Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) Thursday announced plans to name Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) Deputy Secretary Mike Naig as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. Reynolds says Naig?s commitment to continuity and stability influenced her decision.
?Mike Naig has been a dependable deputy for Bill Northey, serving since September 2013,? Gov. Reynolds said. ?He has gained the experience, knowledge and staff connections necessary to complete Bill?s term through January 2019. I am pleased Mike has stepped up to serve his fellow Iowans in this elevated role.?
Naig thanks Governor Reynolds for this opportunity. He adds he looks forward to continuing efforts supporting Iowa?s dynamic agriculture industry.
?I look forward to travelling the state as Secretary to meet with and hear from Iowans to better represent their interests and be responsive to their needs,? Naig said. ?I look forward to hitting the ground running and working with the many diverse stakeholders that are so important to our state?s agriculture industry to support and strengthen all aspects of our ag economy.?
Naig will become Iowa Secretary of Agriculture upon Bill Northey?s resignation. Northey was confirmed by the full U.S. Senate Tuesday as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Naig will serve the remainder of Northey?s term. The formal transition is being finalized and will be announced at a later date.
