Background & History

Mission Statement:  To regulate and control the alcoholic beverage industry and beverages within and into the State of Nebraska in an efficient, effective manner in order to promote the public health, safety and welfare.

Commissioners' Background

Chairman: Bruce Bailey
Term Expires: 5/24/2029

Bruce Bailey is Founder and Partner of Design Associates, Architectural & Engineering firm, doing work throughout the United States. He has experiences from past work on many Boards including Lincoln Electric Board, Lancaster County Planning Commission, City of Lincoln Board of Zoning Appeals, The Great Plains Alzheimer’s Board, Lancaster County Family Services Board, Lincoln Children’s Museum Board, Past President of Lincoln Independent Business Association and currently active with LIBA Foundation, LIBA Advisory, Autumn House Foundation, and Emerald Communities board which specialize in Assisted Living Facilities for Memory Care.

Commissioner: Kim Lowe
Term Expires: 5/24/2027

Kim Lowe from Kearney graduated from Kearney State College (now the University of Nebraska Kearney).  Kim has partnered with her family and husband's family in their families real estate holdings, focusing on collections and maintenance.  Ms Lowe has also been involved with many businesses that she and her husband have been involved in which have included O'Mallys Irish Pub, Einsteins Nightclub, Nebraska Imaging, Nebraska Bevinco, Toppers Frozen Yogurt and Platte Valley Brewery.  Kim has volunteered for many organizations in the Kearney community.  Kearney Catholic GOLD Fundraiser, Healthcare Clinic, Central Nebraska LOSS Team Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors, Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

Commissioner: Judge J. Michael Coffey
Term Expires: 5/24/2031

Judge J. Michael Coffey of Omaha is a retired District Judge of the 4th Judicial District, where he served from 1998 until his retirement in June 2023. Prior to his appointment with the court, Coffey was a private practice attorney in Omaha. He received his B.A. from Regis College in 1969 and his juris doctor from Creighton University School of Law in 1974.  He is a Vietnam War veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971. 

History of Directors

1935 - 1947: Max Adams

1948 - 1951: Oril A. Barber

1952 - 1967: Walter C. Hasse

1968 - 1975: Georgia D. Kuebler

1976 - 1982: Terrance D. Micek

1983 - 1984: Larry Wewal

1985 - 2003: Forrest D. Chapman

2004 - 2025: Hobert B. Rupe

(From 1935 - 1980, the Directors were called Secretaries.)

History of Commissioners

Each Commissioner serves a six year fixed term, and must represent one of the three congressional districts within Nebraska. Their powers and duties include:

1. Final administrative approval of all retail liquor licenses.
2. Conducting citation hearings, which include deciding innocence or guilt and imposing sanctions on licensees ranging from a letter of reprimand to revocation of the license.
3. Establishment of rules and regulations.