County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced on Apr. 23 the appointment of Rebecca Dutter as Director of the Kenosha County Department of Human Services, following the planned retirement of current Director John Jansen on May 29.
The transition marks a significant leadership change for a department that oversees vital services to the community. The move comes as Kenosha County continues to address issues such as behavioral health and facility improvements.
Dutter will assume her new role on an interim basis starting May 30, pending confirmation by the County Board. Kerkman said, “John has been a valued member of the Kenosha County team for 37 years, the last 18 as Human Services Director. I appreciate his many contributions over my past four years as County Executive, including his input into the county’s ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, our landmark behavioral health contract with Lake Behavioral Hospital, the upcoming transition to a new Human Services Building, and the daily oversight of operations of all Human Services divisions. I wish him well in his retirement.”
Kerkman also expressed confidence in Dutter’s experience: “As the Assistant Director for the past three years, Rebecca has developed an intimate knowledge of the wide-ranging functions of the department’s divisions, building on her previous experience in Aging, Disability and Behavioral Health Services, and Adult Protective Services. I am confident she will be a strong leader of the entire department.”
Dutter previously served as division director since 2020 and brings more than two decades’ experience in Adult Protective Services. She said: “It’s an honor to succeed John Jansen as Human Services Director, and to lead the county’s skilled team of Human Services professionals who serve the community in many ways, providing vital services across a variety of fields. I look forward to building further upon our success as a department.”
Jansen joined Kenosha County in 1989 and held several positions before becoming director in 2008. He said: “I have had the privilege of working for Kenosha County Human Services in many aspects since 1989. I appreciate the support I have received throughout the years and believe Rebecca and other leaders who hold key positions in Human Services are more than capable of continuing to provide high-quality, cost-effective services.”
Kenosha County is home to diverse student populations within its schools; during this school year Indian Trail High School and Academy had an enrollment of over two thousand students according to state data. White students made up just over half (55.6%) while Hispanic students were about one-quarter (25.7%), Black students accounted for just over ten percent (10.4%), multiracial students made up about six percent (6.6%), American Indian students represented less than one percent (0.2%), and Pacific Islander students were at one-tenth percent according to additional reports.
More information about Kenosha County Department of Human Services can be found at the county’s official website.
