Governor Vilsack has named the head of Nebraska’s welfare agency to lead Iowa’s Department of Human Services. Jessie Rasmussen is a former state Senator in Nebraska and she’s the sister of Bob Kerrey, Nebraska’s U.S. Senator, former Governor and one-time presidential candidate. The IowaDepartment of Human Services is responsible for dispensing millions of dollars worth of economic and medical assistance to Iowa’s needy as well asservices for the mentally ill, mentally retarded and disabled. The D.H.S. also investigates child and elder abuse cases. Vilsack’s chief of staffJohn Norris says the new director will be asked to streamline the agency. Vilsack also named Dr. Stephen Gleason director of the Department of Public Health. Gleason, who’s from Des Moines, is v-p for Catholic Health Initiatives and was a medical advisor to President Clinton. He’s the former C-E-O of Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.