Culver names Mills to lead economic development department

DES MOINES – Gov. Chet Culver on Monday named Bret Mills to take over as director of the state's economic development department, which has been led by an interim director after the eruption of problems within the state's film tax credit program.

Fred Hubbell of Des Moines has been serving as interim director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development after former director Mike Tramontina and former deputy director Vince Lintz resigned in the wake of allegations of lax oversight of the state's film tax credit program.

Mills steps into the position after leading the Iowa Finance Authority, which helps Iowans into affordable housing, since 2005.

A Clay County native, Mills previously worked for 15 years in the state treasurer's office, nine of those years as deputy state treasurer. His appointment as director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development is subject to approval by the Iowa Senate.

Culver on Monday also tapped Joe O'Hern to serve as director of the Iowa Finance Authority, where he at one time had been deputy director.

O'Hern is a former lead director for Fannie Mae, covering four Midwestern states. More recently, O'Hern served as interim deputy director at the economic development department. He is a native of Barnum.

“During these difficult economic times, we need strong leadership at both IDED and IFA, and there are no better choices for these key positions than Bret Mills and Joe O'Hern,” Culver said in a statement. “They have worked tirelessly on behalf of Iowans throughout their careers, and I want to thank them for their service. With our team in place, I am confident that we will work our way out of this recession and build a brighter future for Iowa.”

Culver's appointments coincided with his announcement that the HOME Investment Partnership program would move from the economic development department to the Iowa Finance Authority. The program provides grants to help develop affordable housing and provide rental assistance. Culver said the move will help streamline the state's housing efforts.