New human services director can thank mom for career choice

• Schmidt

Ronald Schmidt

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Ronald Schmidt didn’t have to look far for inspiration when choosing a profession.

His mother was a foster parent for over 35 years and, as a matter of fact, adopted the last nine kids placed to her, with most of those being special needs children.

“She had a great ability to deal with children and have a lot of compassion for them,” he said. “She was able to bond with children at a young age.”

The Illinois native, the youngest of six not including the adoptees, went to Western Michigan University and earned a degree in social work in 1990. Since earning his Masters two years later, Schmidt has held multiple social work positions throughout Michigan and Wisconsin before coming to Pierce County as the new human services director. He started Oct. 1, succeeding Tammy Kincaid.

“I never regretted this career,” he said, which has spanned over 20 years.

For more please read the Nov. 7 print version of the Herald.

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