Branstad makes new key appointment

Jerry BartruffGov. Terry Branstad today appointed an eastern Iowan to one of the key positions in his administration. The appointment is temporary — for now — and goes into effect tomorrow.

Jerry Bartruff, the Deputy Director of Operations for the Eastern Region of the Iowa Department of Corrections, was announced today as acting director of the Iowa Department of Corrections. Bartruff’s appointment comes as long-time DOC director John Baldwin retires today.

“For over 40 years, John Baldwin has served the citizens of Iowa. Throughout his tenure, John has provided exemplary leadership and I’ve been particularly impressed recently with the department’s work to both reduce prison population and recidivism,” Branstad said. “I’m pleased the department has Jerry Bartruff, a very capable professional, during this time of transition.”

“Governor Branstad and I recognized the outstanding leadership of Director Baldwin upon taking office in 2011 and we were pleased to have him as part of our team,” Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds said. “We thank John for his public service and wish him the best in retirement.”

In his current position, Bartruff is responsible for administering and overseeing the institutional operations of the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, Anamosa State Penitentiary, Iowa Medical and Classification Center and the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility. He has been employed at the DOC since 1982, serving in the central office since 2007. He is a graduate of Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.