OMAHA, NE.- At a recent meeting of the Joslyn Art Museum board of governors, current chairman John P. Nelson announced his retirement from the post he has held for the past two years. He is succeeded by Gary Gates (pictured left), president and chief executive officer of Omaha Public Power District (OPPD). Gates has served as a member of Joslyn’s board since 2005 and as vice-chairman of its executive committee since 2011. Nelson, who is chairman and chief executive officer of SilverStone Group, a risk management and consulting organization, will now lead the Joslyn Art Museum Foundation board.

“It has been a privilege working with John Nelson these past two years. His belief in fostering inquiry and his encouragement of open, honest communication on all matters have made him an ideal board chairman," said Joslyn executive director and CEO Jack Becker, Ph.D. “As John continues in that vein with the Foundation, we welcome Gary Gates as our new board chairman. A notable business and community leader, Gary is in the unique position of having a love of art and a long history with the Museum. In fact, he served as a docent here after graduating college. His passion for Joslyn’s mission and the audiences we serve, combined with his business acumen, make him a superior choice to lead our board. I am delighted to be working with him."

"It is an honor to serve Joslyn Art Museum as chairman of the board. I deeply appreciate the diverse talents and perspectives of those who join with me in continuing the great tradition of the institution — members of the board, Jack Becker, and the rest of the Museum staff," noted Gates. "To further the Museum’s sound business practices is our priority, while also providing insight and support toward its vision — to be cherished and respected as a premier art museum by all. I look forward to serving with these as our goals."

Gates began his career at OPPD in September 1972. He joined the staff at Fort Calhoun Station two years later and held several positions in the nuclear organization, including reactor engineer, supervisor of operations at Fort Calhoun Station, and manager of Fort Calhoun Station.

In May 1989, Gates was named executive assistant to the president, and he was appointed division manager of nuclear operations in February 1990. He was promoted to vice president with responsibility for OPPD’s nuclear organization in November 1992. He became president and CEO in January 2004.

Local and industry board affiliations include the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL), the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), the Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation Governor’s Council, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts Mid America Council, Mutual of Omaha, Durham Museum, Boys Town National Board of Trustees, Creighton University, Heritage Services, Strategic Air Command Consultation Committee, Nebraska Military Support Coalition, Wings Over the Heartland, College World Series, and Strategic Air & Space Museum.

Gates holds a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and a master’s degree in business administration from Creighton University. He and his wife, Kathy, have three children.