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Craig Schlienz has been appointed to serve as the District 7 representative on the Iowa Central Community College's Board of Trustees.
A Fort Dodge native and Iowa Central alumnus, Schlienz brings more than two decades of banking experience and a strong record of community involvement to the board. He currently serves as market president for Availa Bank. Schlienz holds degrees from Iowa Central Community College and the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
Schlienz will fill the District 7 seat previously held by longtime trustee and Board President Mark Crimmins, died July 20, 2026. Crimmins was elected to the Iowa Central Board of Trustees in November 1994 and dedicated 31 years to serving the college, including his most recent service as board president.
Following Crimmins' passing, the Board of Trustees elected Larry Hecht, the District 3 representative, to serve as board president and Andrea Oswald, the District 5 representative, to serve as vice president.
Hecht was elected to the Iowa Central Board of Trustees in 2000 and has represented District 3 for more than 25 years. As president, Hecht will lead the board in its governance and oversight of the college and work closely with college administration and fellow trustees to advance Iowa Central's mission.
In her new leadership role, Oswald will work alongside Hecht and the board to support the college's continued growth and ensure the board remains focused on the needs of students, employees, and the communities Iowa Central serves.
Together, Hecht and Oswald bring experienced leadership and continuity to the board as Iowa Central moves forward following the loss of Crimmins. With Hecht's more than two decades of service on the Board, Oswald's experience as a trustee, and Schlienz's longstanding connection to Iowa Central and the Fort Dodge community, the Board will continue its work of serving students and strengthening the communities throughout Iowa Central's service area.