Brenna Bird to pursue opportunities outside state government
Brenna Findley Bird and Guy Vander Linden at aPoweshiek County Republican social event. (file photo)
Michael Bousselot promoted to legal counsel for Branstad, Reynolds
(DES MOINES) – Brenna (Findley) Bird, who has served as the legal counsel for Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds since they took office in 2011, is departing the office to pursue opportunities in the private sector. Bird’s final day in the governor’s office is Friday, Feb. 6, 2015. A photo of Bird can be found here.
“I wish to thank Brenna for her service and counsel over the past four years,” said Branstad. “Brenna has been instrumental as we worked to end burdensome regulations like the RICE rule, and required jobs impact statements on any new government rule and regulation. I wish Brenna all the best.”
“Brenna has been an integral part of our team and an advocate for cutting government red tape and ensuring that bureaucracy doesn’t prevent job creators from expanding their businesses,” said Reynolds. “Though she will be deeply missed in our office, we wish her well in her future endeavors.”
Bird, a native of Dexter, Iowa, earned her bachelor’s degree from Drake University and her law degree from the University of Chicago. She was the Republican nominee for Attorney General in 2010. She is currently an adjunct professor of law at the University of Iowa.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Iowans and work for Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds,” said Bird. “I look forward to the opportunities ahead in the private sector and am eager to share my plans in the near future.”
Michael Bousselot, 32, who currently serves as a policy advisor to Governor Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, has been promoted to legal counsel. Before joining Governor Branstad’s staff, Bousselot, a Davenport native, worked as an attorney in private practice in his hometown. Before practicing law, Bousselot worked as a consultant in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Bousselot earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2005 and a master’s degree in accounting and business taxation in 2006 from The University of Iowa. In 2009, he received his law degree from Drake University Law School. A photo of Bousselot can be found here.
Commenting on Bousselot’s promotion, Branstad said, “Michael is a leader in our office. Whether it was developing the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan and the historic property tax relief package of 2013, or his constituent service work, Michael has tackled each challenge and task with focus and diligence. I’m confident he will excel in his new role as our office’s legal counsel.”
Bousselot will assume his role as legal counsel Monday, Feb. 9, 2015.
