Following a national recruitment and a comprehensive recruiting process, Casandra Eames has been selected as the first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator for the City of Ames. Eames was previously with the Story County Attorney’s Office. She will begin her new position on Wednesday, March 29.
Adding a DEI Coordinator was one of 21 recommendations from the “Policing in Ames: A Path Forward” report Ames City Manager Steve Schainker presented to the Ames City Council in 2020. The report addressed ways to improve Ames Police Department policies and strengthen connections with community members.
“Decisions being made in local government have far-reaching impact, and we want all residents to have a voice. The DEI Coordinator will help guide our City of Ames processes, policies, and programs to ensure many perspectives are being considered,” said City Manager Steve Schainker. “Casandra has a broad professional background, as well as the skills necessary to successfully engage all members of our community.”
In addition to working with the Police Department, the DEI Coordinator will partner with all City departments and committees to help ensure that City policies and programs promote an inclusive environment for all those who are served by the City organization. The Coordinator also will provide assistance to the Ames Human Relations Commission. In collaboration with this Commission, this new position will coordinate activities, trainings, and other programming designed to educate, inform, and maintain a welcoming environment for those who live, work, and visit the Ames community.
In addition to working as a legal assistant in the Story County Attorney’s Office, Eames served as a detention officer at the Story County Jail from 2011 to 2015. She worked as a bilingual family-based services counselor with Youth & Shelter Services from 2009 to 2011, and as an art education program coordinator with the Octagon Center for the Arts from 2008 to 2009. From 2007 to 2008, she served as a bilingual family development specialist with Mid-Iowa Community Action Inc.
Eames earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Colorado State University. As DEI Coordinator, she will be based in the City Manager’s Office.
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