LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts has appointed a Louisiana health official as chief executive officer for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Ricketts announced Friday that Courtney Phillips will fill the position beginning April 2.

Phillips currently serves as deputy secretary of Louisiana’s Department of Health and Hospitals. She has worked in the department since 2003, overseeing offices for developmental disabilities, mental health, public health, aging and adult services, and the deaf.

The announcement comes after a nationwide search for a leader to transform the beleaguered department. Nebraska DHHS has been criticized for problems with its child welfare system as well as ACCESS Nebraska, a service that helps Nebraskans apply for and renew public benefits.

Phillips’ annual salary will be $200,000.