(DES MOINES) - Tim Albrecht, who has served as Gov. Branstad's communications director since November of 2009, is departing the Branstad-Reynolds administration to pursue a new private sector opportunity. Albrecht's last day will be Friday, December 13.
Former Branstad-Reynolds administration deputy communications director Jimmy Centers has been named the new director of communications.
"The opportunity to work as communications director in the governor's office is one I have worked toward my entire career, and I am so excited I could serve the people of Iowa in this capacity under Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds, who each set a strong example of hard work, dedication and passion for the state." said Albrecht. "This has been such a rewarding experience, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Jimmy Centers is a talented professional, and he is going to excel in this new position. We will ensure that a smooth transition takes place."
Branstad thanked Albrecht for his work with the administration.
"I want to thank Tim for all the great work he has done within my administration," said Gov. Branstad. "He is a passionate advocate for the state of Iowa, and never forgot his Ida Grove roots. Tim's embrace of social media, online tools and overall messaging was a benefit to nearly every department and agency within state government. I have really enjoyed working with Tim, and I wish him all the best in his new opportunity. While Tim will be missed, we are really excited to have Jimmy back in the official office."
Reynolds echoed the governor's sentiment.
"Tim has traveled with us to a majority of Iowa's counties, been with us as we worked through three legislative sessions, and has been an important advisor to us in a number of areas," said Reynolds. "We wish him well as he departs for new opportunities, and we are very excited to welcome Jimmy back into our office."
Albrecht said he enjoyed working with the reporters, staff and directors he interacted with on a daily basis, and that he will remain active in his new position.
"I intend to remain involved with Republican causes, and will continue to assist the Branstad-Reynolds campaign, should they choose to run again," said Albrecht. "With significant job growth, a return to a balanced state budget, and education reform well on its way, Iowa is enjoying a strong comeback. I look forward to assisting the governor and lieutenant governor in any way to help them continue their successful efforts."
Albrecht, 36, is a native of Ida Grove and a 2001 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, with a degree in Public Relations. He previously worked on the presidential campaigns of Steve Forbes and Mitt Romney, and as communications director for Iowa House Speaker Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City. Albrecht resides in West Des Moines with his wife, Josie, and their infant son Davis.
Centers, 26, is a Peoria, IL, native and a graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in Political Science. He served as the Northeast Iowa field director on the 2010 Branstad-Reynolds campaign, later serving as the administration's deputy communications director. He currently serves as the Branstad-Reynolds campaign's communications director, and his replacement there is expected to be named in the coming days. He resides in Des Moines with his wife, Gretchen.
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