Iowa Code § 217.5: Director of health and human services.

The chief administrative officer for the department is the director. The director shall be appointed by the governor subject to confirmation by the senate and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The governor shall fill a vacancy in this office in the same manner as the original appointment was made. The director shall be selected primarily for administrative ability. The director shall not be selected on the basis of political affiliation and shall not engage in political activity while holding this position.