The Johnson County Board of Supervisors recognized Domestic Violence Intervention Program, or DVIP, Executive Director Kristie Fortmann-Doser for her work in the community, ahead of her retirement on Dec. 19.
At the meeting, Fortmann-Doser made a point to thank emergency services in the county and law enforcement for the collaborative work and support they have provided DVIP. Fortmann-Doser also expressed her gratitude and love for the Johnson County area and community.
In 2024, DVIP merged with the Rape Victim Advocacy Program, taking on more clients and expanding services all under Fortmann-Doser’s leadership. DVIP continues to serve the community as Iowa’s domestic violence homicides reach the largest numbers observed by the state in three years.
After Fortmann-Doser retires, Alta Medea and Delaney Dixon will take over as co-executive directors.
Fortmann-Doser has worked with DVIP for 32 years, but attended her first event with the program in 1986. Fortmann-Doser was appointed DVIP’s executive director in 2004.
Jon Green, chairman of the board, read a letter recognizing Fortmann-Doser’s accomplishments and service to the people of Johnson County at the board’s meeting Thursday.
Green said during her tenure as executive director, Fortmann-Doser provided 10,600 nights of safety within the emergency shelter and provided support to over 52,600 survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, human trafficking, stalking, and sexual violence.
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Green also mentioned Fortmann-Doser leading DVIP to open the state’s only pet shelter included within an emergency shelter for survivors to bring pets with them while fleeing abusive situations.
“On the eve of her retirement, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors wishes to acknowledge Kristie [Fortmann-Doser] for her accomplishments and thank her for her outstanding service to the people of Johnson County,” he said. “We wish her well in her retirement.”
Supervisor Lisa Green-Douglass also expressed her gratitude for Fortmann-Doser’s work during her tenure as executive director.
“Yours [Fortmann-Doser’s] is a job that everybody wishes that there wasn’t the need for. But the reality is, there is,” she said. “And I’m very grateful that someone with your dedication has stepped up to it and so long and so well,” she said.
Supervisor Rod Sullivan said his experiences working with DVIP have been “eye opening” and “made him a better human being.”
“Your impact is almost immeasurable, because it’s not just those 52,000 people, but it’s then all those concentric rings out,” he said. “I don’t know if we can ever have the words to thank you enough for your service.”
Supervisor Mandi Remington, who has shared she was once a client of DVIP, personally thanked Fortmann-Doser and credited her for saving her and her children’s lives.
“I would not be in this seat if it was not for your organization, and I know that there are a lot of other people in our community who have found themselves able to move forward in life because of you, your organization, and the skills and compassion of your team,” she said.
Fortmann-Doser thanked the board for inviting her to be recognized and said she was honored beyond words.
“I’ve just been so lucky to work with such an amazing team of people and an amazing community,” she said. “I truly believe that we’ve accomplished so much in the last 32 years here in Johnson County.”