Governor Jim Pillen has appointed Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Funke as the state’s next Chief Justice, succeeding Justice Mike Heavican.
“I believe we have found someone up to the task,” said Pillen Friday morning.
Incoming Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke delivers remarks Friday after his appointment to the role. October 25, 2024. (Courtesy: Nebraska Public Media.
Before Funke was appointed to the state’s highest court in 2016 by then-Governor Pete Ricketts, he served on the District Court for Cass, Sarpy, and Otoe counties, as well as practiced law privately in Otoe County.
Chief Justice Heavican will retire next week after sitting on the bench for 18 years.
“(Funke) has shown great leadership all along his time on the court, and I am very confident that he will do a very very fine job in the future,” said Heavican.
“The trust and confidence (the Governor and Lt. Governor) have place in me, to follow in the shoes of Chief Justice Heavican is not lost on me,” said Justice Funke. “The importance of this job, and the fine work that has been for the last 18 years by the Chief.”
Pillen now has the duty of appointing the next judge to succeed Funke for the 5th district seat.