LINCOLN — The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission has selected Micah Chaffee as its next executive director, following months of leadership upheaval tied to a federal corruption case.
Chaffee, an attorney who previously worked in the Nebraska Legislature, will officially begin his role on October 1. Most recently, he served in the office of State Senator Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue and as a research analyst for the General Affairs Committee, which Holdcroft chaired.
Commission Chairman Bruce Bailey confirmed the hiring and said the commission will meet and hold hearings the same day Chaffee starts. Bailey expressed optimism about moving forward with new leadership and thanked commission staff for their efforts during the interim period.
The appointment comes after the resignation of longtime director Hobert Rupe, who was suspended in May following a federal search warrant at commission offices. Rupe, who had led the agency since 2004, now faces federal charges alleging he accepted sexual favors from Lincoln strip clubs in exchange for official favors. He is expected to appear in federal court this week.
LeAnna Prange has been serving as interim director since June. In a statement, Prange emphasized that the investigation focused solely on Rupe and does not reflect on other commission staff.
The Liquor Control Commission regulates Nebraska’s alcoholic beverage industry and also carries joint responsibility for overseeing the state’s medical cannabis program. Commissioners said they expect Chaffee to bring stability and continue the agency’s mission of protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
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