Mr. Branstad has spent his career in executive and leadership roles at the local, state, national, and international levels. Following three terms in Iowa’s House of Representatives, Mr. Branstad was elected as Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor in 1978. In 1983, he was elected Governor of Iowa, a position he would hold for a total of 6 terms, covering over 22 years, making him the longest-tenured governor in American history. In 2017, Mr. Branstad was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China, a position he held from 2017 to 2020. During his tenure, historic trade agreements were executed resulting in significant purchase commitments for the agriculture, manufacturing, and energy industries.

In addition to serving as U.S. Ambassador, Branstad has also served as the Co-Chair of the Council of Governors appointed by President Barack Obama, as Commissioner and Chairman respectively of the White House Fellows Program and Commission for Excellence in Special Education appointed by President George W. Bush, and as Trustee of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation appointed by President Ronald Reagan. Mr. Branstad has also served on numerous corporate and not-for-profit company boards.

As Senior Policy Advisor to Summit Carbon Solutions, Mr. Branstad provides oversight, leadership, and guidance on public policy matters affecting stakeholders in the world’s largest carbon capture and storage project.