Natalie C. Peetz, President
Natalie C. Peetz, president and founder of the firm, spent thirteen years as Vice President for Public Policy at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce in Omaha, Nebraska. As Vice President, she handled the Chamber’s political strategy, including state and community relations, communications, fundraising, and management of the Chamber’s councils on government affairs, taxation, transportation, and agri-business. As chief lobbyist, Peetz developed and coordinated the Omaha corporate community’s business agenda at the federal, state, and local level. The development, enactment, and protection of economic development issues were a top priority.Prior to her work at the Chamber, Peetz served under Governor Kay A. Orr from 1986 to 1991, including two years as Chief of Staff. Her responsibilities included the oversight of state agency directors, the gubernatorial staff, and appointments to boards and commissions. In addition, she provided policy analysis to the governor, lobbied members of the legislature, and oversaw the development of the legislative message and budget.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Peetz worked for the State Treasurer’s Office and the State Department of Agriculture in international marketing while attending the University. Prior to Peetz’ service in state government she was a pharmaceutical sales representative in eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa.
Peetz currently serves as a Trustee of the University of Nebraska Foundation. Her past civic involvement includes: past member of the Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center/Nebraska Heart Hospital Community Council; past Chair of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Leadership Nebraska program; past president of the NebraskaLand Foundation; former board member for the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games; and former member of the National Public Affairs Council for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Cora Schrader, Partner
Cora Schrader joined the firm in 2010. She is a native of Hastings, Nebraska, a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Political Science, and a Master’s degree in Public Policy with the University of Massachusetts. Schrader came to us with a substantial knowledge and background in state and federal healthcare policies along with a familiarity of Medicaid and Medicare, and, valuable frontline lobbying experience at the Capitol. In addition to the day-to-day lobby activities, Schrader is also working on Peetz & Company grassroots advocacy efforts, political action, and research.
Cathy B. Heyen, Firm Administrator and Director of Client Relations
Cathy Heyen joined the firm in 2004. She has extensive knowledge of business, government, and political environments. Heyen is responsible for research, client communications, monitoring of hearings and agency meetings of interest, assisting with board & commission strategies and handles the firm’s political action activities. She also maintains daily operations and business functions of Peetz & Company. Heyen’s over thirty years experience in the public and private sectors began as an executive assistant and scheduler to former Governor Kay A. Orr during Orr’s tenure as State Treasurer and Governor of the State of Nebraska. Heyen also served as Executive Assistant to the President and CEO of one of the largest privately held asset-based trucking and logistics companies in the U.S.-Crete Carrier Corporation for over nine years.
Jack Peetz, Associate and General Counsel
Jack Peetz is a Sidney, Nebraska native and a graduate of the University of Nebraska and Creighton University Law School (1973). He practiced with a law firm in Sidney for sixteen years specializing in real estate, probate, corporate, tax and agriculture-related matters. Peetz moved his practice to Lincoln, NE when he became corporate counsel for both Duncan Aviation and Crete Carrier Corporation. After several years, he took the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Crete Carrier Corporation, one of the nation’s largest privately held trucking companies. In January of 2008, he became and remained President of Crete’s Shaffer Trucking Division until his retirement in January of 2015. In addition to his duties at Peetz & Company, he currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Buckle, Inc. – a New York Stock Exchange-traded, nationwide retailer of medium to better-priced casual apparel, footwear, and accessories. Peetz is admitted to the practice of law in the States of Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and the Federal District Court for the State of Nebraska.