News : Benton County Veterans Affairs Executive Director Resigns, Seeking Applications

Benton County Veterans Affairs is now accepting applications for the position of Director. Current Director, Cara Martin has served just under three years in the county position. On February 1, 2024, she submitted her formal resignation to the county.

Serving on the board for Veterans Affairs are Dale Henry, Michael Silhanek and Courtney Long. Henry said of Martin, "Cara has an opportunity to move into a position to better help veterans,  which is her passion. We, the commission,  will miss her as well as all the veterans of Benton County. I personally would like to wish her the very best. I know for a fact she will do great."

During Martin's time with Benton County, she was able to work herself out of a full-time position and downsize the hours in this position to part-time, saving the county money. She worked to clear as many cases as she could for veteran benefits and poured through applications for assistance to find every possible bit of help that could be found for area veterans. It seems that passion for helping veterans, is something that comes to everyone's mind when they think of Martin. 

The Board has worked with Martin to provide and meet the needs of area Veterans. Martin said, "I have the utmost respect and sincere gratitude for the years of support and service of my Board members." She also wanted to thank the group for giving her the opportunity to serve.

Martin's next position will be continuing to work in the same area. She has accepted a position with the Department of Veterans Affairs and will move up to the federal level. Here's wishing you the very best in this new endeavor!

Anyone interested in applying for the job of the VA Director, should follow the instructions below to apply.

*Pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 35B, the job description does require that this person be a "Veteran", as defined in Iowa Code Section 35.1.*

To Apply:

Apply online at www.bentoncountyia.gov/employment or by emailing all application materials to HR Director, Sue Wilber at swilber@bentoncountyia.gov

To be considered, all of the following documents must be included;

-Benton County application

-DD-214

-resume

-letter expressing interest in the position

-at least two professional references.

Applications are due by February 23, 2024.