Employee Spotlight: Meet Shawntal

We’re shining our employee spotlight on Shawntal Smith, Chief Professional Development Officer & General Counsel at OHB, who has been with us for four years.

OHB Strong

Tell us a bit about your work here at OHB. What’s a typical day like for you?

I am generally responsible for our human resources, training and professional development, legal, diversity, equity & inclusion, quality improvement, organizational culture and finance services at OHB. I have an amazing team of people with whom I’m fortunate to work. One of my favorite things is that no two work days are the same and something new and interesting is always happening at OHB!

What do you enjoy most about working at OHB? What keeps you motivated/excited?

I enjoy the other team members I work with most! We have some great people who work here and they make my days fun and fulfilling. My desire to make a difference and create an inclusive and professional workforce for our clients keeps me motivated and excited.

There are many nonprofits here in Omaha. Why do you choose to serve at OHB?

Omaha is a wonderful philanthropic community with many amazing non-profits, but OHB is a top shelf organization due to the amazing mission, vision and values of the organization and our work with youth and young adults in the community, which is one of my main purpose assignments in life. I love making a difference in the lives of youth. 

All about you…

What is your most treasured memory?

My most treasured memories were spending summers and vacations with my Nana (what we call my paternal grandmother) in Chicago, my favorite city, and playing with my cousins on my maternal side. My mother is 1 of 16 siblings, so I have lots of cousins and we are close! 

When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?

 I wanted to be a lot of things—a mother, a teacher, a detective and a doctor. I know because my Mom still has my school memories book where I wrote those things out in my own handwriting.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?

Spending time with friends & family, cycling, walking on the trail/ by the lake, interior decorating, crafting, watching crime shows, reading, traveling and shopping.

If you could…

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

 That’s a tough choice, but I would love to have lunch with my forever FLOTUS, Michelle Obama. I adore her!

If you could master one skill you don’t currently have, what would it be and why?

I would finish my studies in Spanish, my college minor, and become fluent.

If you had a year off with pay, what would you do?

I would travel the world and see many places on my travel bucket list. If I could squeeze it in, I would also visit all 50 states.

Tell us about…

Your favorite holiday

I love almost all holidays, but my favorites are Christmas, Valentine’s Day and my birthday. 

Your #1 guilty pleasure

I love Nothing Bundt Cakes! They have the best desserts with the best icing ever!  

Your perfect day

Any day near water, on the beach, and with my loved ones in a warm, tropical location.  

This or That

Beaches or mountains?

Beaches but mountains are beautiful too! Both places make me feel closer to God!

Dog or cat?

Dogs…I am allergic to cats.

Taco Tuesday or Sushi Saturday?

Hard choice but Sushi Saturdays

Glasses or contacts?

I love wearing glasses!

Couch or recliner?

My recliner is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made!

Want to work alongside Shawntal at OHB?

We have a number of rewarding career opportunities available. Check them out!