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Reynolds Selects Gregg as Iowa's Lieutenant Governor
Iowa Ag Connection - 05/26/2017

Citing his broad knowledge of state government and his proven, innovative governing style, Gov. Kim Reynolds Thurday selected Adam Gregg as her lieutenant governor. Gregg, 34, who until today was the State Public Defender, will serve in an acting capacity, fulfilling all duties of the lieutenant governor's office through the January 2019 inauguration.

Gregg was part of the Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development (ILEAD) Class 6 in 2014 when current Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) Chairman Bob Hemesath served as mentor. The I-LEAD program is sponsored by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) and ICGA. I-LEAD is a two-year program which provides Iowa's talented men and women with the tools they need to succeed as leaders and spokespeople for the agriculture industry.

"I have worked closely with Adam since he became our office's legislative liaison and policy advisor in 2013, and have been consistently impressed with his energy, work ethic and demeanor as he worked through a number of legislative priorities for us," Reynolds said. "Adam is someone who understands the responsibilities of the executive branch, someone who has worked closely with the Legislature and someone who has a strong relationship with our courts system. There is nobody better equipped with the skills, knowledge, experience and relationships than Adam to serve Iowans in this important role."

Gregg has excelled when it comes to service for his fellow Iowans. He won bipartisan praise as the head of the State Public Defender's Office, an agency with about 220 employees and a budget of approximately $60 million. Among his accomplishments in that role: creating a new wrongful conviction unit that ensures we aren't jailing innocent Iowans; modernizing the office, ensuring that legitimate attorney claims are paid quickly and fraudulent claims are detected; and working with the judicial branch to support drug, mental health and veterans courts, which are innovative specialty courts that focus on treatment and recovery rather than punishment and imprisonment.

In addition to his executive branch leadership and work in the courts, Gregg also served as the Governor's Office's top legislative advisor from December 2012- June 2014. In this role, he helped in the crafting and adoption of the governor's bipartisan budget and policy agenda over the course of the 85th General Assembly. He assisted in navigating through the Legislature a balanced budget, transformational education reform and the largest tax cut in Iowa history, among other priorities.

"I am honored and humbled by the trust that Governor Reynolds has put in me," Gregg said. "Over the last six years, she has revolutionized and rejuvenated the role of lieutenant governor. To follow her in that role, and to serve alongside her as she now leads this state, is the honor of a lifetime. Every day, I will serve Iowans as we connect them to better jobs, better skills training, better schools and continue balancing our state's budget every step of the way."

Hemesath said, "I first witnessed Adam's leadership skills when I traveled with the ILEAD Class to Hebei, China where he served as the group's spokesperson at a reception with key government officials. Through the ILEAD program, he was exposed to the many policy issues that impact the corn industry and agriculture. I know this knowledge will serve him well in his new role. It is good to see one of our own rise through the ranks to this well-deserved appointment.

"We look forward to working with Lt. Governor Gregg and Governor Reynolds on several important issues facing our state including: passage of legislation providing long-term funding for water quality, funding for Iowa's biofuels infrastructure cost-share program (RFIP), and full state coupling of federal Section 179 allowing small businesses and farmers to expense capital expenses on their 2018 tax returns," Hemesath added.

Gregg graduated in 2009 with high honors from Drake University Law School, where he received the institution's prestigious Opperman Scholarship. While there, he earned the faculty's William and Ellen Cooney Hoye Award, given to the individual who demonstrates the greatest promise as an advocate, public servant and practitioner. During law school, Gregg conducted legal research in his capacity as an Iowa Supreme Court Scholar with Chief Justice Mark Cady and was a staff member for the Drake Law Review.

Gregg earned his B.A. from Central College in 2006, graduating first in his class with degrees in political science and history. His experience at Central College included internships with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, U.S. Congress and United Kingdom Parliament.

Gregg is a graduate of West Sioux High School and a native of Hawarden, Iowa. He resides in Johnston with his wife, Cari, and their two children, a six-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter. He and his family are active members and volunteers in Johnston River of Life Methodist Church and Meals from the Heartland events.


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