After running unsuccesfully for the Omaha Mayor's seat this past year, former state senator Heath Mello will return to the Lincoln later this month as the University of Nebraska's chief lobbyist.
Mello's announcement as the university's new associate vice president for university affairs was made on Wednesday.
As NU's lobbyist and director of state relations, Mello responsibilities will include overseeing partnerships between the university and its legislative partners, as well as its constituents throughout the state.
"Working with Heath as chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I saw a talented leader who could solve problems while balancing diverse opinions and ideas," NU President Hank Bounds said in a statement.
Galen Hadley, a former Speaker of the Legislature, applauded Mello as "someone who was fair, honest, and worked to build consensus with colleagues, our governor and many other stakeholders. He succeeds Ron Withem, who held the role for 20 years.
As NU's lobbyist and director of state relations, Mello will be responsible for coordinating partnerships between the university and its legislative partners, as well as its constituents throughout the state.