Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Tuesday that Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg would resign effective immediately. Gregg left the position to pursue a career opportunity that allows him to focus on his family, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The Iowa Bankers Association announced later on Tuesday that Gregg will serve as president and CEO.
Under Iowa law, Reynolds will make an appointment to fill the office and they will serve for the remainder of the four-year term. Until an appointment is made later this fall, Senate President Amy Sinclair, R-Allerton, will be next in line.
Named acting lieutenant governor in 2017, Gregg has served with Reynolds for two terms of office and a total of seven years.
“I feel my time in public service must come to a close,” Gregg said in a new release on Tuesday. “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.”
Reynolds said in a news release Tuesday that Gregg’s decision to prioritize his family comes as no surprise, as he is a devoted husband and father who found time to spend time with his children as lieutenant governor.
“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 news release Tuesday.
Iowa Bankers Association Chair Mary Kay Bates praised Gregg for his service in Iowa working with local leadership to build strong communities.
“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,” Bates said in a statement.
Iowa politicians from across the aisle voice support for Gregg’s decision.
Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque, thanked Gregg for his service to Iowa and commended him for focusing his time and efforts on his family.
“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 in a statement issued Tuesday.
Attorney General Brenna Bird said in a statement Tuesday that she admires Gregg for his decision and that he is epitome of what it means to be a leader.
“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,” Bird said in the statement.