Director Gipp

Decorah Republican State Rep. Chuck Gipp now has a new title: Director. Gipp finished up his nine-term career in the legislature this spring. He seemed well-liked with his fellow Republicans, and for what it's worth, he is well-respected in the media. Current Minority Leader Chris Rants is usually a pretty easy soundbite. Let's just say, he likes to speak his mind, which quite frankly, is nice for us in tv. We need a guy who can express himself with a little emotion from time to time. No doubt Gipp knew the issues when he was House Majority Leader, but he was a far different soundbite than Rants. He didn't get all riled up too easily. We had to work for a passionate soundbite from him:)

Today, Gipp began his new job as Director of the Division of Soil Conservation. It's a full-time gig that pays 85k.

Here's part of the release:

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has hired Chuck Gipp as the new Director of the Division of Soil Conservation.

The Division of Soil Conservation is responsible for administering state programs and providing leadership to farmers, landowners, communities and others to promote the protection and management of soil, water and mineral resources. The Division also assists Soil and Water Conservation Districts and private landowners to meet their agricultural and environmental protection needs.

“The Division of Soil Conservation makes up nearly half of the Department and I’m very confident the Chuck will provide strong and visionary leadership as we continue to address the conservation issues and opportunities facing the state,” Northey said. “Both his experience as a state legislator and an actively engaged farmer in Northeast Iowa will benefit both the Division and the farmers they partner with.”

"I'm extremely excited by this opportunity with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship," Gipp said. "I've worked in agriculture as a farmer and in the dairy industry, so I look forward to now helping other farmers expand their conservation efforts."

Gipp has been a member of the Iowa House of Representatives since 1991, serving House District 16, and retired following the 2008 legislative session. While in the legislature he served as Majority Leader from 2002 to 2006 and Majority Whip from 1995 to 1999.

He has also been managing partner of A-G Swiss Farms, Inc., a diversified farm that he operated with his brothers near Decorah, IA. They specialized in the breeding and milking of registered Brown Swiss dairy cattle.