Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495 

Gov. Pillen Appoints OPD Executive Deputy Chief Gray to Lead Nebraska Crime Commission

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Scott Gray as executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (i.e. Crime Commission). Gray, a decorated 30-year veteran of the Omaha Police Department, will assume his role with the agency on Aug. 3. He succeeds Bryan Tuma, who announced his retirement from the Crime Commission in April.

Since 2021, Gray has served as OPD’s executive deputy chief and commands the Uniform Patrol Bureau. In that role, he leads nearly 550 sworn officers and civilian staff and manages a significant portion of OPD’s overall budget. In addition to officer response strategy and tactical oversight, Gray also has experience with policy research and development, compliance measures, leadership development and community outreach. He is the designated acting chief in the absence of the chief of police.

“Deputy Chief Gray brings significant law enforcement experience to the Crime Commission,” said Gov. Pillen. “He’s a dedicated public servant who understands first-hand the impact of the Commission’s functions and programs and will ensure they continue to be administered for the benefit of Nebraska’s citizens.”

Gray was awarded OPD’s Distinguished Service Medal this year and has previously been awarded the department’s Medal of Valor and the Police Lifesaving Medal for his involvement in two separate active shooter incidents.

Gray has a master’s degree in management and organizational leadership from the American Military University. His bachelor’s degree is in criminal justice.

This appointment is subject to approval by the Nebraska Legislature.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Observance of Memorial Day

LINOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has ordered that all U.S. and Nebraska flags be flown at half-staff tomorrow, Monday, May 25, in recognition of Memorial Day. Nebraskans are encouraged to join in a moment of prayer at 11 a.m., and to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance by observing a minute of silence at 3:00 p.m.

This week, Gov. Pillen issued a issued a special proclamation for Memorial Day that reads in part: “In this year of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, we remember all those who died while in the service to their state and nation from that day forward, and in particular those who have given their last full measure upon battlefields in defense of our country.”

Flags are to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon.  

A copy of the Governor’s proclamation is below.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Hosts HUD Secretary Turner; Highlights Opportunity in Nebraska

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen hosted United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner in Nebraska to highlight ongoing efforts to make homes more affordable, boost development of workforce housing, and to create major community and economic revival in rural and urban communities across the state through the Opportunity Zones Initiative. 

 “Nebraska’s great potential and great collaboration – local, state, federal – was on full display during Secretary Turner’s visit,” said Gov. Pillen. “I’m really proud of our state, and I can’t thank the Secretary enough for visiting and taking the time to hear directly from the people of Nebraska. I believe if we keep working together, get the heavy hand of government out of the way, and create a framework of policies that allows Nebraskans to succeed, the potential of our state is endless.”

“Nebraska leaders are answering President Trump’s call to lower the cost of homeownership and drive meaningful community revitalization across the nation, and we are glad to partner with them in that effort,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner. The visits to Omaha and Fremont with Governor Pillen offered a firsthand look at the progress being made in Nebraska. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from state leaders and housing industry professionals about the challenges families face and how this Administration’s policies are making a difference for Nebraskans. HUD is committed to working alongside our state and local partners here to increase affordable housing options, encourage investment in underserved areas, and assist more Americans in reaching homeownership.”

Thursday’s visit began in downtown Omaha at Creighton University where Gov. Pillen and Sec. Turner hosted a Mortgage Affordability Roundtable with business leaders, community stakeholders, and policymakers to highlight efforts to make homes more affordable, cut bureaucratic red tape, and revitalize underdeveloped communities across our state and country. 

“I agree 100% with Secretary Turner: We have to put the American Dream of owning a home within reach for the next generation. HUD, under the Secretary’s leadership as part of President Trump’s Administration, is doing some amazing things to make housing more affordable, increase supply, and get government overregulation out of the way,” said Gov. Pillen.

Following the roundtable, Gov. Pillen and Sec. Turner were joined by Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. for a tour of the dynamic Highlander Accelerator neighborhood. The tour included stops at the Charles Drew Health Center, the Micro Market, the Community Greenhouse, and a tour of a housing unit in the area before conducting a joint press conference. 

 The final stop of the tour was in Fremont, where Gov. Pillen and Sec. Turner hosted an Opportunity Zones and Workforce Housing Listening Session with local leaders, business representatives, and workforce housing experts from Nebraska. 

“The root of HUD’s mission is to lift Americans into prosperity and opportunity,” said Gov. Pillen. “Through the Opportunity Zones initiative – which we highlighted in North Omaha and Fremont – the state of Nebraska is working with federal, public, and private partners to create investment in our communities, both rural and urban. It’s a mission we can all get behind.”

Mortgage Affordability Roundtable/Creighton University

Highlander Accelerator Tour

Opportunity Zones and Workforce Housing Listening Session

Opportunity Zones and Workforce Housing Listening Session

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Announces the Nebraska Pavilion at the Great American State Fair

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement highlighting Nebraska’s participation in the Freedom 250 “Great American State Fair” this summer in Washington, D.C., as part of the national celebration commemorating America’s 250th birthday.

“America’s turning 250 years old – and that deserves a gigantic celebration,” said Gov. Pillen. “The ‘Great American State Fair’ is a wonderful opportunity for Nebraskans and Americans to come together to experience what makes this the greatest country in the history of the world. Nebraska’s pavilion will highlight the people, industries, traditions, and stories that define our state — from agriculture and manufacturing to innovation, faith, family, and our deep-rooted patriotism. As we celebrate the first 250 years of our nation’s history, we also look forward to contributing to the next 250 years of American leadership, opportunity, and freedom.”

Nebraska’s pavilion will feature interactive exhibits, Nebraska-made products, agriculture, tourism highlights, and experiences designed to celebrate the people and values that make Nebraska unique. The pavilion will invite visitors to experience Nebraska’s leadership in agriculture, innovation, manufacturing, faith, family values, and community.

Nebraska is proud to take part in this historic national celebration honoring both the nation’s founding and the future generations who will carry the American story forward.

The Nebraska Pavilion will be supported by several Nebraska-based companies and organizations, which will be announced at a later date.

The Great American State Fair, hosted by Freedom 250, will take place June 25 through July 10, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The event will bring together all 50 states and U.S. territories for a nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary through exhibits, performances, educational programming, and cultural showcases.

Additional information regarding Nebraska’s pavilion, programming, partnerships, and media credentialing will be announced in the coming weeks.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Huxoll as District Court Judge in the Third Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Jennifer A. Huxoll of Palmyra as district court judge in the Third Judicial District. The district consists of Lancaster County.

Huxoll has been with the Nebraska Attorney General’s office since 2006, first as an assistant attorney general and then civil litigation bureau chief. Prior to that she was an attorney with Anderson, Creager & Wittstruck, P.C., L.L.O.  and Bollerup & Huxoll, P.C. Early in her career, Huxoll was an attorney with Legal Services of Southeast Nebraska.

Huxoll has served on various committees through the Nebraska State Bar Association. She’s also been a volunteer and/or board member for the Palmyra Memorial Library, Friendship Home and the Food Bank of Lincoln and Food Bank of the Heartland.

Huxoll received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She earned a juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Jodi L. Nelson.