(AP) — Gov. Dave Heineman has appointed an Omaha prison warden as the new head of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

Heineman announced Wednesday that Michael L. Kenney, of Lincoln, will serve as the department’s new director. The 60-year-old Kenney has served as warden of the Omaha Correctional Center since 2010.

Kenney will replace director Bob Houston, who retired this month from the position he held since 2005.

In a statement, Heineman says Kenney is a respected professional with 36 years of experience in correctional services.

Kenney has previously served as warden of the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility in Omaha, where he oversaw a 100-bed facility for violent youths. He served as warden of the Nebraska State Penitentiary from 1999 to 2006.

His annual salary will be $115,000.