The Nebraska Public Service Commission now has a new executive director after its previous director retired in September.

Retired Nebraska Army National Guard Col. Thomas Golden started the $135,000 job last week, the PSC said in a news release.

The 56-year-old began his military career in the U.S. Army in 1989 before joining the Nebraska Army National Guard in 1993. Upon his military retirement in August, he was assigned as the director of operations for the Nebraska Army National Guard.

“Tom is a proven leader with an impeccable record,” PSC Chair Dan Watermeier said in the release. “We are excited to welcome Tom to the commission and look forward to working with him.”

The commission hired Golden at its Dec. 7 meeting. He replaces former director Mike Hybl.

Golden brings a wide range of leadership, organizational and operational skills to the PSC. He also holds bachelor’s degrees in English and education as well as master’s degrees in English and military strategic studies.

“I am extremely honored to have been chosen to lead the Commission,” Golden said. “The agency has an experienced and dedicated staff, and I am eager to begin collaborating with them and our commissioners as we work to regulate a vast array of services vital to the citizens of Nebraska.”

The commission regulates telecommunications carriers, natural gas jurisdictional utilities, major oil pipelines, railroad safety, household goods movers and passenger carriers, grain warehouses and dealers, construction of manufactured and modular homes and recreational vehicles, high voltage electric transmission lines, and private water company rates.