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Miller tapped to lead Iowa Parole Board

Governor: ‘She will play a critical role’ in justice system

Former state Rep. Helen Miller has been named the new leader of the Iowa Parole Board.

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the former Democratic lawmaker’s appointment to the board Wednesday afternoon. Miller said later Wednesday that she had confirmed with the governor’s office that she will be the chairwoman of the board.

”I am excited to continue serving the state I love,” said Miller, who retired from the Iowa House of Representatives in early January after serving for 16 years.

”Using my role at the Iowa Parole Board, we will help Iowans find a way to achieve success,” she added. ”I appreciate Gov. Reynolds for placing her trust in me to play a part in creating a justice system that prioritizes redemption.”

Miller said helping prison inmates reenter society without getting into trouble with the law again is a big part of ensuring public safety.

She said her experience as an attorney and organizer of the 2015 Iowa Criminal Justice Summit makes her uniquely qualified for the job.

In a written statement, Reynolds called Miller an ”outstanding public servant who will bring a unique perspective to the Iowa Parole Board.”

”She will play a critical role in applying my vision for a rehabilitative justice system that offers offenders another chance to become productive and contributing members of society,” the governor added.

Miller will join the Parole Board on July2.

She said the governor’s staff approached her about the position.

”I got a call out of the blue,” she said. ”They just thought that I was a good one for that.”

Miller said she’s not really surprised that the Republican governor picked her.

”I always have had this kind of bipartisan way of approaching everything,” she said. ”I can work with anybody.”

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