Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Funke has been named Nebraska’s next Chief Justice as Chief Justice Mike Heavican retires at the end of the month.

At a news conference held on October 25, 2024, Governor Jim Pillen announced the appointment, with Chief Justice Heavican, Lt. Governor Joe Kelly, and Justice Funke’s family present at the podium.

Funke expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the entire state in his new role. He has served on the state's Supreme Court for the last eight years, following roles as a county court judge and then as a district court judge before his appointment to the Supreme Court.

In early October, Funke was one of four candidates reviewed by a judicial nominating commission, all of whom were forwarded to the Governor for consideration. The other candidates included Sarpy County Court Judge PaTricia Freeman of Papillion, Saline County District Judge David Bargen of Adams, and Lancaster County District Judge Ryan Post of Lincoln. Funke in appreciation of his fellow candidates, he noted, “As I said to the judicial nominating commission, they are three excellent candidates.”

“I want to thank the 1,500 people that work in the judicial branch,” Funke remarked. “They are the heart and soul of what we do, why we do it, and how we do it. We have people in trial court services, judges, staff, probation officers, and public guardians, all dedicated to serving the public. They work tirelessly and with creativity,” he added. He concluded by saying, “Any past successes or future achievements are due to the hard work of these people.”

His final statement was directed to Nebraska’s trial court judges: “I really want to thank our trial judges. We have great judges, and I'm looking forward to working with them to carry on the judiciary's good work.”

Justice Funke’s promotion to Chief Justice will create a vacancy in the 5th Judicial District of the Supreme Court.

NOTE TO NEWS REPORTERS:

Justice Jeff Funke’s Judicial Profile

Nebraska’s Judicial Nominating Commission
In Nebraska, the merit selection system (originally adopted by a constitutional amendment in 1962) is used for all levels of judges.  Merit selection uses nominating commissions to screen, interview, and solicit judicial applicants.

When Justice Funke vacates his seat representing the 5th Judicial District, the Supreme Court nominating commission will call a public hearing to review candidates: District 5 Judicial Nominating Commission

Judicial Nominating Commission Timeline

• Deadline for Public Hearing: 60 days from time the vacancy is announced by Resources Commission.
• Deadline for applications to be sent to Supreme Court chairperson:  21 days prior to public hearing.
• Applicants' names released to press:  10 days prior to public hearing.
• Deadline for sending selected names to Governor:  90 days from time that vacancy occurs.