Former Nebraska Agriculture Dir. Greg Ibach speaks at a news conference hosted by Gov. Pete Ricketts. Economic Development Dir. Courtney Dentlinger looks on.
Nebraska is looking for a new Agriculture Director for the first time in 12 years.
It is finally official: Greg Ibach is leaving his post as state Agriculture Director to become Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
“Big shoes to fill; Greg has been the Ag Director since 2005, so we’ve got some big shoes to fill there, but we’ve got some great candidates who are interested,” Gov. Pete Ricketts told reporters after the official swearing in at the Livestock Exchange Building in Omaha.
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue came to Omaha to swear in Ibach.
As for Ibach, he’s anxious about this new opportunity.
“Well, I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” Ibach told reporters. “I’m excited, a little bit scared, too of course, because it’s new.”
Ibach served as Deputy Agriculture Director for six-and-a-half years before becoming Agriculture Director in 2005.
Ricketts said he has already talked with several potential candidates for the position. He said it is unlikely he will promote someone from within the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
Even as the governor looks to replace Ibach, he is searching for a new Economic Development Director. Economic Development Director Courtney Dentlinger is resigning her post to become the Government Affairs Manager for the Nebraska Public Power District.
Ricketts said Dentlinger made a decision that was best for her family.
Dentlinger will remain as Economic Development Director through the month of November, officially resigning on December 1st.
An interim director will be named.
Ricketts said as with the search for Ibach’s replacement, he will rely on the network established by his administration to find a new director and Dentlinger’s replacement is unlikely to come from within the department.
The governor’s office is taking applications for the two posts. Those interested can apply here or by emailing the Governor’s office at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov.
AUDIO: Brent Martin reports [:45]