Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today announced her appointments to serve as
the directors of two reconstituted divisions within the Department of Human Services.
These appointments come after the County Board recently approved the separation of the former
Division of Aging, Disability and Behavioral Health Services into two units: The Division of
Aging and Disability Services and the Division of Behavioral Health.
Heather Vanoss, the former Manager of Aging and Disability Services, is Kerkman’s
appointment to serve as the Director of the new Division of Aging and Disability Services.
Kari Foss, formerly the Director of the combined division, will now serve as the Director of 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 joined the county as Manager of Elder & Disability Service in April 2022, following
more than six years as a Benefit Specialist Supervisor for KAC. She said she is enthusiastic to
embark on a new chapter as the county’s Director of Aging and Disability Services.
“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 and was promoted to
Director of the former Division of Aging, Disability and Behavioral Health Services in June
2023. Prior to that, she served as Community Intervention Center Director and as a 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 serving in her new role when the division split took effect Aug. 1. Vanoss is now
serving as Interim Director of the Division of Aging and Disability Services pending a
confirmation vote by the County Board in the coming weeks.
Human Services Director John Jansen said he is pleased to have the individual divisions in place
with both leaders in their new roles. He noted that the split has no effect on the county’s tax levy,
as funds to support it are being transferred from elsewhere in the Human Services budget.
“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.”
