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 longtime Director John Jansen. Dutter will assume the role on an interim basis beginning May 30, pending confirmation by the County Board.
The transition comes as Jansen retires after a 37-year career with Kenosha County, including 18 years leading Human Services. The department oversees a range of services that impact many residents in the county.
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.”
Dutter has served as Assistant Director since July 2023 and was previously director within Aging, Disability and Behavioral Health Services and Adult Protective Services. Kerkman said she is confident in Dutter’s leadership: “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… I am confident she will be a strong leader.”
Dutter said it is an honor to succeed Jansen and lead “the county’s skilled team of Human Services professionals who serve the community in many ways.” She added: “I look forward to building further upon our success as a department.”
Jansen reflected on his tenure by saying he appreciated support over decades with Kenosha County and believes current leaders are capable “of continuing to provide… high-quality, cost-effective services.” More information about department services can be found at www.kenoshacountywi.gov/150/Human-Services.
Kenosha County schools also serve a diverse student body; Indian Trail High School and Academy had highest enrollment during 2023-24 with over two thousand students according to state data. During this period white students made up just over half (55.6%) according to state data, while Hispanic students were second largest at about one quarter (25.7%), followed by Black students at just over ten percent according to state data. American Indian students accounted for only 0.2% according to state data, multiracial students represented about 6.6%, and Pacific Islander students were least represented at just 0.1% according to state data.
The leadership change occurs alongside demographic shifts within local schools that reflect broader trends across Kenosha County.
