UI names Kelly Bender to lead alcohol reduction initiatives

IOWA CITY - Kelly Bender has been named to a newly created position as the coordinator of campus and community alcohol harm reduction initiatives for the University of Iowa. Tom Rocklin, UI vice president for Student Life, announced the appointment this week.

Bender's primary duties will include coordinating the implementation of the UI Alcohol Harm Reduction Plan and chairing the planning group for the Partnership for Alcohol Safety, a joint project of the UI and the City of Iowa City.

Prior to her new appointment, Bender worked for eight years for MECCA Services of Iowa City, most recently as a substance abuse prevention manager but also as a school-based outreach counselor and as a project coordinator. She has also worked as a specialist for the Johnson County Juvenile Court and with Youth Homes Inc. (now Four Oaks) of Iowa City. She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the UI and a Master of Criminal Justice degree from St. Ambrose University in Davenport.