Becky Maddy Harker, Executive Director
515.281.9083
bharker@dhs.state.ia.us

Becky Maddy Harker joined the Council in September of 1997, with more than 22 years of experience working with people with disabilities. She consulted with the Department of Education for children with special education needs to safely ride school transportation. At the University of Iowa, she was responsible for a wide range of activities relating to the needs of Iowans with disabilities, including recreation, vocational programming and a summer residential program for teens with disabilities living in university dormitories for two weeks while they experienced more independent living and explored post-secondary options for education, employment and community living. As Executive Director of the DD Council, Ms. Harker is responsible for information analysis, leadership in guiding Council activities and planning processes, and management of Council staff, in addition to providing the structure and information to the Council and Executive Committee.

Rik Shannon, Public Policy Manager
515.281.9086
rshanno1@dhs.state.ia.us

Rik Shannon joined the Council in June 1997 as a public policy and program planner, with 20 years of experience working in various capacities in human services and the field of disability issues. He has more than eight years’ experience in planning, policy development and mobilizing constituency response to significant issues that affect Iowans with disabilities and their families. At the Council, Rik has the lead role for providing recommendations and guidance on policy development, legislative agendas and collaborative efforts with grassroots organizations across the state.