Gov.-elect Terry Branstad named Debi Durham as head of economic development during a news conference today.

Durham currently heads the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce and in Sioux City, and was a Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in 2002. She’s also a member of the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission.

“I am humbled by the confidence (Branstad) has placed in me and must admit the challenge of the opportunity energizes me,” Durham said.

Durham and Branstad announced Tuesday that efforts will begin to transform the Iowa Department of Economic Development into the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress, which Branstad said in his campaign would be a public-private partnership.