Johnson County prosecutor Janet Lyness named Dana Christiansen to be first assistant county attorney on Monday.

Lyness had previously held the position, but it has been vacant since she became county attorney on Jan. 1, 2007.

Christiansen, a Mount Vernon, Iowa, native, graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law. He previously served as first assistant Iowa City attorney and first assistant county attorney for Muscatine County. Additionally, he was an adjunct lecturer at the UI’s urban and regional planning program.

“Dana Christiansen’s experience as first assistant Muscatine County county attorney will be a valuable asset to the County Attorney’s Office,” Lyness said in a press release. “He brings 20 years of experience to this position. Dana’s knowledge and background will benefit our office and the county through additional assistance in administering the duties of the County Attorney’s Office.”