Branstad’s chief of staff departing Aug. 7

DES MOINES - Gov. Terry Branstad soon will be in the market for a new chief to run his office's administrative staff.

Branstad announced Wednesday that Matt Hinch, 35, of West Des Moines, will be stepping down as his chief of staff on Aug. 7 to pursue a private-sector opportunity after nearly two years with the administration. He has served in that capacity for Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds since Oct. 14, 2013.

In a statement issued by the governor's office, Hinch said it has been 'an incredible privilege” to serve the governor and lieutenant governor, who he described as 'two hardworking leaders who are passionate for building Iowa for the future.”

'Leaving the office, the governor and lieutenant governor, and the talented staff will be bittersweet,” Hinch added in his statement. 'I'll miss the work of shaping policy that positions Iowa for continued growth, but I am eager to pursue my next career opportunity.”

According to the news release, an announcement regarding Hinch's future will be made at a later date by his future employer. Hinch is the second chief of staff for the Branstad-Reynolds administration, which began in January 2011, having succeeded Jeff Boeyink - who departed in 2013.

'Matt Hinch has been an exceptional leader for our office and will be greatly missed,” Branstad said in a statement.

'I appreciate his leadership as we worked to address critically important issues like workforce training, student debt and improving Iowa's infrastructure,” the governor said. 'Matt's ability to build a consensus, analyze and manage complex issues, and offer a strategic vision for growth will serve him well in his next endeavor.”

Reynolds praised Hinch for his 'tireless dedication and passion” in pursuing the administration's economic growth agenda.

Branstad spokesman Jimmy Centers said Branstad and Reynolds plan to name a replacement for Hinch soon.