Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen on Monday announced the appointment of Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg as the state’s next treasurer, following the resignation of Tom Briese, who is stepping down after nearly a decade in public service.
At the State Capitol, Pillen praised Briese’s record as a “staunch leader of conservative fiscal policy,” noting his years of work on property tax reform, K-12 funding, and state budget efficiency.
Briese, who was first elected to the Legislature in 2017 and appointed state treasurer in 2023, said the decision to resign comes down to family.
“My home is 110 miles away. That’s where my wife lives, where my farm is, where my grandkids are,” Briese said. “It’s time for me to spend more time there. I owe it to my wife to be home more.”
Briese said he’s proud of his office’s work to “put taxpayers first,” but added that it’s the right time to move on after nine years in state government.
Governor Pillen introduced Spellerberg as “a great young leader” and “fiscal conservative” with experience both in business and public service. Spellerberg, who was first elected mayor of Fremont in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, also runs his family’s travel business, Moostash Joe Tours, which recently celebrated its 50th year.
“Joey’s been very focused on business attraction, development, and running Fremont in a fiscally responsible way,” Pillen said. “He knows how to say no and how to get things done.”
Spellerberg will officially be sworn in as Nebraska’s 46th State Treasurer later this week, after submitting his resignation as mayor effective Wednesday at midnight. Fremont City Council President will assume the mayor’s duties until a successor is chosen.
In remarks following the announcement, Spellerberg thanked both Pillen and Briese for their confidence and guidance.
“This call to service came unexpectedly, but I’m ready and excited to get to work,” Spellerberg said. “As treasurer, my mission will be to represent the people of Nebraska to the highest standard and be a good steward of the resources entrusted to this office.”
Spellerberg confirmed he intends to run for election to a full term in 2026.