Director Garcia Begins New Duties
Team-Focused Schedule Planned for First 30 Days
(Des Moines, Iowa) – Kelly Garcia officially began her duties as the director of the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) this past Friday. Director Garcia has an ambitious schedule planned for the month of November, including team-building efforts, briefings on critical issues and tours of DHS sites across the state. “Everything we do is about the families we serve. Building relationships is the first step to better serving the Iowans who rely on us,” said Director Garcia.
During November, Director Garcia will meet with staff in every division and staff throughout the state, including front line staff in Medicaid, child welfare, field operations and mental health and disability services. In her first 30 days, she will work with division administrators to better understand the complex challenges facing the Department. Her schedule includes tours of local field offices and the Boys State Training School in Eldora. Additional tours of facilities and field offices will continue throughout the coming months.
The new director prioritized meeting with leaders of other state agencies. “I’m eager to explore ways DHS can better collaborate with other departments to really help Iowans thrive,” said Director Garcia. “So much of the work we do intersects with other state services. Great opportunities exist for innovation and I look forward to those discussions.”
“In the coming weeks I will also be reaching out to stakeholders—hearing directly from those impacted by the decisions we make—as well as legislators, who are critical to influencing thoughtful policy decisions,” said Director Garcia.
“As a working mother, I take seriously the charge to ensure the families we serve have the supports necessary to foster independent and healthy lives. There is a lot of work to do, and I am grateful to have the support of my family and Governor Reynolds as we work to build a better Iowa.”
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For more information contact Matt Highland at 515-281-4848
or mhighla@dhs.state.ia.us.
Visit dhs.iowa.gov for information on DHS and its programs.
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