His Meaningful Work Continues at Mutual of Omaha
Long before he joined Mutual of Omaha, Alex Hayes built his career around life’s most uncertain moments. As a police officer, investigator and eventually chief of police for the Omaha Police Department, Hayes spent decades as a first responder, helping people through some of life’s most difficult days. Today, as head of Business Resiliency, that mission hasn’t changed.
As Mutual of Omaha marked 25 years since Sept. 11 through Heartland Honors 9/11, Hayes’ story reflects a lifetime devoted to service, preparedness and stronger communities.
Where it started
Long before he wore a badge or led emergency response, Hayes learned what service looked like by watching someone he admired most.
“The rhythm that drives me is something my mom instilled in me when I was younger,” he said.
Even while battling cancer, his mother kept delivering Meals on Wheels and volunteering in her community. Watching her put others first left a lasting impression on Hayes and his sisters.
That desire to serve shaped every chapter of his career, from policing and public safety to business resiliency. On Sept. 11, 2001, it became a firsthand reminder of the responsibility first responders carry every day.
A day that tested everyone
At the time, Hayes was working in the Omaha Police Department’s homicide unit. After the attacks, the department shifted into around-the-clock emergency operations as agencies across the region prepared for the unknown.
With Offutt Air Force Base nearby, law enforcement activated emergency plans while still responding to everyday calls. Hayes remembers “an electric energy in the air” as everyone stood ready for whatever might come next.
As he moved into leadership roles, including Omaha police chief, Hayes helped strengthen coordination between agencies and expand emergency preparedness.
Throughout his career, he saw how important it was to prepare people before a crisis, so they can respond with confidence when one happens.
Continuing the mission at Mutual of Omaha
When Hayes retired from law enforcement, he still felt called to meaningful work. At Mutual of Omaha, he found an organization whose values and mission matched his own.
“It really was about wanting to continue meaningful work,” he said. “We try to quietly get people prepared so if something were to happen, they can get through the moment without panic and despair.”
As the company honored first responders through Heartland Honors 9/11 this past September, Hayes hopes associates remember the sacrifices made by those who answer the calls.
“First responders are running in. They don’t run away,” he said. “You charge into where you’ve got to go and do what you’ve got to do.”
All in it together
Hayes carried that sense of responsibility throughout his career, becoming a strong advocate for community policing and collaboration.
“We’re all in it together,” he said. “Building relationships, understanding one another and working through challenges collectively lead to stronger communities and better outcomes for everyone.”
That philosophy still guides his volunteer work today. Hayes has long supported nonprofits serving survivors of domestic violence, vulnerable children and public safety initiatives across Omaha.
He currently serves on the Omaha Police Foundation board and has spent years lending his time, leadership and expertise to causes that strengthen the community.
“It’s like breathing air for me,” he said. “You don’t do it because it’s a check mark on the wall. It’s just there.”
For Hayes, purpose isn’t defined by a title or a uniform. It lies in serving others and leaving every community stronger than he found it.
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