IDP has new executive director

The new chairman of the Iowa Democartic Party has made one staffing decision. IDP chair Michael Kiernan's parents were active in the party when he was a kid (Kiernan's dad was a Madison County Supervisor) and Kiernan has chosen an executive director who is the son of a Democratic Party/union activist in the Cedar Rapids area. The following news release was issued Friday afternoon:

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Michael Kiernan names Norm Sterzenbach Executive Director
 

DES MOINES – The Iowa Democratic Party announces today that Norm Sterzenbach, 33, will serve as the new Executive Director. Sterzenbach will replace Mike Milligan who previously announced he would not serve as executive director in the upcoming cycle and is leaving the IDP to pursue new opportunities.
 
“Norm has a breadth of experience in Iowa politics and campaign management. He understands the nuts and bolts of community organizing. Together we will reach out to the thousands of new Democrats to keep them engaged in our Party” said IDP Chairman Michael Kiernan.
 
“I am excited Norm has agreed to take over the day-to-day operations of the party. I have known Norm for many years and I am confident the Democratic Party will be even stronger with him as Executive Director” said Governor Chet Culver.

A native of Cedar Rapids, Sterzenbach is a veteran political operative. In the past 6 election cycles, he has worked across the country on campaigns at all levels, including State Representative, U.S. Congress, Senate, Lt Governor, Governor and President. In 2006 he served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Governor Chet Culver's successful gubernatorial campaign. Most recently, Norm has worked for the Iowa Democratic Party as the Political & Caucus Director since 2007. Sterzenbach was key in directing the Iowa Democratic Party’s successful 2008 first in the nation precinct caucuses. He currently lives in Des Moines with his wife Danielle and their daughter Bryanna.
 
“The strength of our Party is in the grassroots, which has delivered us substantial victories in the last two cycles. To be successful in 2010 we must continue to organize precinct by precinct, county by county” said Sterzenbach, “I look forward to building on the strong grassroots organization President Obama created in Iowa.”