Branstad names McGovern acting worker’s comp commissioner

CEDAR RAPIDS - Michelle 'Miki” McGovern has been named acting Workers' Compensation Commissioner effective immediately, by Gov. Terry Branstad.

She succeeds Christopher Godfrey, who resigned to take a federal position. McGovern previously served as an Iowa Workers' Compensation deputy commissioner for the past 26 years.

The Workers' Compensation Commissioner is the head of the Division of Workers' Compensation which is part of the Iowa Workforce Development. Workers' compensation has the responsibility of administering, regulating, and enforcing the workers' compensation laws. Though the workers' compensation commissioner's office cannot represent the interests of any party, the agency provides information regarding the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Law, the rights of the parties, and the procedures the parties can follow to resolve their disputes.

McGovern began working for the Iowa Division of Labor, the precursor to Iowa Workforce Development, in January 1982. In 1988, she became a deputy workers' compensation commissioner. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University, a master's from the University of Iowa and a law degree from Drake University.

McGovern and her husband, Jack Janda, reside in Woodward.

McGovern will serve as acting commissioner during a search for a commissioner continues.

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