Omaha Inland Port Authority Announces Manne Cook as Senior Director of Planning and Innovation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Omaha Inland Port Authority (OIPA) is proud to announce the appointment of Manuel “Manne” Cook as Senior Director of Planning and Innovation, a key leadership role advancing the Authority’s vision for equitable, innovation-driven development across North and East Omaha.

Manne Cook is an accomplished urban planner, designer, and cultural entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of planning, design, and community-centered development. With academic training in Spatial Sciences in the Netherlands and a Master’s in Urban Studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Cook brings a globally informed, locally grounded approach to shaping place-based economic growth.

A proud graduate of Omaha North High School and an AICP-certified planner, Cook has built a reputation for delivering impactful, people-centered development strategies that strengthen neighborhood livability and economic resilience.

Cook is the founder of the North Omaha Trail and Fabric Lab, and has been instrumental in catalyzing a range of community-based initiatives throughout North Omaha. His leadership has helped secure millions in public and philanthropic investment while building strong cross-sector partnerships across government, nonprofit, and private sectors.

In his new role, Cook will lead planning efforts tied to the OIPA Innovation District, master planning initiatives, and strategic development frameworks that position North Omaha as a competitive, innovation-ready ecosystem.

“Manne represents exactly the type of visionary, community-rooted leadership we need at this moment,” said Garry Clark, Executive Director of the Omaha Inland Port Authority.

“I’m honored to join the Omaha Inland Port Authority at such a transformative time,” said Manne Cook.

The addition of Cook to the leadership team reinforces OIPA’s commitment to transparent, equitable, and strategic development that delivers long-term impact for residents, businesses, and the broader Omaha region.