(KMZA)--An interim Nemaha County Health Officer has been appointed.

The Nemaha County Commission this week approved the appointment of Nichole Keim, of rural Seneca,  to serve in the role  until a permanent replacement is hired.  She will be paid $30 an hour.

Keim began work Wednesday.

Longtime county health officer Jane Sunderland resigned effective August 31. Sunderland also stepped down as director of Nemaha County Community Health Services after 17 years.

With Sunderland's resignation, the health officer will no longer be an employee of the health agency but will become a county employee.

Commissioners will begin advertising for a permanent health officer.

The health officer's responsibilities include reporting and tracking communicable diseases, disaster planning, health education and risk reduction, and environmental services.