Gov. Pillen Appoints Larsen as DED Director, Names Donley as General Counsel

 LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Maureen Larsen as the director of the Department of Economic Development (DED). She has been serving as the interim director since July 21.

During that time, Larsen has focused on expanding Nebraska’s workforce by connecting young Nebraskans to careers, growing the state’s international trade and strengthening public-private partnerships to address areas of critical need such as the availability of childcare and affordable housing.

In August, she managed the largest-ever Governor’s Summit, which also incorporated the very first Youth Summit. Larsen has also been instrumental in supporting Gov. Pillen’s vision to design and better align Nebraska’s workforce development programs, including the recent creation of the Good Life, Great Careers initiative housed at the Department of Labor.

Prior to her role at DED, Larsen was general counsel to the Governor and deputy director of the Policy Research Office (PRO).

“Maureen has demonstrated strong leadership and a strong desire to continue supporting my cabinet as director of DED,” said Gov.  Pillen. “I have been impressed with her abilities in the short time she has been serving in the interim role, and she deserves this opportunity.”

Larsen’s nomination will require confirmation by the Legislature.

Gov. Pillen has additionally announced his appointment of Michael Donley as general counsel, to succeed Larsen. Donley has been with the governor’s office in an interim capacity during Larsen’s reassignment.

“Michael has aptly served my office as interim general counsel,” said Gov. Pillen. “He is keenly attuned to the various legal issues requiring attention by the governor’s office and has worked well with partner agencies to provide sound advice when needed. I look forward to having him join the team in a permanent role.”

Donley, an experienced attorney, is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Harvard Law School, and earned his MBA at the University of Oxford. He served in several senior legal positions in Texas, including as chief counsel for the University of Texas at Tyler. After returning home to Nebraska, Donley served as general counsel to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) before joining the governor’s office.