David Thielen, Executive Director of Linn County Community Services (LCCS), was recently appointed to the National Association of Counties Human Services and Education (HSE) Policy Steering Committee for the upcoming 2018/2019 year. The HSE Policy Steering Committee addresses all matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. Thielen is one of two Iowan’s on the committee.
Every county in the United States administers and funds part of the cost of strengthening communities and protecting and enhancing families. The HSE Committee of the National Association of Counties (NACo) exists to support counties in this work. The role of counties varies widely from state to state, but human services and health expenditures are among the largest parts of county budgets.
Thielen, who has served as the LCCS Executive Director since April 2017, will participate in monthly conference calls and attend both the NACo’s Legislative Conference and Annual Conference. Monthly conference calls will update committee members on up-to-date developments from Capitol Hill and provide discussion with colleagues across the nation on human services issues.
Thielen has over 20 years of management and volunteer experience in the social service, non-profit agencies that serve homeless, domestic violence victims, childcare/childcare assistance, housing assistance, disabled individuals, and wellness at the YMCA, Waypoint Services, Willis Dady Homeless Shelter, Big Brother/Big Sister and The Arc of East Central Iowa before coming to Linn County Community Services. David has taught at the University of Dubuque and the University of Wisconsin and is a certified foster/adopt home through Iowa’s DHS.
Linn County Community Services (LCCS) addresses local health and human service needs by providing direct services, community planning and administration of local, state and federal funds in ways that promote service availability, access, cost effectiveness and quality. LCCS houses many human services departments that include the Ryan White program, Home Health, General Assistance, Child and Youth Development, Early Childhood Iowa, DECAT, Juvenile Detention and Diversion, Options of Linn County and Community Outreach.
About NACo
The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at naco.org.