Former state Sen. Hughes appointed to Commission for District 5 

Former state Sen. Dan Hughes, of Venango, is the new District 5 commissioner to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. 

Hughes served two terms in the Nebraska Legislature — Jan. 2015 to Dec. 2022 — sitting on the Natural Resources Committee, chairing it from 2017 to 2021. He also served as chairman of the Executive Board. 

Gov. Jim Pillen appointed Hughes to the position, and the full Legislature confirmed the pick on May 30.  

District 5 includes the following counties in southwestern Nebraska: Perkins, Chase, Dundy, Lincoln, Hayes, Hitchcock, Frontier, Red Willow, Dawson, Gosper, Furnas, Phelps and Harlan. 

Hughes, who will serve a four-year term, succeeds Robert Allen of Eustis on the board. District 1 remains vacant on the board. 

Hughes and his wife, Josie, own and operate a family farming operation in Venango along with their two adult children. Hughes is a third-generation Nebraska farmer and businessman.  

He has a long history of public service. Hughes formerly served on the Grant/Perkins County School Board, the Nebraska Wheat Board, Nebraska Ethanol Board and the U.S. Wheat Associates, and is currently an active member of a variety of farm and community organizations. 

“I am looking forward to being part of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission,” Hughes said. “My fellow commissioners and the Game and Parks staff are dedicated to protecting and improving Nebraska’s natural resources and providing access and opportunities for Nebraskans and visitors alike.”  

To view a list of commissioners or districts or for more information, go to OutdoorNebraska.gov.