Ann Kriegel: Dedicated Manager at Winnebago County in Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Every community relies on committed public servants who work tirelessly to ensure that essential services are delivered fairly and efficiently. In Winnebago County, Wisconsin, one such individual is Ann Kriegel. As a respected manager, she has played a significant role in shaping the Economic Support Division, guiding teams, and ensuring that families and individuals receive the help they need. Her leadership reflects not only professional expertise but also a deep understanding of the community she serves in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Who Is Ann Kriegel?
Professional Role in Winnebago County
Ann Kriegel serves as a Division Manager in the Human Services Department of Winnebago County. Her primary responsibility is overseeing the Economic Support Division, which administers vital assistance programs such as FoodShare, Childcare Assistance, and BadgerCare (Medicaid). These programs are lifelines for countless residents who rely on them during times of financial hardship.
Her role involves more than just policy implementation. She provides strategic direction, supervises a large staff, and ensures compliance with state and federal guidelines. With over two decades of experience in public service, Ann Kriegel has built a reputation for efficiency, fairness, and dedication.
A Longstanding Career in Service
Hired in October of 1998, she has devoted more than twenty-five years to the county and its residents. Few positions in local government require such longevity and consistency, and her career demonstrates loyalty and perseverance. Her steady leadership has guided the Economic Support Division through periods of economic uncertainty, policy changes, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin: The Community She Serves
A Vibrant City on the Fox River
Oshkosh, located along the Fox River and the western shore of Lake Winnebago, is a city with a rich history and vibrant community life. Known for hosting the world’s largest air show, EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh blends cultural events with small-town warmth. It is a hub for education, manufacturing, and community development.
As a manager for Winnebago County, Ann Kriegel works at the heart of this community. Her office not only provides services to Oshkosh residents but also supports families throughout the county. Understanding the unique character of Oshkosh and its people helps her division better tailor assistance programs to meet community needs.
Leadership in the Economic Support Division
Guiding Staff and Programs
Managing a division with more than forty staff members is no small task. Ann Kriegel ensures that her team remains focused on providing accessible and timely services. This includes training employees, monitoring workloads, and adapting to legislative changes that impact eligibility or benefits.
Responding to Policy and Economic Changes
During the pandemic, the Economic Support Division saw unprecedented challenges. Federal waivers, emergency orders, and changing Medicaid requirements created significant pressure. Under her leadership, the division managed these changes with resilience, ensuring that vulnerable populations did not lose access to essential services.
Balancing Innovation and Accountability
As technology and service delivery methods evolve, Ann Kriegel has helped her staff adapt to remote and hybrid work models. This flexibility has allowed the division to maintain efficiency while also ensuring accountability. Whether services are delivered in person or virtually, her management approach emphasizes responsiveness, accuracy, and fairness.
The Impact of Her Work
Supporting Families in Need
The programs overseen by Ann Kriegel directly affect thousands of families in Oshkosh and across Winnebago County. From ensuring children have access to nutritious food through FoodShare to helping parents afford safe childcare, her work influences daily life in meaningful ways.
Building Community Trust
Trust in local government depends on the people who administer services. By maintaining transparency and professionalism, Ann Kriegel has fostered trust between the Economic Support Division and the community it serves. Residents know that their needs are being handled by capable hands, and this confidence strengthens the overall relationship between the county and its citizens.
Looking Ahead
A Legacy of Service
As she continues her work in Winnebago County, Ann Kriegel stands as an example of how one individual’s dedication can make a lasting difference. Her role is not flashy, but it is essential. Without strong managers like her, critical programs would falter, and families would suffer.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
The landscape of public service is constantly changing. Economic pressures, policy shifts, and evolving community needs will continue to shape the work of the Economic Support Division. With her experience and leadership, Ann Kriegel is well-positioned to guide her team through these challenges while seeking opportunities to improve service delivery.
Conclusion
In Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the contributions of Ann Kriegel highlight the importance of dedicated public servants in local government. As a manager at Winnebago County, she has committed her career to ensuring that vital assistance programs reach those who need them most. Her leadership, experience, and unwavering focus on community well-being reflect the values of service and responsibility.
Her story is a reminder that effective leadership at the county level plays a crucial role in shaping stronger, more resilient communities. Ann Kriegel is more than just a manager—she is a steward of trust, service, and care in Winnebago County.
