Who Are The Finalists for West Des Moines Human Services Director?

From the city of West Des Moines:

Anne Bacon from Ankeny, Althea Holcomb from Johnston, and Heidi Smith from Des Moines have been named finalists for the City of West Des Moines Human Services Director position, the City Manager announced today.  The three finalists were selected out of an applicant pool of over 80 applications with a broad reach of candidates coming from within and outside the state of Iowa. 

The three candidates will interview on Tuesday, July 2, 2013.  Interviews will be conducted by Steve Gaer, Mayor; Russ Trimble, City Council Member; Tammy Cline, Human Services Advisory Board President ; Greg Sparks, City Manager and Jane Pauba Dodge, Human Resources Director. 

Anne Bacon is currently the Executive Director of Bidwell Riverside Center which is a non-profit serving low income individuals and families.  Prior to Bidwell Riverside Center, Ms. Bacon was the Resource Development Director for Mid-Iowa Community Action.  Ms. Bacon has a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Iowa and a Masters in Public Administration from Drake University.

Althea Holcomb has extensive experience in human services, most recently as the Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa.  Ms. Holcomb received her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Iowa.

Heidi Smith currently serves as the Deputy Director/Division Administrator Community Advocacy and Services at the Iowa Department of Human Rights.  Prior to this position Ms. Smith served in several positions with Lutheran Services in Iowa, most recently as Director of Services for People with Disabilities.  Ms. Smith has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Buena Vista University.