Dave Heineman is proud to be a life-long Nebraskan. He was born in Falls City and grew up in Fairbury, McCook, Benkelman and Wahoo, where he graduated from high school. In 1970, Governor Heineman graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served five years in the United States Army. He is also a graduate of the Army's Airborne and Ranger Schools.

Governor Heineman was sworn in as Nebraska's 39th Governor on January 21, 2005 when Governor Johanns became United States Secretary of Agriculture. Prior to becoming Governor, he served more than three years as Lt. Governor.

Heineman was first elected to statewide office in 1994, as Nebraska's State Treasurer. He was re-elected to the post in 1998. As State Treasurer, he implemented the Nebraska College Savings Plan that has been recognized as one of the best programs in the nation, improved the system for returning unclaimed property to Nebraskans, and transformed the office into a 21st century financial money management operation. From 1990 to 1994 Heineman served on the Fremont City Council.

Governor Heineman and his wife, Sally, have been married for over 28 years. Nebraska's First Lady is the former principal of Howard Elementary School in Fremont. They have one son, Sam, who attends the University of Nebraska.