(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced that Keith Luchtel will serve as a special advisor for government transparency in the Branstad-Reynolds administration. Luchtel replaces Bill Monroe who retired this month and who has served in the administration since February 2011.
“I’m appreciative of Bill’s service to Iowa and proud to name his successor, my good friend Keith Luchtel,” said Branstad. “Keith’s longtime commitment to government transparency and accountability will serve the people of Iowa well. His numerous awards and recognitions make him well-suited for the role as transparency advisor and also as a board member of the Iowa Public Information Board.”
Luchtel will advise Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and their staff on transparency issues and will assist the administration in crafting and implementing a transparent agenda. Luchtel will serve in an unpaid, volunteer capacity.
Luchtel previously served as the Executive Director of the Iowa Public Information Board from July 2013 to November 2014, and helped establish the agency to address state and local government transparency issues. Prior to being Executive Director of the Iowa Public Information Board, Luchtel was a practicing attorney from February 1973 to December 2012 with the Nyemaster Goode Law Firm in downtown Des Moines. He also served as the Clive City Attorney from 1980-1987.
Luchtel has received numerous awards for government transparency including the Iowa Freedom of Information Council’s Friend of the First Amendment award, the Iowa Newspaper Association’s Distinguished Service Award, the Randy Brubaker Free Press Champion Award and was inducted into the Iowa Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame in 2006. Luchtel is also a United States Air Force pilot and combat veteran.
A native Iowan raised in Milford, Luchtel is a graduate of the United State Air Force Academy in June 1964 where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree, and received his Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School in December 1972. He and his wife Patti reside in Clive. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.
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