LINCOLN, NE — Governor Jim Pillen appoints Richard Meginnis of Lincoln and Heath Mello of Omaha to serve on the Nebraska State Highway Commission. Created to ensure public input in the planning, design, and operation of the state highway system, the Highway Commission acts as a liaison between the public and the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT).

“These new appointments to the Highway Commission bring a valuable new perspective to Nebraska’s infrastructure needs and compliment the mission of NDOT,” Pillen said. He also announces the reappointments of David Copple (NDOT District 3), James Kindig (NDOT District 4), and Greg Wolford (NDOT District 7) to the Highway Commission.

Meginnis, a Lincoln native and President of NAI FMA Realty, will serve District 1 which includes Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Otoe, Cass, Gage, Lancaster, Saunders, Butler, Seward, Saline, and Johnson counties. Meginnis succeeds Mary Gerdes, whose official appointment ended in September 2023 after serving on the commission since 2015. Meginnis’ term runs through September 13, 2029.

Mello, a former state senator, is President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “I’m always looking for ways to bring new economic opportunities to the state, and infrastructure is vital in doing so," Mello said. "I’m honored to represent District 2 and work with the other commissioners and NDOT to do just that."

Mello will serve District 2 which includes Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties. Mello's term will run through September 13, 2025.

“With these recent appointments, all eight districts are now represented, and the timing is imperative given the federal funding opportunities available," said Copple, who is Chair of the Highway Commission. "It’s good to see NDOT pursue innovative funding sources to meet Nebraska's transportation needs that are currently outpacing its existing funding structure.”