Committee hears Thomas Darje’s nomination to Public Employees Retirement Board

Sen. Beau Ballard opened a hearing on the appointment of Thomas Darje to the Public Employees Retirement Board and gave Darje the opportunity to speak to the committee.

Darje thanked the committee and outlined his background in Sarpy County leadership and a 27-year career with the Bellevue Police Department, where he rose to assistant chief and served as interim chief. He said he has worked on retirement issues and contract negotiations and is familiar with defined-benefit and deferred-retirement-option programs. "I appreciate your time, allowing me to be here to speak before you," Darje said, and added that a primary personal focus would be ensuring a strong fiduciary responsibility so members have their retirement funds when they need them.

The nominee described his county responsibilities—oversight of the 911 center, community corrections and veterans services—and said his public-safety and military service informed a "servant leadership" approach to board service. Chair Ballard asked if there were questions from the committee; none were offered. Ballard then asked whether anyone wished to speak in support or opposition; no in-room or online testimony was recorded.

Because the hearing was informational and no motion or vote is recorded in the transcript, the committee did not take formal action at the session. The hearing concluded with the committee noting there were no online submissions and moving on to scheduled reports.