Lincoln – Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Dave Rippe is departing the agency to return home to Hastings, where he plans to work in real estate and talent development.

Rippe will step down Aug. 9.  An interim director will be named at that time, and Gov. Pete Ricketts has already begun his search for the next director for the department.

During his tenure, Rippe helped grow the State of Nebraska and led Nebraska to win national economic development awards, according to a news release from Ricketts.

“He is incredibly talented,” Ricketts said, “and I expect him to be a huge asset to growing our state in his future endeavors.”

– Nebraska Governor’s Office