Agency Leadership Transitions: Allison to Become Acting Director of Special Education, Bentley Named New Region 3 Regional Director

APC is working with Dr. Jon Sheldahl, incoming chief administrator, to support the Agency's many administrative transitions. Functions previously performed by Dr. Cindy Yelick will be filled by several agency administrators.

• Randy Allison, a former 18-year Heartland AEA staff member, with experience as the Supervisor of Psychological Services and as the Director of Special Education, will serve as acting Director of Special Education for the 2017-18 school year. Randy will attend APC meetings and have dedicated office space in Johnston. 

• Dr. Sheldahl will provide oversight and supervision for the Human Resources Department and will represent the Agency in AEA system functions.

• Kevin Fangman, Chief Academic Officer, will provide oversight and supervision for all regional directors. 

  

Susie Bentley has been hired as the Regional Director in Region 3 to fill the vacancy created when Martha Condon was hired as the Director of Professional Learning. Susie will begin this position in mid-July and will serve the Indianola, Martensdale-St. Marys, Norwalk, Pleasantville and Southeast Warren Schools in addition to collaborating with Dave Wood to support Region 3. 

Susie has been at Heartland AEA since August 2016 as a Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant in Region 8 and brings prior experience as the Director of Teaching & Learning and the Director of Special Education at North Polk Schools. She has also served as a secondary instructional coach at Prairie Ridge Middle School in Ankeny and as a secondary classroom teacher in the Ankeny and Southeast Polk Schools. Susie holds an Ed.S. degree in educational leadership from Drake University, a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Northern Iowa and a bachelor’s degree in English secondary education from Iowa State University.

Please join us in welcoming staff to these positions.