(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that current governor's office legal counsel Michael Bousselot (Boo-sa-low) will be the next Chief of Staff to the governor and lt. governor. Bousselot's selection comes following the announcement that current Chief of Staff Matt Hinch will depart the office to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. A photo of Bousselot can be found here.
"Since taking office, Michael has played an important role in crafting critically important policies like the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan, the largest tax cut in Iowa history, the Healthiest State Initiative and Medicaid modernization," said Branstad. "His background as a policy advisor, legal counsel and accountant makes him uniquely qualified to lead our office and continue working with the Legislature to pass meaningful policies that improve our state."
Bousselot has advised the governor on issues relating to revenue and health care, among others. He has served as policy advisor to the governor and lt. governor for the Iowa Department of Human Services, Iowa Department of Revenue, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Department on Aging and the Iowa Public Employee Retirement System.
"Michael possesses rare leadership and analytic qualities that allow him to offer common sense Iowa solutions for challenges our state faces. We saw Michael's leadership in the bipartisan mental health redesign of 2012 that has provided more access to mental health services than ever before," said Reynolds. "Michael's record of working on issues on a bipartisan basis will serve him well as we continue building Iowa for the future."
Before joining Governor Branstad's staff, Michael Bousselot, 32, a Davenport native, worked as an attorney in private practice in his hometown. Before practicing law, Bousselot worked as a consultant in Chicago, Illinois. He 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.
"It has been an honor to serve in Governor Branstad's and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds' administration in various capacities. As I prepare to enter my new role in the office, I'm humbled by the opportunity presented and the trust bestowed upon me by the governor and lieutenant governor to continue building on the progress Iowa has made," said Bousselot. "Iowans would be hard pressed to find a harder-working governor and lieutenant governor and I pledge to work diligently to continue advocating for policies that foster growth, serve the best interest of the taxpayers and make Iowa an even better place for Iowa families to live, work, and grow."
Bousselot, a resident of Des Moines, will assume his role as Chief of Staff on Aug. 8, 2015.
