WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today recommended that the White House nominate Kevin W. Techau for U.S. Attorney for Iowa’s Northern District. The recommendation comes to fill the vacancy made by Stephanie Rose, who was confirmed to serve as a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Iowa late last year.
“U.S. Attorneys play a critical role in our law enforcement system, and I take my constitutional role of providing advice on this nomination very seriously,” said Harkin. “Mr. Techau’s career, including in the military, as a federal defender and heading the Iowa Department of Public Safety and Department of Inspections and Appeals under Governor Vilsack demonstrates a commitment to public service, strong leadership, and excellent judgment and integrity. If nominated and confirmed, I am confident he will vigorously and fairly enforce the law and will continue the dedication to justice, which was such an important part of Stephanie Rose’s tenure as U.S. Attorney.
“I am pleased to submit this recommendation to President Obama and I look forward to working with him to fill this important position as quickly as possible.”
Since 2007, Mr. Techau has served as Associate General Counsel at the American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company in Des Moines. From 2002-2007, he served under Governor Vilsack as Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Prior to that, from 1999-2002, he was Director of the Department of Inspections and Appeal. From 1996-1999, Mr. Techau served as Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Federal Public Defender’s Office. Prior to that, he was a trail attorney at Grefe & Sidney, P.L.C. in Des Moines. Mr. Techau also has a strong military record, having spent seven years on active duty with the Air Force. He served with the Iowa National Guard after leaving active service.
He is a graduate of Marion High School, the University of Iowa College of Business, and the University of Iowa College of Law. Mr. Techau is also very active in the community, serving as President of the Des Moines Library Board, Chair of the Keep Iowa Beautiful Board, and as a member of the Civic Music Association Board. He resides in Des Moines with his family.
