LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced the appointment of Courtney Dentlinger as the next Director of the Department of Economic Development (DED).

“During the search for the next economic development director, we looked for someone with the ability to market Nebraska both nationally and globally, and Courtney is that person,” said Governor Pete Ricketts.  “Courtney will do an outstanding job working with our regional and statewide partners.  She understands Nebraska, and will endeavor tirelessly to recruit the businesses and investment we need to continue to grow good-paying jobs in our state for the next generation.”

Dentlinger, of Norfolk, currently works as the Executive Director of the Norfolk Area Economic Development Council.  In this position, she has built the new economic development department for the City of Norfolk from the ground up. 

Previously, Dentlinger served as the Executive Director of Development for Northeast Community College where she managed capital campaigns including a $13 million campaign for the College of Nursing partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).  From 2005-2007, she practiced law as an Associate Attorney at Fitzgerald, Vetter, and Temple in Norfolk.

Dentlinger holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, International Studies, and Spanish from Wayne State College and a Juris Doctor from George Washington University of Law.  She has served two terms on the Board of Directors for Legal Aid of Nebraska, and has been a member of the UNMC Board of Counselors since 2012.

“It’s an honor to join the Governor’s team, and I look forward to working with him to grow our state,” said Courtney Dentlinger.  “From our workforce to our pro-business climate, Nebraska is well-positioned to attract new investments.  I look forward to partnering with the Governor and the entire economic development community across our state.”

Dentlinger’s start date is January 11, 2016.  Her salary will be $145,000.