(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named former state Sen. Larry McKibben and construction business owner Milt Dakovich to the Iowa Board of Regents.
McKibben and Dakovich begin their terms today and will serve through April 30, 2019.
“I have chosen two passionate public servants who will help guide our Regents institutions through the next six years,” said Branstad. “Larry’s legislative expertise and Milt’s construction background will provide both of them with the knowledge and experience needed for these two seats on the board.”
“We are pleased they agreed to serve on the Board of Regents at this important time,” said Reynolds. “Larry and Milt understand the importance of this new role, and are committed to offering a world-class education for all students.
McKibben, 66, served in the Iowa Senate from 1997-2008, where he chaired the Ways & Means Committee, also serving as the president pro tem. He earned his B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa, served as a graduate teaching assistant at Iowa State University and earned his J.D. from the University of Iowa. He is currently an attorney with the firm of Moore, McKibben, Goodman & Lorenz, LLP, in Marshalltown.
“I believe education is the foundation for the growth, development and well-being of future generations of Iowans,” said McKibben. “I have spent my entire professional life as a problem solver. I believe that my educational background, leadership skills and breadth of lifetime experiences gives me the depth of knowledge and skill to contribute in a positive way to achieving high standards of educational excellence at the Regents institutions.
Dakovich, 58, has a B.S. from Iowa State in both civil engineering and construction engineering. He currently serves as the president of Aspro, Inc. in Waterloo. He is a past president of both the Associated General Contractors of Iowa and the Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa.
“I am the product of Iowa public higher education and recognize its importance,” said Dakovich. “It is vital that this state have quality, affordable education. Our future workforce depends on it.”
McKibben and Dakovich will be up for Senate confirmation in the 2014 legislative session.
The Iowa Board of Regents consists of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, and the Iowa School for the Deaf. For more information, visit this site.