AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Texas Board of Health and Human Services appointed a new interim commissioner after Dr. John Hellerstedt announced his retirement on Sept. 30 after nearly 14 years of service.

Dr. Jennifer Schford will take over Hellerstedt from October 1st. After graduating from her College of Colorado in Springs and earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, she earned her master’s degree in public health from the Harvard School of Public Health. She then received her medical doctorate from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical College.

According to THHSC, Schford is now the chief epidemiologist for the Texas Department of Health Services. Before she joined DSHS in 2017, Shufford practiced as an infectious disease doctor in Austin.

“Dr. Schford’s passion for service, extensive experience and knowledge of public health will benefit us as she takes on this role,” said THHSC Executive Committee member Cecil Irwin Young in a release. I’m here. “I am confident that she will successfully navigate her DSHS through this transitional period.”

According to the commission, Hellerstedt spearheaded the state’s public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.