Bousselot appointed Branstad’s chief of staff

Michael Bousselot, a Davenport native, has been appointed Gov. Terry Branstad’s chief of staff, the governor announced Thursday. He replaces Matt Hinch, who has resigned to accept an undisclosed post in the private sector.

Bousselot, 32, whose name is pronounced Boo-sa-low, is a lawyer who has served since February as the governor’s legal counsel. He had previously been a key policy advisor to Branstad, helping to develop a property tax relief package in 2013 and changes in health care programs. He worked in the past as a consultant in Chicago and practiced law in Davenport.

Bousselot, who now lives in Des Moines, holds a law degree from Drake University and a master's degree in accounting and business taxation from the University of Iowa.

The appointment is effective Aug. 8.

“Michael has played an important role in crafting critically important policies like the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan, the largest tax cut in Iowa history, the Healthiest State Initiative and Medicaid modernization,” Branstad said in a prepared statement. “His background as a policy advisor, legal counsel and accountant makes him uniquely qualified to lead our office and continue working with the Legislature to pass meaningful policies that improve our state.”