By Governor's Office
Governor Jim Pillen appointed Ryan N. Decker as county court judge in the Third Judicial District. That district consists of Lancaster County.
Decker has been a deputy attorney in Lancaster County since 2018 and has been the prosecutor for the Lancaster County Veterans Treatment Court and the Adult Drug Court. He also handles felony traffic cases. Prior to that, Decker was an assistant county attorney in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
Decker received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Ambrose University in Iowa. He earned his juris doctor from Creighton University School of Law.
The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Laurie J. Yardley.
Governor Jim Pillen also appointed Richard P. McGowan of Omaha as district court judge in the Fourth Judicial District. That district consists of Douglas County.
McGowan has had his own law practice in Nebraska for 18 years, focusing on criminal defense, juvenile law, personal injury, guardianship, and other related areas. Prior to opening his practice, McGowan served as an attorney in a variety of private law firms. He is chairperson for the Douglas County Board of Mental Health.
McGowan has a degree in philosophy/sociology from Rockhurst University. He earned his juris doctor from Creighton University School of Law.
The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Leigh Ann Retelsdorf.