Mary Kramer, a former United States ambassador and state senator, has been appointed to serve as adviser to the Iowa Senate in an effort to improve workplace culture within the legislative body. According to Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, Kramer was appointed to the position because she has spent her career as a human resources professional and an advocate for women in the workforce. The appointment is in response to a lawsuit in which a former Iowa Senate Republican staffer was awarded $1.75 million after she alleged she was fired in May 2013 just hours after filing a complaint alleging a toxic work environment caused by sexual harassment. Kramer will fill the role in a voluntary capacity, according to a release. In addition to appointing Kramer, the Senate plans to immediately re-engage in joint efforts with the House of Representatives to hire a human resources assistant for the Iowa General Assembly.