DES MOINES, IOWA — Tuesday, May 17, 2022 — The City of Des Moines announced today the hiring of Mitzi Bolaños Anderson as director of the Civil and Human Rights Department.  Anderson joins the City from Anchorage, Alaska, where she served as the executive director of the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission since 2019.

“As a proven leader in advocacy and community engagement, we are extremely pleased to have someone with Mitzi’s experience and skills direct our civil and human rights efforts,” said City Manager Scott Sanders. “She will be a strong advocate for the residents of Des Moines when it comes to the protection of human rights, equality and justice.”

Anderson is a public interest attorney with nearly 15 years of experience in federal, state, and local governments. She served as an AmeriCorps VISTA earlier in her career and is also a certified mediator, resolving disputes for the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights from 2017-2019.

“I’m excited to become part of this vibrant community and to amplify those voices already working hard towards equity, inclusion, and justice,” Anderson said. “I look forward to listening and learning from our community leaders and to working together with other departments and City officials to find creative ways to bring about our common vision for a more equitable Des Moines.”

Anderson began her work with the City on May 2, after interim director Manisha Paudel resumed her role as the City’s chief equity officer.

CONTACT:
Al Setka
Chief Communications Officer, City Manager’s Office
(515) 283-4057
AMSetka@dmgov.org

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines: Iowa’s capital city and local government servicing more than 217,000 residents, 52 neighborhoods, over 4,000 acres of parkland and 81 miles of trails. The City of Des Moines stands to be a financially strong city with exceptional city services, fostering an involved community in a customer friendly atmosphere. Visit DSM.city, Facebook and Twitter for more information.