Janice Lane had overseen Children & Families of Iowa’s 18 programs for eight years as chief operating officer, so it was a natural transition when the agency’s board and foundation trustees selected her to succeed Gloria Gray as the next CEO on March 1. One of Iowa’s largest, most well-respected providers of family services, the statewide organization served more than 25,600 people last year. Lane previously worked at Broadlawns Medical Center and Primary Health Care in Greater Des Moines before moving to Children & Families of Iowa as the program supervisor for the Ankeny site. Lane also serves on a number of community and state committees, among them the National Association of Social Workers’ Iowa Chapter Diversity Committee and Polk County Community Partnership for the Protection of Children. 

What have been some of the biggest changes in human services? 
Here’s the joke that I have: When I move into new positions, that’s when systems change. When I moved from the program supervisory position, literally within 30 days, that’s when the Department of Human Services began talking about changes in child welfare services, talking about the redesign. As I moved into this position from COO, literally the first couple of weeks, that’s when we heard the words regarding Medicaid modernization. … The other thing is that our organization is one that can change with the times. So families can feel as though they’re moving forward. It’s not just the survival piece; they can thrive and excel. 

What areas of need seem to be growing in Greater Des Moines? 
I would say mental health, as it relates to teens and to adults. Mental health crosses over socioeconomic and race, all of that. What we’ve seen is a significant increase in the need for mental health services. I always emphasize teens and the impact that social media has had on teens — when you think of instances of teen suicide, bullying. Of all the advantages of social media, there are also some challenges we are facing. 

How do you develop programs around those issues? 
It’s listening to the voice of families; it’s listening to the voice of teens. I have participated in a number of focus groups in child welfare specifically, looking at the disproportionality issue — how do they feel about how they’re treated, and recommendations they feel should be put in place. We call those courageous conversations. We’ve also had those conversations with teens. Also those who are impacted by poverty or unemployment — what could help them move from surviving to thriving? 

What are the sources of funding for the organization? 
We have state, federal, United Way, a lot of private grants and fundraising. And the budget has grown as the programs have grown. As we look at things we continually do better, we’re always adding various evidence-based practices and training for the staff on what works well. 

What are your personal leadership goals? 
I have the opportunity to connect with people who share that same passion that I do. When a vice president tells me he’s made another connection, it’s a win for the kids, it’s a win for the organization in that we’re fulfilling the mission. I was very fortunate that my predecessor gave me that latitude to go make it happen. And so I try to pass that on to the vice presidents — “This is what we have; this is what we need. Now go make it happen.” 

What do you enjoy outside of your work? 
I’m very active in my local church, Kyles A.M.E. Zion Church; I enjoy music. I’m the chairman of the trustee board, and I sing in the choir and usher the fourth Sunday of the month. And I’m a missionary. And I enjoy eating out with friends (laughs). 

Your favorite restaurants? 
I really like all types of food. My friends and myself have taken it upon ourselves to not go to the same restaurant twice. I love hearing about new restaurants and then checking them out. We’ve been doing this 15-plus years. We do it right after church and talk about the week, big issues coming up in the community or our families. We have been known to sit and chat two or three hours enjoying the food and camaraderie. 

What are your favorite hymns to sing? 
I like “Order My Steps,” and “He Saw the Best in Me.”