DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A retired U.S. Army colonel has been named the new Iowa Veterans Home chief operating officer.

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Thursday the selection of Timon Oujiri for as commandant of the veterans home. He replaces Jodi Tymeson, who became executive director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday.

Oujiri begins his new role on May 22.

Oujiri served in assignments in both the regular U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve on active duty for 31 years. He retired December 2004 from active service and was asked to return to active duty in 2005 to join the Army staff in Washington, D.C. He served as the senior board member at the Army Review Boards Agency.