Frew Leaving Culver for Cedar Rapids Gig - Updated

Gov. Chet Culver's chief of staff, John Frew is leaving the Statehouse to take over management of Cedar Rapids' planned events center project. He's going to be introduced at a 2 p.m. press conference at the Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

Frew informed the governor of his decision over the weekend. He's been chief of staff since September 2009. It's been an open secret around these parts that Mayor Ron Corbett has been hoping to hire Frew, who has experience in managing events venues.

Here's his background from the press release announcing his hiring back in 09:

Frew was raised in Des Moines. He is a graduate of Dowling High School, and received both a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Iowa. He is also a graduate of the Creighton University School of Law.

Frew's first experience in politics and government was working in 1979 and 1980 for Governor Culver's father, U.S. Senator John Culver. He has played key roles in several state-wide campaigns around the nation, including managing two back-to-back winning U.S. Senate campaigns – Tom Harkin in Iowa, in 1984, and Tim Wirth in Colorado, in 1986. Frew also served as Chief of Staff to U.S Senator Wirth.

In addition to having practiced law in Denver, Frew has worked on a number of major sporting venues, events and attractions. His work includes counsel to the authority that developed a major league baseball stadium in Denver, president of a trade group representing ski resorts in Colorado, creator of the Grand Prix of Denver, and developer of minor league sports facilities in both Colorado and Texas.

Frew and his wife, Marcia, have two daughters.

Last week, the City Council approved a bond sale that could provide a $17 million local match for the project. Backers have a $15 million I-JOBS grant and are waiting for a $35 million federal grant. Final word on federal funding is expected soon.

UPDATE -- Here's the release from Culver's office on Frew's departure:

John Frew is Returning to the Private SectorThe Governor has named Jim Larew, who currently serves as General Counsel, to serve as Chief of Staff. Larew has been a long-time member of the Culver/Judge Administration, and previously served as Acting Chief of Staff. His appointment begins immediately.

DES MOINES -- Governor Culver today accepted John Frew's resignation as Chief of Staff to the Governor and Lt. Governor. Frew is leaving state government service to resume his long career in the private sector. Frew is expected to announce this afternoon that he will be working on a number of projects in the Cedar Rapids area.

In his resignation letter, Frew wrote, “[t]his has been a difficult choice, but my decision to leave is in the best interest of my family and the timing is appropriate.” “With the 2010 legislative session behind us, the time has arrived for me to decide whether to extend my time commitment to serving as your chief of staff. We are within the 30 day window following the end of the session and the beginning of your re-election campaign; it is a time when the IGOV staff and Department Directors owe you the courtesy of deciding their status so that you avoid major personnel decisions during the summer and fall,” Frew wrote.

Frew's letter highlighted several of the accomplishments of the Culver/Judge administration including “[i]mplementing an aggressive and comprehensive plan to address the unprecedented and sudden decrease in state revenues . . . .” “I have been honored to walk into the capitol building to engage in daily debate with extraordinarily smart people who have a passion and commitment to public service. My stay, as you know, has been temporary by design and the time has come for me to return to the private sector,” Frew wrote.

Frew's resignation letter closed by wishing the Governor and Lt. Governor “every possible success in the months and years ahead.”

Governor Culver and Lt. Governor Judge also expressed their appreciation for Frew's service as their chief of staff. “I want to thank John for his work and counsel as our chief of staff. I wish John, his wife Marcia and their girls the best as he resumes his long and distinguished career in the private sector,” said Culver.

“I have enjoyed working with John as we advanced our agenda to help Iowa's children, working families and seniors,” said Judge.