Branstad names Matt Hinch as new chief of staff

Gov. Terry Branstad on Tuesday named Matt Hinch as the new chief of staff for the Branstad-Reynolds administration.

Hinch, 33, replaces Jeff Boeyink, who resigned in August for a private-sector opportunity. Hinch officially will begin his new duties on Oct. 14 at an annual salary of $128,000.

Hinch, a University of Iowa graduate who resides in West Des Moines, most recently served as the senior vice president of government relations and public policy for the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Previously, he served as chief of staff to House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha, as well as legislative director and campaign manager for U.S. Rep Tom Latham, R-Iowa, who currently represents Iowa's 3

^rd

congressional district.

“Matt Hinch brings a diversity of experience to this position, and we are excited to begin working with him,” Branstad said in a statement. “After an extensive search, I believe we have found a chief of staff who has an impressive combination of public and private sector experience, and someone who will help successfully lead my team as we approach next year's legislative session.

“Matt is ready to hit the ground running, and I am pleased he is taking on this responsibility on behalf of the people of Iowa,” the governor added.

Hinch issued a statement thanking Branstad for the opportunity to be part of his administration and indicating he wants to build on the successes of recent legislative sessions.

“Iowa has seen a turnaround under the Branstad-Reynolds administration, from instilling the fiscal discipline to again balance the budget, to record job-creating investments and a business climate that encourages higher employment,” Hinch said in a statement. “This is an exciting time for Iowa, and we will continue working to reach the administration's substantial goals for job creation, education and health care.”

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds called Hinch a hard worker and an experienced problem solver.

“This is a demanding job,” Reynolds said in a statement, “and one Matt is uniquely qualified to fill. He shares our passion for Iowa, and will play an important part for us in building a strong foundation for the future.”

Brenna Findley, who serves as the governor's legal counsel, has been serving as the interim chief of staff for the Branstad-Reynolds administration since Sept. 4 following Boeyink's resignation.