(DES MOINES) - Iowa First Lady Chris Branstad will be named "Volunteer of the Year" at the American Heart Association's Des Moines Heart Ball on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015. The Heart Ball celebrates the American Heart Association of Des Moines' work, donors, volunteers and the lives saved because of the group's effort.

"I am honored to have been selected as the American Heart Association's Volunteer of the Year," said First Lady Chris Branstad. "Iowans have always been very generous with their time and charitable giving and it is a pleasure to serve along with other volunteers and staff to help make Iowa a healthier state."

Branstad has been a longtime supporter of the American Heart Association, and for the past two years has served as Chair of the Circle of Red, recruiting 75 members and raising more than $50,000 to improve women's heart health.  Circle of Red is a powerful group of women in Central Iowa who are dedicated to raising awareness and funding research, education and advocacy initiatives through the Go Red For Women movement.  Branstad will continue to serve as Chair of Circle of Red through the 2015 campaign, and hopes to grow the group to more than 100 members.

According to the American Heart Association, in the past five years, 2010-2014, the American Heart Association has funded 83 studies in Iowa at a cost of $9.4 million.

"Mrs. Branstad has been an invaluable asset in furthering the Go Red For Women movement here in Central Iowa," says Kassi Wessing, Communications Director for the American Heart Association.  "Because of Mrs. Branstad's work, more women in Central Iowa know that heart disease and stroke are their greatest health threat, and that 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented."

The Heart Ball is open to the public, but tickets are required. For more information, please visit www.DesMoinesHeartBall.com.

Michael Bousselot promoted to legal counsel for Branstad, Reynolds

(DES MOINES) - Brenna (Findley) Bird, who has served as the legal counsel for Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds since they took office in 2011, is departing the office to pursue opportunities in the private sector. Bird's final day in the governor's office is Friday, Feb. 6, 2015. A photo of Bird can be found here.

"I wish to thank Brenna for her service and counsel over the past four years," said Branstad. "Brenna has been instrumental as we worked to end burdensome regulations like the RICE rule, and required jobs impact statements on any new government rule and regulation. I wish Brenna all the best."

"Brenna has been an integral part of our team and an advocate for cutting government red tape and ensuring that bureaucracy doesn't prevent job creators from expanding their businesses," said Reynolds. "Though she will be deeply missed in our office, we wish her well in her future endeavors."

Bird, a native of Dexter, Iowa, earned her bachelor's degree from Drake University and her law degree from the University of Chicago. She was the Republican nominee for Attorney General in 2010. She is currently an adjunct professor of law at the University of Iowa.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Iowans and work for Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds," said Bird. "I look forward to the opportunities ahead in the private sector and am eager to share my plans in the near future."

Michael Bousselot, 32, who currently serves as a policy advisor to Governor Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, has been promoted to legal counsel. Before joining Governor Branstad's staff, Bousselot, a Davenport native, worked as an attorney in private practice in his hometown. Before practicing law, Bousselot worked as a consultant in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Bousselot earned a bachelor's degree in accounting in 2005 and a master's degree in accounting and business taxation in 2006 from The University of Iowa. In 2009, he received his law degree from Drake University Law School. A photo of Bousselot can be found here.

Commenting on Bousselot's promotion, Branstad said, "Michael is a leader in our office. Whether it was developing the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan and the historic property tax relief package of 2013, or his constituent service work, Michael has tackled each challenge and task with focus and diligence. I'm confident he will excel in his new role as our office's legal counsel."

Bousselot will assume his role as legal counsel Monday, Feb. 9, 2015.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today appointed Beth Townsend the director of Iowa Workforce Development.  Townsend has been serving as acting director of the department since Jan. 11, 2015, when former director Teresa Wahlert retired. Townsend previously served as the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. A photo of Townsend can be found here.

"As the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Beth put in place work standards and accountability measures to ensure employees were no longer making up nasty nicknames for each other and using personal emails while at work," said Branstad. "As director of Iowa Workforce Development, I'm confident Beth will vigorously work to continue our efforts to help job creators find a talented and capable workforce."

"Beth shares our administration's commitment to job creation and ensuring Iowa workers have the skills to fill the careers of tomorrow," said Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Beth's dedication to public service and dedication to closing the middle-skills jobs gap will serve her well as the director of Iowa Workforce Development."

Iowa Workforce Development contributes to the economic security of Iowa's workers, businesses and communities through a comprehensive statewide system of employment services, education and regulation of health, safety and employment laws. The department aims to lead Iowa's workforce by empowering workers and businesses to succeed in a dynamic global economy.

Townsend has worked in private practice at Townsend Law Office, where she represented individuals before the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, federal and state jurisdictions in the area of civil rights and employment law. Before moving to Iowa, Townsend spent over 11 years as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force where she served in a variety of positions including as a prosecutor and a defend counsel of airmen in trials by courts-martial.  As a reservist, Townsend finished her service as a Military Trial Judge.  She retired in 2010 after almost 21 years of service.

Townsend earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Nebraska-Kearney and a Juris Doctor degree from University of Nebraska. Townsend resides in Granger, Iowa. She has one son.

Townsend's appointment is effective immediately and is subject to Iowa Senate confirmation.

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Bartruff to serve as acting director as long-time director John Baldwin retires Friday

(DES MOINES) -  Gov. Terry E. Branstad today appointed Jerry Bartruff as acting director of the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC). Bartruff's appointment comes as long-time DOC director John Baldwin retires today, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015. The appointment is effective Friday, Jan. 30, 2015.

"For over forty years, John Baldwin has served the citizens of Iowa. Throughout his tenure, John has provided exemplary leadership and I've been particularly impressed recently with the department's work to both reduce prison population and recidivism," said Branstad. "I'm pleased the department has Jerry Bartruff, a very capable professional, during this time of transition."

"Governor Branstad and I recognized the outstanding leadership of Director Baldwin upon taking office in 2011 and we were pleased to have him as part of our team," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "We thank John for his public service and wish him the best in retirement."

Jerry Bartruff is the Deputy Director of Operations for the Eastern Region of the Iowa Department of Corrections. He is responsible for administering and overseeing the institutional operations of the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, Anamosa State Penitentiary, Iowa Medical and Classification Center and the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility. He has been employed at the DOC since 1982, serving in the central office since 2007. He is a graduate of Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

A photo of Jerry Bartruff can be found here. A photo of John Baldwin can be found here.