Ms. Deb Minardi, the Nebraska State Probation Administrator, has announced her retirement effective January 31, 2025. Minardi has served in various roles within the probation system for over four decades, beginning her career as a probation officer in 1989 and later advancing to Chief Probation Officer in Judicial District 4, Omaha. For the past 18 years, she has worked in the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation.
Appointed as State Probation Administrator on January 7, 2019, by then Chief Justice Michael G. Heavican, Minardi was tasked with overseeing the administrative operations of Nebraska's statewide probation system under the judicial branch. She is noted as the sixth person to hold this position.
In her retirement letter, Minardi expressed gratitude for her career experiences: “During my 44.5-year probation career, I have been honored to work with dozens of amazing judges and judicial branch personnel. My greatest privilege has been working alongside an incredible group of Probation colleagues, professionals, and friends across the State. These people have made a profound impact on my professional and personal life. I would be remiss if I did not mention the individuals who pass through our court system and who have left a permanent imprint on my heart as to why the work of probation is so vital within the courts.”
The process to find Minardi's replacement will soon begin with a job posting on the Judicial Branch Website.
The Nebraska judicial system distributes its power among several courts including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, district courts, and county courts—all operating under the direction of the Supreme Court. Additional courts include separate juvenile courts in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy Counties and a statewide Workers’ Compensation Court.