(DES MOINES) – Gov. Branstad announced today that retired Brig. Gen. Jodi Tymeson is resigning her post as head of Department of Veterans Affairs to assume her new role as the Chief Operating Officer of the Iowa Veterans Home.
“I want to thank Gen. Tymeson for her great work as director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Gov. Branstad. “Her tremendous leadership capabilities will be a great asset as we bring the level of care for our veterans to the next level. I am pleased Jodi is again answering the call to service for her fellow Iowans.”
Tymeson’s first day will be May 28.
Tymeson served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1974-2007. While there, she graduated from officer candidate school and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1982. She served as platoon leader, company commander, battalion commander and troop command commander – responsible for 3,450 soldiers.
“I am honored to serve in this new role, alongside Commandant David Worley and the wonderful staff at the Iowa Veterans Home,” said Tymeson. “The Veterans Administration recently gave a sterling review to the Iowa Veterans Home, and we want to continue to exceed the high standard of care that currently exists at the home. As I leave the Director’s position, I want to express my deep gratitude to the hard working and dedicated team at the Department and the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.”
Tymeson was selected to attend the Army War College as a national security fellow at Harvard University’s JFK School of Government, graduating in 1999. She is the first female promoted to brigadier general in the Iowa Army National Guard. She retired in 2007 with 33 years of service.
Tymeson’s husband, John, is a retired brigadier general, following his 34 years of military service. He is a Vietnam veteran, and currently serves as chair of the board of directors at the Food Bank of Iowa.
“General Tymeson’s reputation as a thoughtful, effective administrator is second-to-none,” said Commandant David Worley, who heads the Iowa Veterans Home. “We will work together to carry forward the mission of the Iowa Veterans Home and ensure that every veteran receives the highest quality standard of care.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds added, “This is an exciting time for the Iowa Veterans Home, and General Tymeson will ensure the standard of care our veterans expect and deserve. I am excited to see her take on this challenge as a continuation of her long service for the people of Iowa.
Tymeson also served as a full-time 6th grade teacher at Cedar Heights Elementary in Cedar Falls from 1988-1992, and taught as a substitute teacher from 1993-1998.
From 2001-2010, Tymeson served nearly 30,000 constituents as a state representative for Madison, Warren and Dallas Counties. She served as House Education Committee chair for four years, in addition to a number of other committee assignments.
Gov. Branstad will begin the search for Tymeson’s replacement immediately.
