Branstad spokesman leaves post for private sector

DES MOINES - Gov. Terry Branstad's spokesman is leaving to pursue a job in the private sector, the governor's office announced Friday.

Jimmy Centers, 28, had served as Branstad's communications director for just shy of two years. His new private-sector post will be announced by the employer at a later date, a news release said.

'It has been an incredible honor to serve as the communications director for Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve in their administration,” Centers said in the release. 'I will always remember the governor's and lieutenant governor's tireless commitment and passion to serve the people of Iowa and their steadfast commitment to do what is right for the state of Iowa.”

Centers was a field director on Branstad's 2010 campaign and also served in the administration in scheduling and as deputy communications director.

As communications director, he was the administration's primary media contact and spokesman. He wrote speeches for the governor and lieutenant governor and directed the administration's use of social media.

'In each role, (Centers) brought energy, dedication and a tremendous work ethic while always looking for ways to evolve and improve our office's communications delivery and reach,” Branstad said in the release.

Ben Hammes has been named Branstad's new spokesman. Hammes, 29, has served in the administration since January 2014 as the director of appointments to Iowa's boards and commissions and as a policy adviser.

Hammes is a Story City native and University of Northern Iowa graduate. He has worked for U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley and former U.S. Rep. Tom Latham.