Zillig to Replace Retiring Johnson at NRD

LINCOLN (NE) March 30, 2016 – The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD)
Board of Directors today named Paul Zillig as the NRD’s next General Manager.  Zillig has worked for the NRD for 37 years, 34 years as assistant manager.  He will take over in August for Glenn Johnson who has announced his retirement after 44 years with the NRD. 

The NRD Board’s process to find the next general manager began in December.  NRD Board Chair Greg Osborn said the NRD advertised for candidates, and then the board’s Executive Subcommittee conducted applicant screening, interviews during a public meeting and made the final recommendation to the full board that was approved today in a special session. 

Zillig is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a degree in Agriculture, majoring in Natural Resources and Agricultural Economics.  Osborn said Zillig’s, “familiarity with the NRD’s past, its overall vision and its tax payers will help the board enhance its goals of protecting lives, protecting property and protecting the future.”  Zillig said he is looking forward to leading the NRD as it continues to work on solutions to flooding in the Deadman’s Run Watershed in Lincoln, makes improvements to the Salt Creek Levee System, finishes the MoPac East Trail Connector Project, continues watershed rehabilitations and implements the NRD’s Integrated Management Plan for water resources.  He and his wife, Janet, live in Lincoln and have three grown children.

Johnson has worked for the Lower Platte South since Nebraska’s NRDs were created by the Legislature in 1972.  He first served as assistant manager, and then became general manager in 1982.  Osborn said, “The district is extremely fortunate to have had Glenn Johnson leading the management of our natural resources.  While his leadership and insight will be missed, we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”  Significant NRD accomplishments under Johnson include the Weeping Water and Stevens Creek watershed projects, the use of conservation easements to preserve land in its natural state, the Antelope Valley Project, the development of recreational trails, the voluntary creation of a plan for managing water in the district and much more.  Johnson said he looks forward to traveling for fun in his retirement.  He and his wife, Elaine, have one daughter and one son.

Osborn thanked the Executive Subcommittee for its hard work and the full Board of Directors for their patience and diligence during the General Manager search.

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Contact:  Mike Mascoe, Public Information Specialist

                 Lower Platte South Natural Resources District                                                                                         

                 402-476-2729, mmascoe [at] lpsnrd.org