Local Lincoln leader dies after almost two-year battle with cancer

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Derek Feyerherm, Vice President of Operations and Development at the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Lincoln, passed away on the morning of July 17. Feyerherm, 44, had been battling cancer for nearly two years.

According to Jason Ball, President and CEO of Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Feyerherm was a hard-worker and “indispensable man”. Ball said Feyerherm had a passion for local tourism and highlighting Lincoln’s assets.

Feyerherm worked with Visit Lincoln since Sept. of 2005 and collaborated with many organizations. These organizations including Sports Car Club of America, USA Roller Sports, U.S. Navy Blue Angels – Lincoln Airshow and more.

Lincoln Airport said Derek was ‘one of Lincoln’s greatest champions’. They said his optimism and belief in Lincoln made an impact on the community and many organizations.

Ball highlighted Feyerherm’s relationship with the Nebraska Air National Guard and the 155th Air Refueling Wing in Lincoln. Feyerherm led these organizations to achieve their largest attended event in Lincoln’s history, the 2023 Guardians of Freedom Airshow.

“He made Lincoln a better place,” said Ball. “A better place to visit, to work in and to live in. A better place for all its residents and those just here for a few days. A better place for everyone.”