Gov. Pete Ricketts has appointed a new commissioner to serve on the board of the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. Dr. Paul Von Behren of Ames fills the District 3 vacancy, which includes northeastern Nebraska.
Dr. Von Behren is an Iowa native who has lived in Nebraska for the past 35 years. He has extensive experience in agriculture, having worked in private veterinary practice, 23 years in the swine industry, and 13 years in the beef and dairy industries for Cargill and ADM. His roles included managing a production facility, serving as staff veterinarian, sales management, and business development. Dr. Von Behren and his wife have also operated several businesses including food animal production, swine genetics, rentals, and a bed and breakfast. Dr. Von Behren earned his DVM at Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
The Coordinating Commission is governed by an 11-member board of commissioners - one each from the state's six Supreme Court Districts and five at-large members.
Dr. Von Behren's appointment still must be confirmed by the Legislature. Prior to that, however, he can serve on the Commission with full voting rights.