For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 2, 2004

Personnel Announcement

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate Mike Johanns, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Agriculture. He was first elected Governor of Nebraska in 1998 and is currently serving a second term. In addition, he serves as co-chairman for the Western Governors' Association on drought issues. In the past, he has chaired the National Governors' Association Committee on Economic Development and Commerce. As Nebraska's Governor, he has led a number of delegations of government, business and agriculture leaders on trade missions throughout Asia and South America.

Prior to becoming Governor, he served two terms as Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska. Earlier in his career, Governor Johanns was a partner in the law firm of Nelson, Johanns, Morris, Holdeman and Titus. He also clerked for the Honorable Hale McCown at the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Governor Johanns received his bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota and his law degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

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