A new director of governmental relations was appointed at Iowa State in early August.

Gary Steinke, former assistant director of governmental relations, was promoted to director to replace Carol Bradley, who now is an assistant to ISU President Martin Jischke.

The director of governmental relations oversees both state and federal sides of university activities, Steinke said.

He said he will be the liaison for research and funding between state and federal officials in Des Moines and Washington, D.C.

“One of the targeted state areas this year is the plant science initiative, which requires $5 million in funding,” he said.

Steinke has served as associate state director of governmental relations at ISU since 1995.

He also worked under former Gov. Terry Branstad as a legislative liaison, as well as for the Iowa House Republican caucus.

“The whole job will be challenging, but the most exciting part will be to work with the deans of the colleges, provosts, vice provosts and specifically with the president in accomplishing the president’s goal to become the best land-grant university,” he said.

Steinke earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Loras College in Dubuque and received his master’s from Drake University.

He is “diligently working on his Ph.D. here at ISU” in the field of higher education, he said.

Rabindra Mukerjea, assistant to the president for budget planning and analysis and one of Steinke’s colleagues, will continue to work with Steinke in his new position.

“I had the pleasure of working with Steinke previously and am delighted to see his appointment as director,” he said. “He has tremendous experience in the work he has done.”