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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today announced the pending retirement of Dick Nelson, director of the Nebraska Health and Human Services System's (HHSS) Department of Finance and Support. Nelson's last day is Jan. 3.
"Dick has been a tremendous asset to our leadership team at the Health and Human Services System," Gov. Heineman said. "Dick brought a real business sensibility to the challenges of Medicaid reform and agency restructuring. His financial wherewithal will be difficult to replace, and his 'can-do' attitude is the kind of leadership Nebraska needs."
Then-Gov. Mike Johanns appointed Nelson as HHSS director of Regulation and Licensure in January 1999 after a legal career that led him to a partnership in the Lincoln firm of Nelson, Morris and Titus. As a private lawyer, Nelson had specialized in administrative and health care law. Nelson was appointed to lead the Finance and Support agency in November 2004. He has filled the same role for Gov. Heineman.
While working in the public sector, Nelson's responsibilities have centered on the management of the state's Medicaid program and the regulatory side of public health. Along with state Sen. Jim Jensen, he has steered efforts to reform Medicaid and control Medicaid spending. Medicaid is the federally and state-funded program that provides health care to low-income children, adults, elderly and people with disabilities.
As Finance and Support director, Nelson has also overseen HHSS operations including finance, budget, legal issues and information technology. He also took a leadership role in Gov. Heineman's restructuring proposal for HHSS.
Nelson said, "I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to work for two governors and serve alongside the Policy Cabinet and the dedicated career public service staff in HHSS who daily demonstrate professionalism and devotion to the people of Nebraska."
Individuals interested in filling the Finance and Support position should contact Peggy King in the Governor's Office, at P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509.
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