Creighton University

W. Gary Gates received a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University, a master's degree in industrial engineering from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and a master's degree in business administration from Creighton University.

Gates began his career with OPPD in 1972. Two years later he joined the staff at the Fort Calhoun Station, and held several positions in the nuclear organization. In 1989, Gates was named the Executive Assistant to the president. The following year he was appointed Division Manager of Nuclear Operations. He was promoted to Vice President with responsibility for OPPD's nuclear organization in 1992, and became President and CEO in 2004.

His local and industry board affiliations include: the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), Nuclear Energy Institute, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), United Services Alliances (USA), American Nuclear Society, Aksarben Foundation - Governor's Council, United Way of the Midlands, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Durham Western Heritage Museum, Methodist Hospital, Salvation Army, Governor's Volunteer Service Commission, Offutt Advisory Council, Joslyn Art Museum, Merrymakers, Omaha Children's Scholarship Fund, Wings Over the Heartland, Friends of the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Eppley Care Center and River City Roundup and the Creighton College of Business Advisory Council.