Pillen picks interim History Nebraska director from its past

The headquarters of History Nebraska (formerly called the Nebraska State Historical Society) is just north of downtown Lincoln. The agency changed its name to History Nebraska in 2018. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

GRAND ISLAND — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen looked backward to hire an interim director for History Nebraska, the state agency in charge of protecting and promoting the state’s past.

Pillen picked former History Nebraska librarian Cindy Drake to serve as interim director until he selects a permanent replacement for former director Trevor Jones, from among nine candidates .

Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple has said there is no specific timeline for the permanent hire. Applications for the post were due in early July. No set salary was announced.

New law put governor in charge

The appointment marks Pillen’s first major step since the Legislature rewrote state law to put the agency under the governor’s control, instead of running under an independent board.

Legislative Bill 1169, introduced by State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, made the Nebraska State Historical Society a code agency. He has said he wanted to restore public trust.

“I think the governor made an excellent pick,” Erdman said. “There is nobody in the state of Nebraska who knows more about that agency or how it should be run than Cindy.”

Drake was let go from the agency in 2020 after complaining about Jones and subsequent management to the History Nebraska Board of Trustees. She had worked there for more than four decades.

Audit dogged Jones

Jones resigned from his leadership post in 2022, just before a critical state audit accused him of improperly handling a private donation to the state agency.

He has since been charged with theft by deception in Lancaster County District Court. Jill Dolberg led in his absence. She oversaw the agency’s historic preservation.

Pillen, in a statement, called Drake “the right person to fill this role,” citing her “expertise and objectivity in preserving Nebraska’s history.” He said she would lead well.

Drake starts her new role Thursday. An agency spokesman did not immediately return calls seeking comment Wednesday. In a statement, she thanked the governor for his confidence in her.

“I am excited to take on this new role for an agency where I have devoted my entire career,” she said.

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