Ricketts Announces Senior Staff Updates, Names Amelia Breinig as Chief of Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced several senior staff updates. Matt Miltenberger is departing for the private sector after 10 years as Ricketts’ Chief of Staff. Amelia Breinig has been promoted to Chief of Staff. Daniel Yarbrough has joined the team as Legislative Director.

“Matt Miltenberger has been an exceptional Chief of Staff, trusted advisor, and friend for over a decade,” said Senator Ricketts. “From navigating a global pandemic in the governor’s office to managing my transition to the U.S. Senate, Matt has been an essential part of my work fighting for Nebraskans. I’m grateful for his friendship and thankful for all he’s done for me and for Nebraska.”

“I’m excited to have Amelia Breinig and Daniel Yarbrough step into their new roles as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director,”  Ricketts continued. “Amelia and Daniel bring varied experience across all levels of government, including in the U.S. Senate and the first Trump administration. I’m confident their wisdom and leadership skills will help us continue delivering results for Nebraskans.”

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve Pete Ricketts and the state of Nebraska for these past 10 years,” said Miltenberger. “Senator Ricketts represents the best of what public service should be. I’m humbled by all the wonderful Nebraskans we’ve been privileged to serve and I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together.”

“Nebraska is and always will be home,” said Breinig. “I’m thrilled to take on this important role and excited to work with the entire Nebraska delegation to make government work better and bring positive results to all Nebraskans.”

BACKGROUND

Amelia Breinig, who will serve as Chief of Staff, has experience in the House and Senate, including time with Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), former U.S. Representative Lee Terry (R-NE-02), and the Senate Finance Committee. Breinig worked on trade issues in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative during the first Trump administration. She also served as Deputy Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture under then-Governor Pete Ricketts, helping to oversee agency operations, legislative affairs and agriculture promotion and development for the State of Nebraska. Prior to joining Senator Ricketts’ team earlier this year as Deputy Chief of Staff, Breinig worked in the private sector for Merck Sharpe & Dohme focusing on federal and multilateral affairs. She has a B.A. in broadcast journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. Born and raised in Arapahoe, Nebraska, Breinig is a sixth-generation Nebraskan.

Daniel Yarbrough, who will serve as Legislative Director, brings varied experience with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Senate. Most recently, Yarbrough served as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) and as Policy Advisor in the EPA’s Office of Policy. Yarbrough also holds private sector experience, having worked at Deloitte. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from Samford University and an M.P.P. in International and Global Affairs from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.