Thursday, August 21, 2008
Governor Culver Makes Appointments To Newly Created Iowa Autism Council
(DES MOINES) – Today, Governor Chet Culver named 13 individuals to the newly created Iowa Autism Council.
“As Governor, I am committed to ensuring that all Iowans have every opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Culver. “With the creation of the Iowa Autism Council, we will make certain that the needs of those living with autism are represented in state government. I look forward to working with the members of this council. Together, with their help, and the help of all Iowans, I know that we can improve the lives of those individuals and families living with the everyday challenges of autism.”
Below is information on the appointments Governor Culver made today:
Board Administrator: Department of Public Health
Terms: 3 year staggered
Gubernatorial Appointees: 13 voting members appointed by the Governor
Ex-Officio Members: Six ex-officio members representing the Department of Education, Department of Public Health, Department of Human Services, Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council, Division of Insurance, State Board of Regents.
Function: The council will focus on addressing the unmet needs of individuals with varying severity levels of autism, submitting an annual report on December 15 of each year. The council will address the following: Early identification and appropriate intervention, integration and coordination of support systems, general and special education services, in-home services, training, enhancement of community agency responsiveness, financing options, data collection.
Gubernatorial Appointees
Name Party Gender City Position
Mary Percival D F Des Moines Mental Health Professional
Patrick Westhoff D M Ankeny Service Provider
Cathy Young R F Waterloo Family Member
Charles Wadle N M WDSM Insurance Industry Rep
Pamela Parker D F Urbandale Family Member
Ghada Hamdan-Allen D F Bettendorf Research
Danielle Sharp N F WDSM Family Member
Keith Gatrost N M Center Point Service Provider
Barbara Stineman R F Spirit Lake Teacher, Family Member
Joshua Cobbs N M Sioux City Family Member
Joshua Kohles N M Elma Person with Autism
Steven Muller N M Pella Expertise in Service
Katherine Byers D F Indianola Family Member