United Way of the Midlands (UWM) is proud to announce the addition of three community leaders to its Board of Directors: Chris Schaffer, Chief Executive Officer, Ag Processing, Inc.; Troy Via, Chief Operating Officer, Omaha Public Power District; and Dave Warren, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, First National Bank of Omaha.
With their broad backgrounds and expertise, these individuals will help guide the work of UWM, ensuring it is investing dollars wisely in impactful nonprofit programs and direct services that are addressing our community’s most pressing needs.
UWM also recognizes the contributions of its outgoing board members and thanks them for their commitment to our community: Avi Atholi, Senior Advisor to the Office of the President, University of Florida and Bob Gunia, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs Group, Physicians Mutual.
Chris Schaffer, serves as Chief Executive Officer with Ag Processing, Inc. (AGP) and his career spans more than 30 years in agribusiness. He joined AGP in 1994 as a merchandiser and served at AGP’s corporate headquarters as well as the Sheldon and Eagle Grove, Iowa facilities. From 1997-1999, Schaffer worked for the U.S. Feed Grains Council as Manager of International Operations, traveling to various countries promoting trade opportunities. In 1999, Schaffer rejoined AGP specializing in trading various commodities both domestically and internationally. He was promoted to Vice President of AGP’s Ag Products Division in 2012, Senior Vice President of Ag Products in 2017 and selected to be CEO of AGP in August of 2021. Schaffer has served on the boards of the National Oilseeds Processors Association, the National Grain and Feed Association and National Council of Farmers Cooperatives. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Iowa State University.
Troy Via, serves as OPPD’s Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Utility Operations. He provides overall leadership, strategic planning and long-term objectives for OPPD’s energy production and energy delivery groups. He is also responsible for oversight of the ongoing decommissioning of Fort Calhoun Station, as well as the utility’s main energy operational capabilities to ensure OPPD’s continued commitment to affordable, reliable, and environmentally sensitive energy services. He has been working in the utility industry since 1998 and joined OPPD in September of 2013 as the Director of Energy Marketing and Trading. During his five-year tenure in that role, Via played a lead role in OPPD’s integration into the Southwest Power Pool and the District’s entry into the day-ahead market. Prior to joining OPPD, he held positions at Dominion Resources in Richmond, Virginia and Aquila Energy in Kansas City, Missouri. And before entering the utility industry, Via worked for the Kansas City Board of Trade commodities exchange in the audits and investigation division.
Dave Warren is Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking for First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) and its affiliates. He began his career with FNNI in 2008, and prior to his current role, Warren served as Finance Director, VP of Technology, VP of Finance, Managing Director of Corporate Treasury Services, Chief Audit Executive and M & A Leader. Prior to employment with FNNI, he worked as CPA for Deloitte and Touche, LLP as an In-Charge Accountant, Senior Accountant and Audit Manager. Warren is also a board member of Heartland Family Services and the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce. He holds the CIA and CPA designations and graduated with his Masters of Professional Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
Schaffer, Via and Warren join the other returning members of the UWM Board of Directors, which is currently chaired by Chanda Chacón, President and CEO, Children’s Nebraska.
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About United Way of the Midlands: Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – like 211 and JAG Nebraska – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org.