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At Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School.
When you graduated from high school, what did you think you wanted to be as an adult?
To be involved in public service and political issues.
Was there an event in the last 20 years that had a great impact on your aspirations and/or career path?
My first political internship, and then on Capitol Hill, the Sept. 11 and anthrax attacks.
Have you been mentored by (or had any significant interactions with) previous Forty Under 40 honorees?
My wife, Maureen, along with Kate Snedeker and Paul Okeson.
Where/what do you want to be 20 years from now?
A good father and husband, and improving the community.
Vice president, Faegre BD Consulting
Age: 37
When someone asks what you can do with a liberal arts degree, point them to Nick Weber.
Weber found his niche 17 years ago as a junior history/political science major at Indiana University, when he interned in the media division assisting the Indiana House of Representatives’ Republican caucus. Positions with U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, Indianapolis Mayor Steve Goldsmith, Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard followed.
“I’ve been fortunate,” Weber said, “to be put in places where the skills that I have have been meaningful.”
Now, as a vice president for Faegre BD Consulting, he works with local governments and businesses in economic development and work force development, and assists clients who need communications help with a legal issue. Among his recent work: helping the city of Indianapolis leverage some of the $450 million it received for selling its water and sewer utilities through a federal program to provide targeted work force development opportunities.
“I derive immense satisfaction from the public-service mindset,” Weber said.” I got involved in all this for the idea that in public service, you have the potential to help large numbers of people improve something in their lives. I think you can do that in the private sector, particularly if you’re assisting companies to come to a community or cities to develop economic development strategies or find work force development solutions.”
When he and his wife, Maureen—a 2010 Forty Under 40 honoree—aren’t at work, they’re active in Christ the King Catholic Church and enjoy time with their 5-year-old son, Jake. You might also find Weber out on his 20-year-old Yamaha cruiser.
“I’m the most unlikely motorcycle rider you’re ever going to meet,” he said, although that skill came in handy during his time in Lugar’s office.
“Whenever the ABATE group [American Bikers Aimed Toward Education] would come into the office,” Weber said, “it was the only subject I staffed. I was a press guy, but when the motorcycle riders came in, there I sat because I had a bike.”•
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