Frances Lowder

Mason City

1973-1977

Gary Koerselman

Sioux City

1972-1975

Elizabeth Kruidenier

Des Moines

1965-1975

James Gillman

Des Moines

1973-1977

George Garcia

Iowa City

1973-1977

Gretchen Walsh

Dubuque

1973-1977

DeEdwin White

Burlington

1971-1975

The policy making body of the Commission consists of seven Commissioners, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. They represent geographical areas within the state with no more than four belonging to the same political party. Appointments are made to staggered four-year terms. A per diem and expenses incurred are allocated to every Commissioner while on official Commission business.

Commissioners' duties include the development of rules and regulations for the agency, and deciding Probable Cause or No Probable Cause findings in discrimination cases. It is also the Commissioners' responsibility to make the final decision on cases going to public hearings, reviewing the findings and issuing the final order on a public hearing case.

Meeting once a month brings the Commissioners together to discuss the goals and timetables of the director and his staff. The need for keeping current on Civil Rights legislation requires the Commissioners to spend some time in training sessions. They also make various public appearances on behalf of the Commission.

Commissioners have the responsibility to make recommendations to the General Assembly for further legislation in the area of Civil Rights.

Frances Lowder served as Chairperson until her resignation in April, 1975, at which time Gary Koerselman, Vice-Chairperson, took over the leadership. At the close of this fiscal period, the terms of Elizabeth Kruidenier and DeEdwin White expired with no re-appointment.