Photo: Office of Governor Pete Ricketts
(Lincoln, NE) -- Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts appoints a new State Senator to fill former Senator Mike Groene's seat.
Groene officially resigned his position on Monday after claims of inappropriate behavior. On Wednesday, Ricketts appointed North Platte banker Mike Jacobson to fill the District 42 seat. Jacobson's appointment takes effect immediately.
“Mike is a Nebraska native who exemplifies our state’s entrepreneurialism and hard work,” Ricketts said in a news release after the announcement. “He will be a champion for efficient and effective government, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and our state’s strong family values. His successful leadership as a community banker has given him valuable insights that will help to grow Nebraska.”
According to the governor’s office, Jacobson grew up on a farm near Sutton, returning after college to farm and teach in Red Cloud before beginning a banking career in 1980 with City National Bank in Hastings. He moved to Lincoln four years later, working as senior vice president and division manager of the National Bank of Commerce. After a decade in Lincoln, he relocated to North Platte to head Western Nebraska National Bank in 1994 and founded NebraskaLand Bank there four years later, growing its finances to $850 million in total assets and spreading the bank’s operations into Kearney and Rock Springs, Wyoming.
“It is an honor to represent the citizens of District 42 in the Legislature. I share Nebraska’s traditional values, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit. As a State Senator, I’ll advocate for limited government and conservative fiscal policy. I’ve built a community-minded culture in my business, and I look forward to strengthening Nebraska by creating more opportunities to live and work in the Good Life.” - Mike Jacobson