Paul Von Behren, DVM, MBA
1180 Timberwood Dr.
Ames, NE 68621
November 10, 2014
Governor Dave Heineman
PO 94848
Lincoln, NE 68509
Dear Governor Heineman,
The purpose of this letter is to both introduce myself and to ask that my name be considered as an
appointee to fulfill the remaining term of Senator Janssen, my current senator, in Nebraska Legislative
District 15.
I can provide a complete resume' but assume we've both spent enough time looking at resumes to
understand their limits. By way of introduction I submit the following:








My roots are in agriculture – raised on a family farm in eastern Iowa.
Small town education with extensive involvement in athletics, music, theater, student
government.
DVM – Iowa State University, '73. Multiple awards for scholarship and involvement. I paid for
my education working road construction, painting, home construction, a private milk route,
working for the university and for the National Animal Disease Lab as a research technician.
5 years of private veterinary practice in North Dakota. Food animal emphasis.
23 years specializing in the swine industry. Roles included: manager of a production facility;
tech support in the swine genetics industry; staff veterinarian; advisory boards; sales
management of the highest-performing team in our business. My last assignment was business
development, originating and organizing production networks. The final project was my
largest, requiring several million dollars in financial commitments from ADM.
Executive Veterinary Program/Swine Production Emphasis - University of Illinois - 1995
MBA – UNO, 1997 - Voted Distinguished Graduate Student by UNO faculty, based on
academic achievement while maintaining a full time job and community commitments.
Cargill, Inc – 13 years of business development. Retired March 1, 2014. My final assignment
covered 4 years of market development, sales management, research coordination with 3 major
universities and the launch of a new, unique product for the dairy industry, now marketed
throughout the upper Midwest and Texas Panhandle. The Ohio State University just published
a research paper I co-authored during development of the product.
I have lived in LD-15 (Fremont and Ames) since 1982. I have served continuously in my church,
performing musically, teaching, working with youth, young marrieds and other projects. That includes
15 years in leadership – 5 of those as Board Chair. Extensive travel has limited other, local
involvement.
In addition to my professional life I have always been involved in private business, including: private
veterinary practice; expert witness work; ownership in 4 swine production facilities; private consulting
in the swine industry; starting and later selling a swine genetics business; operating a bed and breakfast
for 8 years; adjunct instructor in finance at Western Iowa Community College and currently 2 rental
businesses with 8 properties.
Who Am I, Really?








Married for 45 years, with 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren, all in Nebraska.
I have a deep love and respect for this nation and the principles that founded it.
I am very alarmed at the changes nationally and particularly concerned as I see the obsession to
impose those changes on Nebraska, against the will of the people.
I founded a tea party group in Fremont that has been successful in defending an illegal alien
ordinance and in electing more conservative members to the City Council.
I am conservative but my business and management backgrounds also make me pragmatic. I
will compromise for the long-term good, if that compromise does not violate a core value or
belief.
Talent profiles will tell you that my gifts are leadership, wisdom and judgement.
My leadership style is low-key. Personal credit is not a priority. Clearing the way, to allow
leaders to develop and emerge, and showing the average person that their voice and vote still
matter are my passions. Those can only be accomplished when elected leaders truly represent
the people and take power only long enough to hand it back.
A political career is not my objective. My sole desire is to do what I can to assure that the
people of Nebraska have the government they want – not the government imposed by a vocal
minority.
I am honored to have your consideration and can provide a more detailed resume with business
references if desired.
Best Regards,
Paul Von Behren, DVM, MBA