Michael F. McDonnell
Born Jan. 15, 1966, in Omaha.
Education: Graduate of Daniel J. Gross High School, 1984; University of Nebraska at Omaha (bachelor’s degree in criminal justice), 1992; (associate degree in fire protection technology), 1996; Bellevue University (M.P.A.), 2014.
Family: Married Amy Grosse, June 19, 1993; one child: Ryan.
Occupation: President, Omaha Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.
Former: Omaha fire chief; labor educator, University of Nebraska at Omaha William Brennan Institute for Labor Studies.
Member: grand knight, Knights of Columbus Council #10184; advisory board, New Leaders Council – Omaha; co-chair, festival committee, St. Thomas More Catholic Church; West Omaha Sierra Club.
Former member: Omaha Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 385 (president, secretary, executive board, political action chairperson); Nebraska Professional Firefighters Association (state president); executive board, Nebraska State AFL-CIO; American Association of University Professors; treasurer, Septemberfest Omaha: A Salute to Labor; executive board, Labor United; delegate, Omaha Federation of Labor.
Honors and awards: 2018 Legislative Leadership Development Award, Bohay Institute; 2017 Holland Honor Roll Award; 2014 Ancient Order of Hibernians (Father Flanagan Division) Lifetime Achievement Award; 2007 President Emeritus Omaha Firefighters International Association of Firefighters Local 385; 2007 Recognition of Dedication of Service to the Employees of the City of Omaha, Omaha Police Union; 2002 Robert E. Palmer International Association of Firefighters 2nd District/Muscular Dystrophy Association Outstanding Service Award.