Tom Lane Named New Executive Director of Iowa’s AEAs

The new year brings personnel changes for Iowa’s Area Education Agencies. 

In December, Brent Siegrist retired from his former role as Executive Director of Iowa’s AEAs, but he will continue to support the AEAs by focusing on legislative advocacy. This change offers Iowa’s AEAs 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. 

Tom Lane, who has served as a legislative liaison for Iowa’s AEAs the past four years, has been named the new Executive Director. He will focus the majority of his time on coordination of our statewide work. His priority is to enhance and promote the work of Iowa’s AEAs, and he will work closely with the chief administrators, strengthen relationships with the AEA director groups (Special Education, Educational Services and Media) and continue to maintain legislative advocacy efforts. Tom’s experience as a teacher, counselor, principal and superintendent will strengthen the community building, both within Iowa’s AEAs 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 Iowa’s AEAs.