Gov. Jim Pillen makes his pick for next chief justice of Nebraska Supreme Court

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday selected Justice Jeffrey Funke to serve as chief justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Funke has been a judge since 2007 and has served on the high court since 2016.

He will replace Chief Justice Mike Heavican, who retires on Thursday.

Pillen’s selection of Funke allows him to appoint another judge to fill Funke’s seat.

Attorney General Hilgers released a statement on the appointment of the new chief justice:

“We commend the selection of Justice Jeffrey Funke to serve as Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court and congratulate him on his appointment. He has been an esteemed public servant for many years and will provide reliable leadership for the Court in its vital duties to our State.

We would also like to express our gratitude for the many years of service given by Chief Justice Michael Heavican to the State of Nebraska and wish him a fulfilling next chapter upon retirement.”