The Nebraska Supreme Court has appointed Marla Fischer as the Director of the Office of Public Guardian. Fischer, who currently is the Deputy Director of the Office of Public Guardian has over nine years of experience with the Nebraska Judicial Branch. Fischer will be responsible for overseeing guardian and conservator services throughout Nebraska in both urban and rural courts. 

The duties of the Office of Public Guardian can be characterized by: responsibility for equitable appointment process (provided by the Court Visitor Program); direct service as public guardians and public conservators; maximizing resources and implementing effective financial and organizational management practices; facilitating model and best practices for services to wards and protected persons; providing education, support and education to all guardians and conservators in the state; and enhancing opportunity for recruitment of successor guardians/conservators in the private sector.

Fischer replaces former Director of the Office of Public Guardian Michelle Chaffee, who retired on June 3, 2024, after 14 years of service to the court system.