TOP MANAGEMENT SPOTS FILLED IN DNR REORGANIZATION

Following Gov. Tom Vilsack's signing last week of a bill that reorganizes
the structure of the DNR, Jeff Vonk, DNR director, announced the filling of
top management positions in the department.

Elizabeth Christiansen was appointed deputy director, and Mike Brandrup the
division administrator of the new Conservation and Recreation Division.
Wayne Gieselman had been announced in April as the administrator of the
Environmental Protection Division. He is now officially the administrator of
the new Environmental Services Division. Linda Hanson remains in her
position as administrator of the Management Services Division.

Vonk said the reorganization of the DNR reduces seven divisions to three by
combining similar functions, and reduces bureaus under those divisions from
21 to 16. The moves are expected to save about $500,000. Anticipating
legislative approval of the changes, Vonk said he had left vacant three
administrator and the deputy director positions from the old structure.

Christiansen, 45, had been division administrator of DNR's Land Quality and
Waste Management Division for the past two years. That division was
incorporated into the new Environmental Services Division, along with energy
and geology.

Brandrup, 57, had been the division administrator of the Forests and Prairie
Division since 1999.  Brandrup's new division includes forestry, fish and
wildlife, and state parks.

"Liz has the depth of background and leadership ability to be my second in
command," said Vonk. "Mike has continually demonstrated his management
skills for natural resources and DNR staff," he said. Both appointments
became effective immediately.

Before coming to the DNR, Christiansen spent about 10 years with the East
Central Iowa Council of Governments, Cedar Rapids and Linn County on waste
management issues. She holds a BA in biology from Cornell of Mt. Vernon, IA.
Her home is in Iowa City.

Prior to leading the Forests and Prairie Division of the DNR, Brandrup
worked in private industry for five years and started with the Iowa
Conservation Commission as a district forester in 1975. He has a BS in
forest management from Iowa State University. Brandrup is from Webster City.

For more information, contact: Ross Harrison, DNR, 515-281-5973

Digital photos of Christiansen, Brandrup, Gieselman, Vonk and Hanson are
available by emailing [log in to unmask]

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