Our Founder

George B. Achola

Founder & Managing Attorney

George B. Achola is an accomplished attorney and civic leader with over 30 years of progressive legal leadership in real estate, community and economic development, public sector governance, and business advisory. He brings a unique combination of executive-level experience, deep community roots, and authentic commitment to social impact to every client engagement.

As Founder of Communitas Law & Economic Development Group, George leverages his extensive background to provide integrated legal services and strategic economic development consulting to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits across Nebraska.

In his personal time, George:

  • → Coaches youth soccer and athletic development
  • → Spends time with family and community
  • → Follows college football (Husker fan!)
  • → Engages in community service and volunteer activities
  • → Continues learning about economic development, policy, and social impact

Career Journey

Work Experience

Vice President and Counsel

Burlington Capital

2014 – 2025

George served as chief legal advisor to Burlington Capital, a national real estate and investment firm. In this role, he:

  • •Leads legal due diligence, compliance, contract negotiations, and risk assessment for multimillion-dollar real estate development and investment projects
  • •Oversees development initiatives, federal and state regulatory compliance, and strategic business planning for residential, commercial, affordable housing, and community development projects
  • •Advises executive teams and boards on legal strategy, corporate governance, and stakeholder engagement
  • •Manages complex federal and state regulatory matters affecting development projects
  • •Coordinates with government agencies on permitting, financing, and compliance issues
This role has provided George with deep expertise in federal compliance (HUD, GSA, LIHTC), complex transaction structures, public-private partnerships, and strategic business development—all of which inform his consulting work at Communitas.

General Counsel

Housing Authority of the City of Omaha
2006–2014

George served as principal legal officer for Nebraska’s largest affordable housing provider, overseeing all legal operations for a political subdivision managing a $60M+ portfolio.

Responsibilities included:

  • •Directing staff attorneys and managing all legal department operations
  • •Providing legal counsel to CEO, executive team, and Board of Commissioners
  • •Coordinating federal, state, and city compliance for a public housing agency
  • •Overseeing HUD regulatory compliance, labor and employment law, and litigation
  • •Managing significant litigation and all real estate development/transitional projects
  • •Negotiating major development deals and partnership agreements
  • •Advising on housing policy and legislative advocacy
This role deepened George’s expertise in federal compliance, housing law, affordable housing development, nonprofit governance, and public sector management—making him uniquely qualified to serve nonprofit and housing-focused clients.

Assistant to the Executive Director

Housing Authority of the City of Omaha
2003–2005

Before becoming General Counsel, George worked closely with the Executive Director on strategic planning, policy development, and major initiatives. This experience provided direct insight into nonprofit leadership challenges and community development strategy.

Attorney

Alexander Law Offices, Omaha, NE
2001-2003

George maintained a general civil and criminal practice, focusing on compliance, risk management, immigration, and direct litigation for corporate and individual clients.

Attorney

Walentine, O’Toole, McQuillan & Gordon, Omaha, NE
1997–2001

George focused on insurance litigation, compliance issues, and dispute resolution through mediation, arbitration, and trial. This experience honed his litigation skills, risk assessment capabilities, and dispute resolution expertise.

Law Clerk/Attorney

Kutak Rock
1992–1997

George began his legal career at Kutak Rock, one of the nation’s premier law firms, where he represented major clients and senior management in corporate, litigation, and regulatory matters including contract analysis and complex compliance strategy. This foundational experience provided training in sophisticated legal analysis, large-transaction management, and high-level client service.

Congressional Intern

U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Rep. Peter Hoagland (NE-2), Washington, D.C.
1992

George supported federal legislative processes, policy development, and constituent engagement during his law school final year, providing early exposure to federal government operations and legislative advocacy.

