Gov. Dave Heineman today announced the appointment of Lavon Heidemann of Elk Creek to be the 39th Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska.

Lt. Gov. Heidemann, 54, was sworn in by the Secretary of State at a news conference with Gov. Heineman this afternoon in the State Capitol.

“I’m pleased Lavon has agreed to serve the people of Nebraska as the Lieutenant Governor,” said Gov. Heineman. “He is a proven, dedicated public servant for the citizens of Nebraska. He will complete this term as Lt. Governor with integrity, and I look forward to working with him as we continue to move Nebraska forward.”

“I am excited for this opportunity to serve the people of Nebraska,” said Lt. Gov. Heidemann. “Public service is something in which I believe deeply. I am looking forward to my time traveling our state, meeting with our citizens, visiting our businesses.”

Lt. Gov. Heidemann is a farmer and livestock producer, and is a volunteer firefighter. He was elected to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in 2012. Prior to his time as a Regent, Lt. Gov. Heidemann served as a State Senator for Legislative District 1 from 2005 to 2013. As a member of the Legislature, he served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee for six years.

Shortly after Governor Heineman's announcement the Nebraska Democratic Party released this statement, “Governor Heineman appointed Lavon Heidemann as Lieutenant Governor, who will support his irresponsible tax plan, which effectively kills agriculture, hurts the middle class, stymies business, and punishes Nebraska’s seniors,” said Vince Powers, Chairman of the Nebraska Democratic Party. “Lavon Heidemann joins the ranks of State Senators Ashford and McCoy with their reckless disregard for Nebraska’s future.”

Lt. Gov. Heidemann was elected to the Elk Creek School Board in 1996 where he served for until he was elected to the Legislature. Previously he served as a general foreman for a drilling company in Anchorage, Alaska from 1983 to 1995. He has been active with a number of organizations, including the Midwest Council of State Governments, Agriculture Builders of Nebraska, Nebraska Cattlemen, Pawnee County Farm Bureau, the Southeast Nebraska Feeders and Breeders, and the Elk Creek Young Men’s Club.

Lt. Gov. Heidemann graduated from Elk Creek High School. He has attended the Midwest Council of State Governments’ Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership. He has earned a number of awards and honors including the Leadership Award for the Association of Nebraska Ethanol Producers, 2012; recognition of Service, Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, 2011; Harold Sieck Public Official of the Year, The Arc of Nebraska, 2009; Leadership Award in Recognition of Outstanding Leadership in Agri-Business, Omaha Agri-Business Club 2009; Award of Excellence for Meritorious Service, Nebraska Cooperative Extension Association, 2009; and the Appreciation Award for Development and Funding of Education Center, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, 2009.

Lt. Gov. Heidemann was born in Pawnee City. He and his wife Robin have three children.