Chuck Gipp

Chuck Gipp was born and raised on a diversified farming operation near Decorah, Iowa.  After graduating from Decorah High School, he graduated with a BA Degree from Luther College.  Upon graduation, he returned home to become a managing partner in A-G Swiss Farms, Inc. with two of his brothers where they specialized in breeding and milking registered Brown Swiss Dairy cattle until the fall of 2002.

In 1990, Gipp was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives where he served for nine consecutive terms.  During his legislative tenure, he served as an Assistant Majority Leader, Majority Whip and Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  In 2002 and again in 2004, he was elected to the position of House Majority Leader.

After deciding not to seek re-election, Gipp was hired by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, as Director of the Division of Soil Conservation in July of 2008.  He served in that role for three years.  The Division is responsible for administering state programs and providing leadership to farmers and landowners to promote the protection and management of soil, water and mineral resources.

August 5, 2011, Gipp accepted the invitation of Governor Branstad to become the Deputy Director of Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Finally, as of May 25, 2012, Gipp accepted the request by Governor Branstad to fill the position as Director of DNR.

Gipp continues to reside in Decorah, Iowa with his wife Ranae and makes the weekly commute to Des Moines.