Gov. Reynolds announces leadership transition at Iowa Department for the Blind
DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds today announced the retirement of Emily Wharton, director of the Iowa Department for the Blind, effective July 18, 2024. Wharton has led the department for seven years and previously served as its technology director. She is a former client of the Department for the Blind and graduated from its Iowa Blindness Empowerment and Independence Center.
“Emily Wharton has dedicated her career to serving the blind,” stated Governor Reynolds. “She has long been a passionate advocate, empowering blind Iowans to live independently, work, and fully contribute to their communities. She has made a difference in the lives of many Iowans, and I am grateful for her service.”
The governor has appointed Sarah Willeford, library director at the Department for the Blind, to serve as interim department director while the state conducts a search of candidates.
The Iowa Department for the Blind is a state agency providing an array of services to Iowans who are blind or low vision. Agency staff provides information and services designed to enable Iowans with vision loss to have full and productive lives using non-visual methods of performing tasks. Those services include library service, assistance in training for and finding work, options for living independently as a senior citizen, and intensive training in use of non-visual techniques. For more information please call 515-281-1333 or 800-362-2587 or visit the web site https://blind.iowa.gov.