By Allison Peck
North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation President and CEO Gary Person is being recognized by the University of Nebraska at Kearney Alumni Association as one of its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.
Person, a 1977 graduate of Kearney State College, is one of five recipients who will receive the honor during the university's 46th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 2, as part of UNK Homecoming festivities.
According to the university, Person has dedicated nearly five decades to economic development and community growth across Nebraska. Since becoming president and CEO of the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation in 2015, he has helped lead major industrial, commercial and housing projects while supporting record growth in construction activity, retail sales and housing development. During his tenure, North Platte has been recognized as both the Governor's Economic Development Community of the Year and Nebraska Diplomats Community of the Year.
Before coming to North Platte, Person served as Sidney's city manager for 16 years and spent more than two decades as the community's economic development director. His career has also included leadership roles with the Governor's Office, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and the newspaper industry.
Person's accomplishments have earned him numerous honors throughout his career, including the Nebraska Economic Developers Association Professional of the Year Award, Outstanding Young Nebraskan of the Year recognition and the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Housing Champion Award. In 2024, he was appointed regional co-chair of the One Nebraska Mid-Plains Region initiative, a statewide effort focused on economic growth and community development.
Also receiving 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards are Catherine Coleman Flowers, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Dale W. O'Brien and Todd Parr. Sara Jane Ruggles will receive the Distinguished Young Alumna Award.
The Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the Regional Engagement Center in Kearney as part of UNK Homecoming festivities.