Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen tapped a longtime Department of Labor attorney to serve as the agency's interim commissioner Tuesday after the former commissioner's retirement in December.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s elective surgery to repair his seven broken ribs with metal plating should speed his recovery and help him better manage the pain. The Christmas Day procedure could help him better handle heading home from the hospital Friday.

Pillen's office did not specify what injuries he sustained or how serious they were, but noted he was expected to remain in the hospital for several days.

The governor's office said Wednesday that Pillen chose to have a rib fixation procedure, in which doctors will use metal plates to stabilize his seven broken ribs.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen was injured after being bucked off a new horse. The 68-year-old is expected to be hospitalized for several days. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is hospitalized after he was bucked off a new horse Sunday. The accident happened when the 68-year-old was out with his family.

Gov. Jim Pillen announced Tuesday that he has appointed Katie Thurber as interim commissioner for the Nebraska Department of Labor. She steps into the top labor spot John Albin left when he retired Dec.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is set to return home Friday after falling from a horse over the weekend. In an update, Pillen’s medical team said he will continue recovery at the Governor’s Residence in Lincoln. Pillen will return to his office activities next week, according to the governor’s office.