Iowa Governor Branstad's spokesman leaves for private sector

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad's communications director is leaving for a job in the private sector, the governor announced Friday.

Tim Albrecht, 36, who has been Branstad's spokesman since November 2009, has been named director of a new data and digital-marketing firm. His last day in the governor's office is Dec. 13.

Jimmy Centers, 26, will move from Branstad's campaign team to take over Albrecht's duties.

Branstad thanked Albrecht for his service.

“Tim's embrace of social media, online tools and overall messaging was a benefit to nearly every department and agency within state government,” Branstad said in a prepared statement. “I have really enjoyed working with Tim and I wish him all the best in his new opportunity.”

Albrecht said he will remain involved in Republican causes and will continue to assist Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds if they choose to run again.

He will lead Redwave Digital, a new project of Redwave Communications, an Iowa-based political and public affairs communications firm.

Branstad's former chief of staff, Jeff Boeyink, left the office in September to work for a Des Moines-based public relations and lobbying firm.