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OMAHA — A key manager of a Nebraska program that’s investing multimillions into historically disadvantaged North and South Omaha neighborhoods has left state government to join the administration of Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr.
Javier Saldaña Jr., formerly the economic recovery division administrator for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, is now Omaha deputy chief of staff for economic development. His new job involves steering real estate development projects for Omaha and helping to carry out mayoral initiatives and priorities.
Saldaña filled a spot vacated when Jacquelyn Morrison shifted to Ewing’s director of transformation and strategic partnerships. Morrison previously worked for the state DED and revenue departments before switching to the city of Omaha in 2022.
Born in Grand Island and raised in Columbus by parents from Sinaloa, Mexico, Saldaña is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha who brings unique experience, according to a statement from the Mayor’s Office.
A Nebraska National Guard veteran, he served two overseas combat deployments to the Middle East and Afghanistan, as well as domestic missions related to the 2019 Nebraska flood and 2021 presidential inauguration.
Saldaña’s community service has included positions with the Metro Young Latino Professionals Association and OneWorld Community Health Centers. He is an alumnus of the Nebraska Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska program and is pursuing an executive master of business administration degree.
“I am excited to join Mayor Ewing’s administration,” Saldaña said Friday in a statement. “I like to listen to communities, hear what they want to see and help make that happen.”
Omaha officials said they recruited Saldaña for the city position. He started May 26.
At the DED, Saldaña focused on driving economic growth and job creation throughout Nebraska. Among his duties was oversight of “shovel-ready” grants and the ongoing, high-profile North and South Omaha Recovery Grant program. The historic NSORG program awarded about $235 million to about 130 groups and businesses in qualified census tracts impacted disproportionately by the pandemic.
Saldaña is the second key manager of the NSORG effort to leave state government since the program was approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jim Pillen in 2023. Grantees, many of whom are using the funds for major construction and job-creation projects, were selected by state officials based on potential for helping to reverse disinvestment.
His DED departure comes months after the Nebraska Examiner reported on the agency’s downsizing amid concerns and cuts in other state agencies. A DED spokesman at the time said the downsizing was part of a winding down of pandemic-era programs.
DED spokesperson Justin Pinkerman said Friday that Ashley Drake is currently serving as interim administrator of DED’s economic recovery division. Drake, who has worked for the state for more than 12 years, helped open DED’s current Omaha office.
Pinkerman said the DED is excited to see continued progress on NSORG projects to expand youth centers, develop sports and fitness facilities, and enhance cultural and commercial spaces. NSORG investments are also supporting workforce development, small business training and housing initiatives.
“Collectively, these projects reflect a broad commitment to revitalizing Omaha’s neighborhoods, strengthening businesses, and improving opportunities and quality of life for residents,” the DED statement said.
Ewing welcomed Saldaña’s experience in economic development as well as military sectors. Saldaña previously helped lead UNO’s Office of Military and Veteran Services.
“I am so excited to bring his expertise, energy, intentionality and relationships to one of my key priorities, economic development,” the mayor said.
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