Will work as president & CEO for Iowa Bankers Association

DES MOINES— Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that Lt. Governor Adam Gregg is stepping down from his position, effective Tuesday.

Gregg is leaving his position as Reynolds’ second-in-command to “pursue a career opportunity that allows him to focus more on his family,” according to the news release. The Iowa Bankers Association (IBA) announced in a separate release that Gregg will serve as the organization’s president and CEO.

“Adam has been a tremendous partner and an important part of my team over the last seven years, and I greatly appreciate his service to Iowans,” remarked Governor Reynolds. “It comes as no surprise that he would choose to step down to prioritize his personal life. Adam is a devoted husband and father, and there is nothing more important to him than his family. Even as lieutenant governor, he has made time to coach his young son and daughter, be involved at their school, and participate together in church activities. This most certainly is the right decision for Adam, and I wish him, Cari and their children only the best.”

“It has been a great honor to serve alongside Governor Reynolds for seven years. I have enormous respect for her and her leadership, and she will always be one of the most important mentors in my life. I don’t have the words to express the profound gratitude I feel toward Governor Reynolds,” Lt. Governor Adam Gregg stated.

“However, as Scripture reminds us, for everything there is a season, and there is a time to every purpose under heaven. I feel my time in public service must come to a close. This season of my life needs to be focused on my family. My kids are growing up too fast, and statewide elected offices force me to miss more of their lives than I can accept. While difficult, the decision to resign from this role allows me to honor my most important commitment – my family.”

Gov. Reynolds named Adam Gregg acting lieutenant governor in May 2017 when she succeeded Gov. Terry Branstad after he was named U.S. Ambassador to China. The two have since been elected to two terms in office, in 2018 and 2022.

Under Iowa Code, the governor makes an appointment to fill a vacancy in the office of the lieutenant governor, and the appointee serves for the balance of the unexpired term. Until Gov. Reynolds makes an appointment later this fall, the president of the Senate will be next in line of succession.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird today released the following statement in response to Governor Reynolds’s announcement that Lieutenant Governor Gregg will be leaving his position:

“Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg is the epitome of what it means to be a leader. He is a leader for his family, a leader in his faith, and a leader for our state. I have nothing but admiration for the incredible work Adam has done to move our state forward and his decision to focus on his family at this time. I am grateful to have served Iowans alongside my friend Adam, and I have no doubt that he will continue to impact the lives of many in his future endeavors.”

Gregg will begin serving as the IBA president and CEO on Oct. 1, according to a news release from the organization. He will be taking over from current President and CEO John Sorensen, who has held the position for 38 years and plans to retire at the end of 2024.

IBA Chair Mary Kay Bates, the president and CEO of Bank Midwest, said in a statement that the association was excited to have Gregg as part of their leadership team.

“In his role as lieutenant governor, he has traveled to all 99 counties and worked with local leadership to build strong communities – a key role of Iowa’s banking industry,” Bates said. “He is a person of great integrity who, like our member banks, has demonstrated a commitment to making Iowa a better place to live, work and bank. Adam and our exceptional team of volunteer leaders and staff will continue a proud 137-year tradition of contributing to member success.”

Gregg graduated from Central College with a B.A. in political science and history. From 2006 to 2009, he attended Drake University Law School on a full scholarship and graduated with high honors. While there, he earned the faculty’s William and Ellen Cooney Hoye Award and was a junior staff member of the Drake Law Review.

During his time at Central College, Gregg interned with the United States Department of Defense, the United States Congress, and the Parliament of the United Kingdom. While attending Drake University Law School, he conducted legal research for Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady.

Gregg was the Republican nominee for Attorney General of Iowa in 2014. He lost to the long-time incumbent attorney general, Democrat Tom Miller.

Gregg was appointed by Governor Terry Branstad to serve as the Iowa State Public Defender on December 8, 2014.

Gregg is from Hawarden, Iowa. He married his West Sioux High School sweetheart, Cari. They have two children, Jackson and Lauren.

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