Committee recommends John Schluter as Dane County Department of Human Services director after public Q&A

The Dane County Health and Human Needs Committee on June 5 voted to recommend approval of John Schluter as director of the Department of Human Services following a public question-and-answer session that covered homelessness, contractor oversight, budget pressures and staff‑community collaboration.

Schluter, a longtime Social Security Administration manager who cited social-work graduate training and prior work with youth services, told the committee he had experience working with diverse provider groups and building relationships in large, service-oriented agencies. He said he had overseen large budgets and staff in multiple offices and emphasized partnership and community engagement as priorities.

Why it matters: The Department of Human Services is the county’s largest department and central to homelessness services, child welfare, behavioral health, and other programs. Committee members said a permanent director was needed to provide continuity before the budget process.

During the publicly recorded exchange, Schluter described his approach to providers and community partners: "I set up, we set up a time to meet with these providers... Tell me the customers that are not getting what you need from us. So address what's right in front.'" He also said prevention and early intervention are important in child welfare and mental‑health work and recommended community engagement to support services in a constrained budget environment.

Public testimony preceding the nomination included questions and criticism from a resident who raised concerns about past contractor oversight related to homelessness funds. Committee members and county staff acknowledged those concerns and said the hiring process was meant to identify a leader who could engage with providers and the public.

Committee action: The committee recorded the nomination as recommended for approval. The chair called for unanimous consent; Supervisor Huselman asked to be recorded as voting no “not based on the person, but just the lack of the process” used in this recruitment. The recommendation proceeds to the full board for final confirmation.

What’s next: The county board will consider the appointment and contract. Schluter and county leaders said they look forward to working with the board and community to address homelessness and other service needs under fiscal constraints.