City Manager Tom Hadden announced today that Audrey Kennis has accepted an offer to be the first DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Director for the City of West Des Moines.

The selection process involved input from community members and Human Rights Commissioners, along with representatives from elected officials and City staff.

Audrey Kennis has extensive experience developing and leading initiatives to further the advancement of marginalized communities and creating more equitable policies. She has held several positions working with under-represented populations and multi-cultural students within Iowa State University and other educational institutions.

Ms. Kennis obtained her Graduate Certificate in Education for Social Justice, a Master’s Degree in Education and is currently working towards a second Master’s Degree in Community and Regional Planning. She will begin her employment with the City of West Des Moines on Monday, September 20, 2021.