LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts has chosen an Iowa state government official to serve as the next director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, the governor’s office announced Thursday.

Ricketts has appointed John Selmer, director of the strategic performance division of the Iowa Department of Transportation. Selmer, of Story City, Iowa, has served in his current job since 2012.

Selmer has served in the Iowa agency for 31 years in a variety of roles, including administrative jobs. He spent nearly a decade as a district engineer.

Ricketts said Selmer played a role in rebuilding Iowa’s roadways after the 2019 floods and knows how to overcome major challenges. He said Selmer also has extensive experience in field operations and has excelled in central office leadership as well.

Selmer holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska Omaha. He will assume his new role on March 15, with a salary of $160,000.