Governor appoints his chief of staff to DHS post

Governor Chet Culver announced via news release that his chief of staff — Charlie Krogmeier — is going to become director of the Department of Human Services.  Krogmeier takes over from Gene Gessow.  Republicans in the state senate voted against Gessow's nomination to the DHS job. There are 32 Democrats in the state senate, but it takes 34 senators to win confirmation from the senate and all 18 Republicans voted "no" on Gessow.

Krogmeier was called into to be Culver's chief of staff after Patrick Dillon left to join the White House staff.

Read the governor's news release below.

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver today appointed a veteran public servant, Charles Krogmeier, as the new director of the Iowa Department of Human Services.

“Charlie Krogmeier is a veteran of service to Iowa who has been an invaluable, trusted advisor to Lieutenant Governor Judge and me,” said Governor Culver. “His experience, and commitment to Iowa, makes him an ideal choice to lead this department during such an important time in our state. I am proud he is a part of my team and confident in the leadership he brings to my Administration.”

Krogmeier is currently Chief of Staff in the Governor’s Office, with three decades of experience in state and local government. His other state government experience includes director of the Department of Management (2007-2009), director of the Culver/Judge Transition office following the 2006 election, First Deputy Secretary of State (2004-2007), Deputy Attorney General for the State of Iowa (1989-1997), and General Counsel to the Iowa Department of Transportation (1986-1989).

Krogmeier served two terms as an elected member of the Lee County Board of Supervisors (1979-1986), and was in private legal practice in both Polk and Lee County. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa and the Drake University Law School.

The Department of Human Services is state government’s largest agency, with 5,700 employees, and provides a wide range of important services to Iowans in areas such as health care, nutrition, child care and more.

Krogmeier’s appointment is effective today, and will be placed before the Senate for confirmation in 2010.