In December, Brent Siegrist retired from his former role as AEA Executive Director but will continue to support the AEA system by focusing on legislative advocacy. This change offers the AEA system the benefit of Brent’s considerable background, knowledge, and expertise in the legislative process, and enhances relationships with policymakers. We are grateful for the leadership that Brent has provided for over 15 years.
Dr. Tom Lane, who has served as a legislative liaison for Iowa’s AEAs the past four years, has been named Executive Director and will now focus the majority of his time on coordination of our statewide work. His priority is to enhance and promote the work of the AEA system, and he will work closely with chief administrators, strengthen relationships with the director groups, and continue to maintain legislative advocacy efforts. Tom’s experience as a teacher, counselor, principal and superintendent will strengthen the community building, both within the AEA system and with other entities.
Brent and Tom have already begun to transition to these new responsibilities. We are fortunate to have the ability to capitalize on the strengths and interests of each of these professionals and to have two staff members who have the ability to complement each other and the work of the AEA system.