HHS Region 7 - Regional Director's Biography

Fred Schuster was appointed as the Regional Representative for Region VII, which includes the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Schuster serves as the Secretary's direct representative in Region VII, responsible for guidance and coordination of HHS policies in the region with state, local and tribal governments.

For 18 years before his appointment, Schuster served as the Regional Director and periodically as acting State Administrator, for U.S. Senator Charles Grassley (IA). Schuster was in charge of the regional office and was Senator Grassley's official representative for a large portion of northeast and northcentral Iowa. He directed case work involving Medicare, Medicaid, child support, IRS, Agriculture, Military and FEMA. In 1999, Schuster organized major flood relief after severe floods devastated NE Iowa.

In addition to his full time plus duties, Schuster has been a community activist. He was appointed by two different Mayors in two cities to three different boards, including the Cedar Falls Library Board of Trustees, where he was elected as an officer for each of the 4 years he served . He was also appointed by the Governor to a state council. Schuster was also elected President of the largest Kiwanis club in NE Iowa and served on numerous other boards, including the Allen College Council, University of Northern Iowa’s Institute for Decision Making, and PTA. He was also twice elected [1996 & 2000] 2nd District Republican Presidential Elector.

Schuster earned a Bachelor's of Science in Industrial Administration from Iowa State University. While attending ISU, he won 4 elections, including President of the Student Body, representing 23,000 students. He was inducted into two honoraries including Cardinal Key, the university's highest honorary. Schuster served one year in VISTA [Volunteers in Service to America], his findings were later published. Finally, he was elected Chairman of the College Republicans of Iowa.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri and raised on an Iowa farm, Schuster is married and has three children.

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