Cabinet-level position, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate. Responsible for administering Iowa's indigent defense system, which handles over 150,000 cases annually. Responsible for managing a staff of over 200 in twenty offices throughout the state, and a budget of over $55 million. Youngest department head in the Branstad Administration.

I represented the Governor before the Iowa General Assembly, with responsibility for advocating for the Governor's budget and policy agenda. Helped pass education reform, health care reform, and the largest tax cut in Iowa history. I also served as a policy advisor for issues related to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Iowa Utilities Board, Iowa Workforce Development, the Iowa Finance Authority, the Iowa Communications Network, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission and the Iowa Lottery. I helped develop the Governor's Connect Every Iowan broadband initiative and the Home Base Iowa veterans initiative. In addition to these responsibilities, I led the Branstad Administration's policy development process, and was intimately involved in strategy development and speechwriting for the Governor and Lt. Governor.

I was engaged in the general practice of law. I represented clients in a wide variety of industries, including agribusiness, insurance and financial services, pensions, health care, technology, and public safety communications.