The Pierce County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to hire Julie Krings to fill the county human services director position at its April 20 meeting. She will begin her new role on May 24.

The human services director supervises branches of the Pierce County Human Services Department, such as the Office of Aging, Community Behavior Health, Economic Support, Child Support, and Children, Youth & Families. The position also oversees and implements human services programs and policies. Ron Schmidt previously held the position; he resigned Dec. 6, 2020.

According to Human Resources Manager Allison Preble, the county received 36 applicants, which a committee narrowed down to seven. The committee consisted of Administrative Coordinator Jason Matthys, Board Supervisor Rodney Gilles (District 10), Dunn County Human Services Director Kris Korpela and Preble.

Krings has a bachelor’s degree in social work from UW-Eau Claire and a master’s degree in clinical social work from St. Thomas University. She previously worked for Pierce County for 17 years total over her career, most recently as the youth services program manager from 2006 to 2013. In 2013, she became the St. Croix County Department of Human Services children’s services supervisor. In 2015, St. Croix promoted her to children’s services manager / operations manager.

She has more than 25 years of experience working in Polk, Pierce and St. Croix counties, Preble said. Outside of work, she is an active member of Elmwood United Methodist Church.

Board Chair Jeffrey Holst had just one question for Krings.

“Are you a trout fisherman?” he asked.

Krings replied that bass and crappies are more up her alley. The board accepted that answer.

The beginning annual salary for this position is $112,444.

Photo from County Board Zoom meeting