Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird has appointed Pat Lopez as the interim director of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department while Director Shavonna Lausterer is on medical leave.
Lopez, who has her master's degree in nursing, had a nearly 30-year career at the Health Department from 1975 to 2004. The six-month appointment takes effect immediately.
“Our hearts go out to Shavonna and her family, and I want to thank her for her dedicated service to our city,†said Gaylor Baird in a news release.Â
After leaving the Health Department, Lopez worked for four years as a consultant with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to address children’s behavioral health. She continues to work with the state, assisting local and tribal health departments in preparing for national accreditation.