Culver taps own chief of staff to run human services department

DES MOINES - Gov. Chet Culver on Thursday appointed his chief of staff to serve as director of the state's Department of Human Services after the Iowa Senate rejected his previous nominee.

Charlie Krogmeier, whom Culver's announcement called a "veteran public servant," was tapped to lead the DHS.

With 5,700 employees, DHS is the state's largest agency and oversees programs that include Medicaid, welfare, food stamps, child protection and child support collections.

The Iowa Senate refused to confirm Culver appointee Gene Gessow as the department's director when Republicans withheld their support. They complained Gessow, while he served as director, was not forthcoming with details surrounding a case in Atalissa where mentally retarded men were found living in substandard housing and in other instances.

Krogmeier has held a variety of jobs in state government over the decades, including a stint as director of the Department of Management under Culver's administration.

He also led Culver's transition team after the governor was elected to his first term in 2006.

"His experience and commitment to Iowa makes him an ideal choice to lead this department during such an important time in our state," Culver said in a statement.

Krogmeier's appointment is effective Thursday, and is subject to the Iowa Senate's approval.

Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley, R-Chariton, said he thought Culver would have chosen someone with a stronger knowledge of DHS programs such as Medicaid but otherwise had praise for the selection.

"I've known Charlie for a number of years, and I think Charlie will certainly work with the Legislature and be more bipartisan than the last director," McKinley said.