DES MOINES, Iowa — The Director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has resigned her position.

On Monday, Governor Kim Reynolds announced Kelly Garcia’s resignation after nearly six years working for the state. She also announced the new head of HHS will be Larry Johnson, the current Director of the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL).

Garcia will work with Johnson on the transition over the next few weeks and plans to leave her position next month.

Garcia became the head of the Iowa Department of Human Services in 2019. She was previously the Deputy Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. In June of 2020, she was named interim director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, but soon came to lead both agencies. Those two departments were merged into one, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, with Garcia at the helm.

“Since her arrival in Iowa, Director Garcia has led with vision and dedication, driving transformative progress within Iowa’s health and human services systems. Her leadership at HHS has delivered meaningful results for Iowans across our state,” Gov. Reynolds said. “From expanding child care opportunities to enhancing health care access in rural communities, her contributions will make a difference for years to come. I am forever grateful for Kelly’s service to the state, and I wish her and her family much success and happiness.” 

Gov. Reynolds also praised Johnson’s efforts at DIAL and spoke of how his work would translate to his new position at HHS.

“Director Johnson’s successful leadership of Iowa’s largest regulatory agency has prepared him well for the responsibility of leading the Department of Health and Human Services,” Gov. Reynolds said. “A trusted leader known for achieving high performance, Larry will guide the HHS team through full implementation of the agency’s work in progress as we continue to elevate our service to Iowans.”  

Johnson has served in state government for 14 years. His previous posts include State Public Defender, and Legal Counsel to Gov. Terry Branstad and then Lt. Gov. Reynolds.

DIAL’s Deputy Director and Chief Operations Officer Aaron Baack will become the agency’s interim director after Johnson transitions to HHS in mid-October.