Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned from office Sept. 3, 2024. He will lead the Iowa Bankers Association. (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Governor’s Office)
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg has resigned 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.
He said in a statement that it has been a “great honor” to serve with Reynolds, saying he doesn’t “have the words to express the profound gratitude” he has for the governor.
“However, as Scripture reminds us, for everything there is a season, and there is a time to every purpose under heaven,” Gregg said. “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.”
Gregg took the position in May 2017 after Reynolds, former lieutenant governor under Gov. Terry Branstad, took over the top state executive office. Branstad became U.S. ambassador to China during former President Donald Trump’s administration. Reynolds and Gregg have held their positions for seven years since the appointments, winning as a gubernatorial ticket in the 2018 and 2022 elections.
Following Gregg’s resignation, the position of lieutenant governor will remain vacant until the governor makes an appointment to fill the office. The person selected will be appointed to serve for the remaining term of office — in this case, until 2026, when the next Iowa gubernatorial election will take place.
According to the news release, Reynolds plans to make an appointment later this fall. Until the appointment is made, the president of the Senate, Sen. Amy Sinclair, R-Allerton, will be the next in the gubernatorial line of succession.
Reynolds expressed her thanks for Gregg’s service in her administration, and said she understood his decision to focus on family.
“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,” Reynolds said in a statement. “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.”
Other state leaders also thanked Gregg for his work as lieutenant governor following the announcement. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said in a statement Tuesday that 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,” Bird said. “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.”
Senate Minority Leader Pam Jochum gave well wishes to Gregg and his family as he leaves the state government office.
“I am keenly aware of the unique requirements demanded of public servants and the constraints those requirements put on the time we are able to spend with loved ones,” Jochum said. “Stepping away from public life is never an easy decision, but I commend the Lieutenant Governor in choosing to focus his time and efforts on his family.”
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.”