Director of Operations
Vicki Quaites-Ferris joined the African-American Empowerment Network in 2009 and currently serves as the Director of Operations. The Empowerment Network is a non-profit organization that focuses on improving the quality of life and economic position of African-Americans, residents of North Omaha and citizens of the Greater Omaha area. Vicki is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the network, participates in strategic planning, and community partnership and redevelopment initiatives such as the North Omaha Village Revitalization Plan, while facilitating multiple covenant meetings.
Prior to joining the Empowerment Network, Vicki served as Deputy Assistant to Mayor Mike Fahey. In her capacity, Vicki researched, analyzed and evaluated community initiatives, reports and studies, briefed and advised the Mayor on City and community issues and, collaborated with City Departments on various projects, studies and initiatives. She also worked with neighborhood associations, community organizations; handled police complaints and constituents concerns, coordinated Town Hall meetings and served on a number of boards and committees.
With over 30 years of experience, Vicki brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the government, marketing and human service industry. Vicki served as the Facilitator for the 22nd Biennial Native Omaha Days Planning Committee. The event drew thousands of locals and visitors to North Omaha and was the largest Native Omaha Days. Vicki has served as the Event Manager for Christmas in the Village since its inception. Her responsibilities include hosting monthly/weekly meetings with the Planning Committee consisting of arts and community organizations, neighborhood associations and businesses. She enjoys working with others to take a plan and move it from a vision into action!
Vicki has presented at local and national conferences and summit. She has been instrumental in the Step-Up Omaha! Youth Employment Program that currently serves to provide job training and work experience to nearly 700 youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 21 year old.
Vicki currently serves on the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) Heartland 2050 Regional Planning Committee and, Chair the Heartland 2050 Equity and Engagement Committee with a focus to ensure communities of color continue to drive growth in the region and, ensure people of color are fully participating in our economy is an urgent priority. She also serves on the UNO Chancellor’s African American Advisory Cabinet, MAPA Coordinated Transit Committee and METRO Omaha Rapid Bus Transit (ORBT) Stakeholder Committee.
She is a recipient of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) Omaha Local Chapter’s Legacy Award in the area of Economics, the Urban League of Nebraska African American Leadership Awards and the Omaha/Council Bluffs Metropolitan YMCA Black Achiever in Business and Industry Award.
Vicki’s past board affiliations include: Metro Area Planning Agency Board (MAPA); Omaha Downtown Improvement District Association; Destination Midtown; Keep Omaha Beautiful; Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance (OHKA); Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless (MACCH); Executive & Steering Committee Member for the Greater Omaha Chamber North Omaha Development Project and board member for the Community Advisory Group (Omaha Superfund Lead Initiative)
Vicki received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Wayne State College and is married to Jay Ferris.