Political activist Melissa Gesing is the new executive director of 50-50 in 2020, the group announced Tuesday. Gesing, a Simpson College political science graduate, served most recently as president of the Iowa Federation of Republican Women. “I am thrilled to be leading 50-50 in 2020, especially during this time of historical significance when record-breaking numbers of women are running for office,” Gesing said, “and I’m looking for this momentum to build.” Gesing takes over the role of 50-50 in 2020 executive director from Mary Ellen Miller, who became the organization’s first executive director in 2014. Following a long career in medical research at the University of Iowa, Miller worked professionally as a fundraiser and organizational consultant before being hired by 50-50 in 2020. “I’ve reached the age where retiring to my farm near Corydon makes sense,” Miller said. Established in 2010, 50-50 in 2020 is a nonpartisan, issue-neutral, not-for-profit organization working to help Iowa women from all political parties be successful candidates.