Goodrich Scholar, Community Leader Named Recipient of the CPACS Alumni Award

As a seasoned Human Resources practitioner and Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources at UNO and UNMC, helping individuals find opportunities, whether in Human Resources, in a business career or nonprofit organization, Aileen Warren has made an impact in the Omaha Community.

As an undergraduate student, Aileen was a recipient of the Goodrich Scholarship. She went on to graduate with her bachelor's and master’s degrees from the UNO Grace Abbott School of Social Work. She began her professional career working at a variety of non-profit organizations. During this time, she was selected to participate in the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Leadership Omaha Program.

In 1985, Aileen married Thomas Warren, her junior high school sweetheart. They have three children, Jessica, Thomas Jr., and Alexandra, and two grandsons, Evan Thomas Warren and Kingston Joshua Teamer.

Her career with the private sector started at First National Bank of Omaha in 1989, where she served as a Corporate Trainer and Human Resources Manager. In these roles, she oversaw the Management Trainee Program, counseled and trained a wide variety of bank staff from clerical, front line support, to senior leaders. In 1997, Aileen joined First Data Corporation where she worked for 17 ½ years and was promoted several times to become a Vice President of Human Resources. At First Data, she consulted senior business leaders, drove talent and performance management, and led several company acquisitions. While at First Data, she attended the Fielding Institute where she received a certificate in Organizational Development and also received her certification as a Professional in Human Resources from the Society of Human Resources Management.

She is a graduate of the ICAN Influence Leadership Program and in 2010 was a Co-chair of the ICAN Leadership Conference which brought together over 2,000 women for a day or growth and development.

Aileen is currently the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Business and Finance and Director of Human Resources for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and also oversees Human Resources at UNO. In her role, she provides leadership and strategic direction of all Human Resources functions at UNMC including employee benefits and wellness, employee relations, organizational development, staffing, compensation, records management, diversity and HR technology. The budgetary and operational oversight of the UNMC Center for Healthy Living and the Child Development Center also fall under her areas of responsibility.

Aileen is very active in the community and has been involved with numerous community committees, boards, and professional organizations including the Omaha Rotary, Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands, American Red Cross, Family Services, Girls Inc., Human Resources Association of the Midlands and Catholic Charities. She is currently on the boards and serves as an executive committee member of the Omaha Home for Boys, Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN) and the Women’s Fund of Omaha. She is also on the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands Executive Scholarship Committee.

She and her husband Thomas have served as the event chairs for the National Council of Negro Women Annual Luncheon, the Omaha Home for Boys Imagine our Youth Gala and vinNebraska. They have also contributed financially to organizations such as the Durham Museum, University of Nebraska Foundation, Inclusive Communities, and the YMCA. Aileen is also a long-time member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Her honors/recognition include:

• 2006 Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands Woman of the Year Award
• 2009 National Service to Youth Award from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America
• 2010 Co-Chair of the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference
• 2012 Omaha North High Viking of Distinction
• 2016 Women’s Fund Annual Luncheon Honorary Co-Chair
• 2018 AK Sar Ben Court of Honor recipient
• 2019 Omaha Press Club Face on the Barroom Floor

Aileen enjoys traveling and hiking and has been to almost every major US city. Her international travels include Mexico, England, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, the Bahamas, and Jamaica. She also keeps active by jogging and has completed the Chicago Marathon and three half-marathons.

One of the things that Aileen is the proudest of is being a wife and mother as well as serving as a role model and mentor to young men and women in the Omaha community.

It is no surprise that Aileen Warren is this year’s Goodrich recipient of the CPACS Alumni Award. Her many accolades have impacted so many during her time on campus, in the Omaha community, and beyond.

About the CPACS Alumni Award

The university and community leaders established the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) to ensure the university was responsive to the critical societal needs and concerns of our community and state. Critical to the mission of the new college was the provision of educational and training programs of the highest caliber that would prepare students for careers and leadership in the public service.

The individuals honored with the alumni award for excellence in public service demonstrate, through both their daily deeds and greatest achievements, the finest attributes of public and community service: integrity, stewardship, volunteerism, leadership, and a commitment to social justice and human dignity. They are a credit to their professions, their families, and our college. We congratulate them for this and all their achievements.