Capitol Notebook: Iowa Gov. Reynolds announces staff changes

DES MOINES — Stan Thompson, a former deputy attorney general, has been hired as senior legal counsel in Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ administration, the governor’s office announced.

Thompson’s was among a number of hires announced late last week by Reynolds’ office.

Thompson previously served as deputy attorney general for civil litigation in the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and executive director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Prior to that, he spent 35 years in private practice at Davis Brown Law Firm in Des Moines, according to the governor’s office.

Thompson is joined on the governor’s legal team by Steve Blankenship, who will serve in a new role as general counsel and administrative rules coordinator, according to the governor’s office.

Reynolds’ office also announced changes in top communications positions.

Jen Green is Reynolds’ new communications director, replacing Heather Nahas. Green has worked as a morning co-host on KNWI-FM radio in Des Moines and also has experience in corporate communications, marketing and media, according to the governor’s office.

Mason Mauro is Reynolds’ new deputy communications director and press secretary, replacing Kollin Crompton. An Iowa native with a degree in journalism and minor in politics at Drake University, Mauro has worked as a television news reporter in multiple markets, most recently in Sacramento, Calif., the governor’s office said.

Krompton has taken a job as rapid response director for the Republican Governors Association, Reynolds’ office said.

Reynolds’ office also announced Nick Tansey will be special assistant to the Lieutenant Governor, and policy adviser Nate Ristow has left to become president and CEO of the Iowa Taxpayers Association.

“I am blessed to have had a strong team throughout my time as governor and am grateful for their dedication to serving Iowans alongside me, particularly during some of the most challenging situations our state has faced in recent years,” Reynolds said in a news release. “I’m excited to welcome talented new members to my team as our work continues for the great state of Iowa, and I offer my heartfelt thanks to Heather, Kollin, Nate, and Morgan for their outstanding service.”

New storm disaster proclamations

Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Cass, Mills, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Wapello, Webster, and Woodbury counties in response to severe storms that occurred on July 29.

The proclamation allows residents in those counties to access state resources for recovery efforts.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $7,000 per households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level to be used for home or car repairs, replacing clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Applications and instructions for the grant are available at the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website, homelandsecurity.iowa.gov.

The Disaster Case Advocacy Program provides case advocates who work with Iowans to create a disaster recovery program and provide guidance, advice and referrals to services and resources. There are no income requirements for the program. More information can be found at iowacommunityaction.org.

Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau