Headshot of Sam Petto

Sam Petto

Pronouns: he/him/his

Communications Director

Bio

Sam oversees strategic communication at the ACLU of Nebraska, including its press, marketing and digital efforts. Under his leadership, the ACLU of Nebraska has grown its local and national footprint, reaching more people than ever in more ways than ever.

Sam’s work has encouraged civic engagement and helped safeguard civil liberties and civil rights across the state. In 2020, he led an ambitious six-figure voter mobilization campaign focused on new voters and voters who have traditionally faced barriers to the ballot. The campaign contributed to record turnout across the state. He also regularly contributes to advocacy and awareness efforts and played a leadership role in the first-of-its-kind public release of hundreds of Omaha Police Department emails indicating police were surveilling the lawful activities of Black activists and allies.

Sam brings experience in public relations and journalism to his role. Prior to joining the ACLU of Nebraska, Sam served as a spokesperson and Director of Editorial & Media Relations in the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) communications office and a morning and evening newscast producer at WOWT NBC Omaha. Sam holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communications from UNO. His graduate work focused on social media and organizational communication.

Featured Work

News & Commentary
Omaha Police respond to a fallen tree near 43rd & Davenport. Courtesy Declan Martin, Wikimedia Commons.

What We Told Police About Scanner Encryption

Let’s talk about what’s happening in and around Omaha.
News & Commentary
Darren Renfrow was one of the plaintiffs in ProBlac v City of Omaha

Omaha Police’s New Compliance Report is Out

Just days after ringing in 2021, we announced a successful settlement in a case against the Omaha Police Department that focused on the right to protest. As the year comes to a close, Omahans now have access to a report explaining how police are complying with the agreement’s conditions.