DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa agency that has been marketing Gov. Kim Reynolds’ signature economic program has abruptly taken steps to lay off its communications staff. Iowa Workforce Development on Tuesday asked for the resignation of communications director Cory Kelly, a former military spokesman who had been with the agency two years. Agency leaders told two other full-time information specialists who reported to Kelly in the communications bureau that their jobs would be eliminated in coming weeks.

IWD Director Beth Townsend told The Associated Press in an email that the agency is “reorganizing our communications area.” She did not elaborate. Kelly said Thursday that he was surprised by the change, but proud of the work he accomplished. During his tenure, the agency helped promote the governor’s Future Ready Iowa initiative, which aims to increase the number of residents who get postsecondary education.