Business"
- Leadership Omaha Graduate
- Leadership Sarpy Graduate
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