Gov. Chet Culver today named Rachel Scott as the division administrator of the Commission on the Status of Women, a state agency that seeks to ensure equality for Iowa women.

Scott, a Fairfield resident, has worked as a public policy consultant with State Public Policy Group, a nonprofit issue advocacy group, since 2004. In that position, she promoted advocacy efforts on behalf of after-school programs, workforce development centers and foster and adoptive parents.Prior to 2004, Scott taught community college writing and literature courses.

Scott succeeds Charlotte Nelson, who served in that position for 22 years prior to retiring on April 6.

Scott earned a master of public administration degree from Drake University in 2005 and a master of arts in English from Truman State University in 2001.

Established by the Legislature in 1972, the ICSW is a division of the Iowa Department of Human Rights. The nine commission members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate.