Tim Gay

President, Catalyst Public Affairs

A former state senator and chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee, Tim Gay is President and founder of Catalyst Public Affairs, a public affairs company representing over twenty organizations and companies. Tim has a deep background in business and public service, where he consistently ensured diverse client, constituent, and stakeholder needs were met.

Prior to founding Catalyst Public Affairs, Tim worked as Senior Advisor for Husch Blackwell’s Governmental Affairs group where he helped clients navigate complex state and local government issues. As a former state senator, Tim was the chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee, as well as serving on the Banking, Commerce and Insurance, and Transportation and Telecommunications committees. Tim was heavily involved in the passage of over 70 legislative bills, including significant economic development, tax, workforce, and natural resource issues. Notably, Tim worked with Governor Dave Heineman to guarantee better access to the Bellevue Medical Center and was instrumental in the passage of LB 603 (2009) which created the Nebraska Behavioral Health Workforce Act, establishing the Behavioral Health Education Center, as well as, increasing psychiatric residency training opportunities. While serving in the legislature, Tim was one of three Nebraska state senators to be selected to the Council of State Governments Bowhay Leadership Institute for future political leaders. For his legislative accomplishments, Tim was awarded the Attorney General’s Legislative Leadership Award and the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency Regional Citizen Award.

Prior to serving in the Nebraska Legislature, in his business career, Tim worked as a grain broker and in financial services. During his time as Vice President of Investment Services at American National Bank, Tim was named Business Partner of the Year. In his public service career, Tim served on the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners from 1995 to 2006, where he served as chairman of the board and chairman of the Southeast District of the Nebraska Association of County Officials. While serving on the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners, Tim was influential in improving the county’s infrastructure, technology capacity, and criminal justice system. In addition, he also served on the Region 6 Governing Board as chairman for nearly 10 years. Most recently, Tim served on the OPPD Board of Directors from 2013 until 2020, where he served as treasurer and board chairman. Tim resides in Papillion with his wife Tonee and has three adult children.