Last week Kaleb Duncan introduced us to two new members, Derek Oden and Matthew Zacher.
Derek Oden was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. A graduate of Roncalli Catholic High School’s Class of 2014, Derek then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 2018 from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Masters Degree in Business Administration in 2020 from the University of Nebraska.
Between 2013 and 2023, Derek has worked in various capacities in Nebraska politics including in his former roles as Chair of the Omaha Young Republicans, Executive Director of the Douglas County Republican Party, and Campaign Manager for Congressman Bacon’s 2022 re-election campaign. He currently serves as Campaign Manager for Senator Deb Fischer's 2024 re-election bid.
Derek shares a deep passion and love for Omaha and the State of Nebraska that overflows into everything he does. As a man of faith, he is committed to raising up the next generation and living a life of service to his community and all those he interacts with. He believes that together no dream is out of reach and that we can each help others achieve their full potential by living out our faith, fostering personal relationships, actively engaging in our community, and being involved in the political process. Welcome, Derek!
Matthew Zacher was born in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. The son of Creighton University graduates, Matthew graduated from Brophy College Prep in 2018 before returning to Omaha to continue the family tradition at Creighton University. At Creighton, Matthew studied Psychology and Political Science, graduating in 2022. During his time at Creighton, Matthew served on student government boards and was president of his fraternity (Sig Ep). Matthew was the political director on Don Bacon’s 2022 campaign, and currently serves as campaign manager for Bacon’s 2024 re-election campaign.
Matthew has had a love for politics from an early age, first volunteering on Senator John McCain’s final Senate campaign in 2016 when he was only 15 years old. In his high school years, Matthew made several service trips to the Southern Border, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Witnessing the poverty, violence, and corruption in those countries cemented Matthew’s belief in the importance of good people in government. Matthew admires leaders who are steadfast in their convictions, but who are also willing to work across the aisle to move our country forward—he considers himself blessed to work for such a leader as Don Bacon. Matthew has two younger siblings, a sister who is a senior at Creighton and a brother who is a senior at Brophy Prep. In his free time, Matthew enjoys golfing and cooking. He is a lifetime fan of the Green Bay Packers and Bluejay Basketball. Welcome, Matthew!
