David Ludwig Named New Executive Director for Iowa’s AEAs

David Ludwig

This message was emailed to staff on Feb. 22 and is being repeated here for your information. 

Iowa’s AEAs have selected David Ludwig to be the AEA system’s next Executive Director. Ludwig has over 30 years of experience as a school administrator in Nebraska, with the past five years serving as the State Executive Director for the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council (ESUCC) of Nebraska. 
 

Today, the Iowa Association of AEAs (IAAEA) Executive Board approved a two-year contract with Ludwig, and he will begin his duties on July 1, 2019. He will be based out of the Heartland AEA office in Johnston. 
 

In his new role with Iowa’s AEAs, Ludwig will facilitate and coordinate Iowa's nine AEAs in working collaboratively to support and provide services to the children, families and educators served by all of Iowa’s 333 public schools and 182 accredited, non-public schools. The AEA system also provides direct services to nearly 56,000 students who receive special education services. 
 

"We are extremely proud to offer the position to someone with the leadership and experiences that Mr. Ludwig has,” said Jim Green, president of the IAAEA Executive Board. “David’s experience with rural and urban districts, legislative advocacy, along with his leadership at local and state levels, are a perfect fit for the AEA system." 
 

Ludwig began his education career as a special education teacher and coach and has also been a special education director, principal and ESU (Educational Service Unit) Administrator. A graduate of Midland College with a bachelor’s degree in special education, elementary education and physical education, Ludwig earned a master’s degree in school administration and an education specialist degree from Wayne State College. He is currently working on a doctorate degree in education at the University of Nebraska Omaha and is expected to complete that work in May 2021. 
 

"I’m excited to begin the next phase of my professional career with an organization known nationally for its focus on student learning and outcomes, quality people and programs and attention to providing equitable services to all Iowa children, families and educators,” Ludwig said. 
 

Dr. Tom Lane, who has served Iowa’s AEAs since 2013, will retire on June 30, 2019.