Gov. Heineman Appoints
Hastings Mayor Rick Sheehy
as Lieutenant Governor
(Hastings, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman traveled to Hastings today to announce the appointment of Hastings Mayor Rick Sheehy as Lieutenant Governor. Secretary of State John Gale accompanied the Governor and administered the oath of office during a ceremony held in the Hastings City Council chamber.
Gov. Heineman said, “I have given a tremendous amount of consideration to this appointment and I am confident that Rick is the right person for the job. He understands the demands of public office, he has direct experience expanding a local economy, and he has interfaced with homeland security issues both as a mayor and as a paramedic. We have similar philosophies and Rick’s outlook is as impressive as his experience. He has a positive, make-it-happen attitude and that’s the kind of partner I need to move our state forward.”
Sheehy, age 45, will serve as Nebraska’s director of homeland security, chairman of the Nebraska Information Technology Commission, presiding officer of the Nebraska Legislature, and he will be directly involved in economic development efforts in a role that has yet to be defined.
The Hastings native was twice elected Mayor of Hastings, having served in that capacity since 2000. Before that, he served seven years on the Hastings City Council, including a term as president of the council. Sheehy is the market general manager and a paramedic for Rural/Metro Ambulance, where he has worked since 1982.
Sheehy said, “It is a privilege and honor for me to be selected to serve our state as Nebraska’s Lieutenant Governor. I’m ready for the challenges that come with the post. My background in rural issues, municipal government and small business will compliment the Governor’s broad experiences, making this a great partnership. I thank Governor Heineman for his confidence and look forward to being part of his leadership team.”
Sheehy’s community involvement includes membership in the Nebraska Rural Health Association, Nebraska State Trauma Advisory Board, Mary Lanning Hospital Foundation Board, Crane Meadows Board of Directors, Cottonwood Festival Executive Committee, and the Hastings Noon Rotary.
Sheehy is a former chair of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Hastings Sertoma Club, past board member of the Hastings YMCA and the local Housing Authority Board, past member of the National League of Cities and a FEMA Disaster Response Team member.
He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Central Community College after graduating from St. Cecilia High School in Hastings. He and his wife, Connie, have two children. Maggie, age 19, is a freshman at Doane College. Joel, age 15, is a sophomore at St. Cecilia High School.
He will begin his duties as Lieutenant Governor immediately following the swearing-in. The Lieutenant Governor’s salary is $60,000.
Gov. Heineman said, “I have given a tremendous amount of consideration to this appointment and I am confident that Rick is the right person for the job. He understands the demands of public office, he has direct experience expanding a local economy, and he has interfaced with homeland security issues both as a mayor and as a paramedic. We have similar philosophies and Rick’s outlook is as impressive as his experience. He has a positive, make-it-happen attitude and that’s the kind of partner I need to move our state forward.”