Committee hears two nominees for Public Employees Retirement Board; no confirmations taken

The Nebraska Legislature Retirement Systems Committee heard testimony from two nominees to the Public Employees Retirement Board — Michael Donnelly and Brent Larson — during a brief confirmation hearing that included questions from several senators but no confirmation votes.

The hearing matters because the board oversees management of state employee retirement programs and hires the system’s director and key advisers, responsibilities central to the financial health of public pensions across Nebraska.

Michael Donnelly, introduced first, described a legal and public-service background he said qualified him for board work. Donnelly said he currently serves as general counsel for the Department of Administrative Services and has advised state entities on employment and policy matters. He told the committee he “believe[s] I have the required executive, legal, financial, and board service experience to perform these responsibilities at a very high level.” He also said he would continue in his DAS role if confirmed and described the approach he would take to any conflict: “If there is an, mitigateable conflict, then we'd have to figure out a way … We'd go to the AG's office.”

Brent Larson, nominated as the Omaha schools member, described a long career in secondary education at Omaha Central High School and said he wants to ensure the retirement system remains “healthy and is there not only for our teachers, but the state and county employees, officers, and judges who have spent their careers serving their communities.” He told senators he had “no agenda” for board service beyond stewardship of the system.

Senators asked both nominees about priorities and potential conflicts. Senator Daniel Conrad pressed Donnelly on his goals and whether he would continue his DAS duties while serving on the board; Donnelly confirmed he would and described recusal and Attorney General review as the route he would use to address conflicts. Senator Rob Clemons asked Larson whether he belonged to the Omaha school retirement system and whether he was concerned about its funding level; Larson said he was focused on working with the board to improve funding outcomes but offered no specific remedies at the hearing.

No formal action — motions or confirmation votes — occurred during the public portion of the hearing. Committee staff reported two letters in the record in a neutral capacity for Larson. After public testimony and questions, the committee closed the nominations and moved to an executive session.

The nominees’ written materials and any letters submitted to the committee will be part of the official record; committee members indicated the board’s need for a permanent director and noted that the board’s ongoing tasks include administrative hires and policy implementation.