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.

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.