Academic Background

Education

Creighton University School of Law

J.D. — 1995

George earned his law degree from Creighton, Nebraska’s premier law school, with distinction including:

  • Vice President, Law Student Body
  • Editor-in-Chief, Per Curium Newspaper
  • Trial Advocacy Team
  • Appellate Procedure Research Assistant

This leadership role in law school reflected the collaborative, strategic approach to legal practice George maintains today.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

B.A. Economics & Political Science, Minor: Psychology — 1991

George earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with:

  • All-Big Eight Academic Honors
  • Student-Athlete, Football (D1 athletics)

His academic focus on economics and political science, combined with psychology, provided foundation for understanding business dynamics, public policy, and human behavior—disciplines that inform both his legal practice and his community leadership.

Civic Leadership & Community Service

Omaha Public Library

Board Member, Executive Committee, Past President
As Past President of the board overseeing Nebraska's largest public library system, George contributed to strategic planning, community service delivery, and public accountability. The library's role as a community anchor aligned with his values around equitable access to information and opportunity.

Friends of the Eppley Cancer Center

Board Member, Past President
George's leadership of this healthcare philanthropy organization focused on cancer care funding, fundraising strategy, and partnership building between medical providers and community support. This work reflected his commitment to community health and wellness.

Housing Authority of the City of Omaha

Board Member, 2014–2016
After transitioning from his General Counsel role, George continued serving the Housing Authority as a board member, providing governance oversight and continuing his contribution to affordable housing policy and community development.

Jesuit Middle School of Omaha

Board Member, 2006–2012
George contributed to educational leadership and youth development support at Jesuit, a Omaha-based independent school serving diverse student populations. His service included strategic planning and institutional development.

Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Board Member
George's Chamber involvement contributes to business community leadership and economic development initiatives, connecting him with Omaha's business leadership network.

Nebraska Investment Finance Authority

Board Member
George's service on this state-level financial authority provides expertise on economic development and investment policy.

Areas of Expertise

Legal Practice

  • → General counsel leadership and enterprise risk management
  • → Board and executive advisement
  • → Real estate and public sector regulatory compliance
  • → Corporate law and complex transactions
  • → Legislative and policy development
  • → Litigation, negotiation, and mediation
  • → Immigration and family law
  • → Nonprofit governance and compliance

Business Development & Strategy

  • → Federal compliance and contracting
  • → Public-private partnership development
  • → Economic development strategy and narrative
  • → Funding strategy and grants guidance
  • → Strategic planning and organizational development
  • → Stakeholder engagement and consensus building
  • → Community wealth building initiatives

Leadership

  • → Team leadership and staff development
  • → Board governance and fiduciary responsibilities
  • → Cross-functional team management
  • → Coaching and mentorship
  • → Crisis management and strategic decision-making
  • → Community building and relationship development

Professional Affiliations & Credentials

Nebraska State Bar Association, Member (in good standing)

01

American Bar Association, Member

02

Licensed to practice law in Nebraska (1995–Present)

03

Youth Mentorship

Long-Term Community Coaching & Youth Development

Head Coach, St. Pius Leo’s Girls Soccer

2007–Present

George’s most sustained community commitment is his 18+ years as a coach. This long-term volunteer role demonstrates his authentic, continuous engagement with Omaha’s youth and families.

In this role, George:

  • • Coaches competitive youth soccer players from U5 to U20 age levels
  • • Develops speed, agility, and conditioning programs
  • • Mentors young athletes on technical skills, tactical understanding, and character development
  • • Builds relationships with diverse families across Omaha’s communities
  • • Integrates cultural competence through coaching players and families from various backgrounds
  • • Serves as mentor and role model for educational and personal development
This coaching work is foundational to George’s authentic community roots. Eighteen years of continuous volunteer commitment to youth development, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted advisor in the communities Communitas serves.

As Founder of Communitas Law & Economic Development Group, George leverages his extensive background to provide integrated legal services and strategic economic development consulting to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits across Nebraska.

Core Beliefs

Philosophy & Approach

George believes that legal excellence is inseparable from community understanding. He brings:

Whether representing an individual pursuing citizenship, a startup navigating formation, or a nonprofit seeking federal funding, George brings both professional excellence and genuine understanding of the communities served.