On Friday, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen named Maureen Larsen as the new director of the state’s Department of Economic Development. Larsen had been serving in an interim capacity since July 21, stepping in after former director K.C. Belitz left the position. Prior to this role, she worked as deputy director in the Policy Research Office and as legal advisor to the governor.
Governor Pillen praised Larsen’s leadership abilities and her commitment to advancing economic initiatives across the state. He noted that her performance during the interim period was impressive and that she is well-suited for the permanent role.
Larsen’s appointment must be confirmed by the Nebraska Legislature. If approved, she will become the third individual to hold the position since 2023. The prior director, Tony Goins, stepped down due to concerns about potential conflicts of interest arising from his partial ownership of a cigar lounge in Lincoln. He was succeeded by Belitz, who also later resigned.
In a separate announcement on Tuesday, Pillen appointed Michael Donley as the governor’s new general counsel, filling the role previously held by Larsen. Donley brings experience from his time as legal counsel for the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services and holds degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Harvard Law School, and the University of Oxford.
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Governor appoints Nebraska Department of Economic Development director
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen appointed Maureen Larsen as director of the state’s Department of Economic Development on Friday. n nLarsen has been the interim director of the department since July 21, following the resignation of former director K.C. Belitz. Larsen previously served as deputy director of the Policy Research Office and as general counsel to the governor. n n“Maureen has demonstrated strong leadership and a strong desire to continue supporting my cabinet as director of DED,” Pillen said. “I have been impressed with her abilities in the short time she has been serving in the interim role, and she deserves this opportunity.” n nLarsen’s nomination requires confirmation by the Nebraska Legislature. If confirmed, she will be the department’s third director since 2023. Tony Goins resigned from the role amid concerns over conflicts of interest between his job and co-ownership of a cigar lounge in Lincoln. He was replaced by Belitz the following month. n nPillen also announced the appointment of Michael Donley as general counsel Tuesday, replacing Larsen in her previous position. n nDonley has served as general counsel to the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Harvard Law School and the University of Oxford.