NORFOLK, Nebraska – At their September 28, 2023, meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a contract with Brian Bruckner to lead the LENRD as General Manager.

Bruckner, a native of Northeast Nebraska, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from Wayne State College and a M.P.A. in Local Government Concentration from University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has been with the LENRD for nearly 17 years – starting as a Groundwater Management Area Specialist in 2007 before moving up to the role of Assistant Manager in 2016.

“When I think about my new role with the LENRD, I am proud to reflect on the fact that I was born and raised in the area on a farm northeast of Osmond, which has been foundational in shaping my perspectives on natural resources management,” Bruckner said.

As general manager, Bruckner’s focus is to continue empowering staff to excel in the delivery of LENRD programs while supporting them as trusted colleagues and friends.

“While we as individuals each possess our own unique set of skills and experiences that contribute to our success, our organization is stronger when we combine those attributes to collectively create momentum that will help us achieve our goals,” Bruckner said.

Bruckner is looking forward to continuing the progress that has been made in gaining new insight and information, especially when it comes to understanding the groundwater aquifers which sustain our lives and economy.

“We have been handed a seat at the table to guide decisions that will have lasting impacts, which carries a significant responsibility to be forward-thinking and thoughtful about the kind of legacy we want to leave behind,” he said. “There is still much work to do, but I’m convinced that our District has the foundational assets necessary that can be built upon to take the LENRD to the next level.”

“What stood out the most about Brian was his knowledge and experience with the LENRD and Board of Directors,” said Roger Gustafson, LENRD Board Chairman. “We interviewed a few candidates for the position, including applicants from other NRDs, but Brian’s interview rose to the top because of the answers he gave to difficult questions that were asked.”

During his tenure with the District, Bruckner has met people from all walks of life and has become acquainted with hundreds of people that share a common appreciation for conservation. Bruckner says he’s fortunate to have come into this opportunity and has embraced the challenges and opportunities that have come along the way which have helped prepare him for the road that lies ahead.

“We have faced many challenges and there are sure to be more that lie ahead, but I am committed to navigating the road ahead with optimism so that we can accomplish great things even in the face of scrutiny,” Bruckner said. “I’m under no illusion that this is going to be easy, but I’m up for the task and am appreciative of the support I have received the last few months.”

Bruckner has been serving as the interim general manager of the LENRD since former general manager Mike Sousek announced his move to the Lower Platte South NRD earlier this spring. Brian is the fourth general manager to serve the LENRD since the NRD system was established in 1972.