Branstad picks policy adviser as next chief of staff

CEDAR RAPIDS - Michael Bousselot of Des Moines has been named chief of staff by Gov. Terry Branstad Thursday to succeed Matt Hinch, whose departure was announced earlier this week.

Bousselot, 32, a Davenport native, currently Branstad's legal adviser, has played an important role in crafting policies such as the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan, the largest tax cut in Iowa history, the Healthiest State Initiative and Medicaid modernization, Branstad said.

'His background as a policy adviser, legal counsel and accountant makes him uniquely qualified to lead our office and continue working with the Legislature to pass meaningful policies that improve our state,” the Republican governor said.

Bousselot has advised the governor on issues relating to revenue and health care, among others. He has served as policy adviser to the governor for the Iowa departments of Human Services, Revenue, Inspections and Appeals, Public Health and Aging, and the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System.

Before joining Branstad's staff, Bousselot worked as an attorney in private practice in his hometown. Before practicing law, Bousselot worked as a consultant in Chicago. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting in 2005 and a master's in accounting and business taxation in 2006 from the University of Iowa. In 2009, he received his law degree from Drake University Law School.

Bousselot will assume his new role Aug. 8.