Gov. Jim Pillen appoints Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg to Nebraska State Treasurer

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen on Monday announced his appointment of Joey Spellerberg for state treasurer.

Spellerberg will fill a vacancy left by Tom Briese, who is resigning to spend more time with his family, according to Pillen.

“In terms of having someone ready to jump into the role of state treasurer, I could not be more pleased in announcing my appointment of Joey Spellerberg,” Pillen said in a press release. “He expressed interest in the role two years ago. He has strong credentials as a fiscal conservative, business owner and leader for the community of Fremont.”

Spellerberg has been the Mayor of Fremont since 2020 and was re-elected to his second term last year.

According to Pillen, Spellerberg’s administration has focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety, attracting new business and economic development.

Spellerberg has led efforts to reduce the city’s property tax levy and has helped to establish the Fremont Inland Port Authority.

Spellerberg is also president of his family’s tour and travel business — Moostash Joe Tours — which has grown from a small home-based business to a regional leader in tour operations.

He is vice president of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, chairman of the League Association of Risk Management and co-chair of the Metro Community College region for Gov. Pillen’s 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative.

At today’s announcement, Spellerberg said he is ready to go to work.

“As treasurer, my mission will be to represent the people of Nebraska to the highest standard. I will work tirelessly to be the best steward of the resources and duties that have been entrusted to this office, and I’ll give my all for the betterment of our people and the advancement of our state.”

Spellerberg said he will be working with Briese over the next few days to ensure a smooth transition within the office.

Gov. Pillen also thanked Briese for his years of public service.

“Tom has been an extraordinary and staunch leader of conservative fiscal policy. He has helped me immensely since I’ve been governor. He’s a big believer in state funding for K-12 education and identifying efficiencies in state government.”

Briese spoke on his time as state treasurer.

“It really has been an honor and a privilege to serve Nebraskans for the past nine years – seven years as state senator and the last couple years as your state treasurer,” said Briese. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve in those positions and I’m extremely grateful to the Governor for entrusting me with leadership of the treasurer’s office.”  

A native of Fremont, Spellerberg returned home after earning a degree in marketing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

He and his wife, Ashley, have four children — Sarah, Hannah, Ava and Joseph.