Kenosha Reporter

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman has announced the appointments of directors for two newly separated divisions within the Department of Human Services. This follows a recent decision by the County Board to divide the former Division of Aging, Disability and Behavioral Health Services into two distinct units: the Division of Aging and Disability Services and the Division of Behavioral Health.

Heather Vanoss, who previously served as Manager of Aging and Disability Services, has been named Director of the new Division of Aging and Disability Services. Kari Foss, who was formerly Director of the combined division, will now lead the Division of Behavioral Health.

“With an aging population in our county and an increasing need for behavioral health services, creating individual divisions for Behavioral Health and Aging and Disability Services refocuses county Human Services to even better meet the needs of the community,” Kerkman said. “As for my director appointments, I am confident in the leadership abilities and skills of both of these experienced members of our county team.”

Vanoss began working with Kenosha County in April 2022 after serving over six years as a Benefit Specialist Supervisor at KAC. She expressed her enthusiasm for her new role: “I am genuinely excited about continuing to collaborate with our exceptional team and community partners, whose dedication and expertise inspire me each day,” Vanoss said. “Together, I believe we can innovate and enhance the services we provide, ensuring that we meet the diverse needs of those we serve."

Foss joined Kenosha County in 2020 as Behavioral Health Manager before being promoted to Director in June 2023. She previously held roles as Community Intervention Center Director and Crisis Stabilization Coordinator with Kenosha Human Development Services. “I have worked in behavioral health in Kenosha County for 28 years,” Foss said. “The opportunity to serve as Director of Kenosha County’s first Division of Behavioral Health is an honor. I look forward to continuing to promote quality, accessible mental health and substance abuse services and programs."

Foss began her duties as director when the division split took effect on August 1. Vanoss is currently serving as Interim Director pending confirmation by the County Board.

Human Services Director John Jansen commented on the operational changes: “Separating the divisions makes sense operationally and fiscally, and it allows managers and staff to better focus on the unique needs of the population,” Jansen said. “Kari and Heather are strong advocates for high-quality, client-focused services, and they are valued members of our Human Services leadership team.” He noted that there would be no impact on the county’s tax levy since funding will be reallocated within the existing Human Services budget.

In other developments related to Kenosha County's demographic landscape, data from https://dpi.wi.gov/ show that Indian Trail High School had 2,001 students enrolled during 2023-24, making it one of three schools with highest enrollment alongside Tremper High School (1,458) and Bradford High School (1,448). The same data indicate that white students made up just over half (55.6%) of Kenosha County’s student body during this period—a slight decrease from previous years—while Hispanic students accounted for about a quarter (25.7%), followed by Black students at 10.4%. American Indian students represented one of the smallest groups at 0.2%.