Iowa Central Community College Appoints New District 7 Trustee

Emily Denholm, Director of Marketing & Communications
8/14/2026

Iowa Central Community College has appointed Craig Schlienz to serve as the District 7 representative on the 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, where he works with businesses and organizations throughout the region. Throughout his career, he has remained actively involved in the Fort Dodge community. Schlienz holds degrees from Iowa Central Community College and the University of Iowa. 

Schlienz will fill the District 7 seat previously held by longtime trustee and Board President Mark Crimmins, who passed away 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.

Throughout his tenure, Crimmins provided steadfast leadership and thoughtful guidance as Iowa Central navigated decades of growth and change. His commitment to students, employees, and the communities served by Iowa Central helped shape the college and its continued success. His belief in the mission of community colleges and the opportunities they provide left a lasting mark on the institution and the many people connected to it.

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. His extensive experience on the Board provides continuity and institutional knowledge as he assumes the role of Board President. 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.

Oswald, who represents District 5, will serve as Vice President. 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.

The Iowa Central Board of Trustees remains committed to honoring the college’s mission and building on the strong foundation established by those who have served before them, while continuing to provide students with quality educational opportunities that prepare them for successful careers and better lives.