LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has named a new director of the state’s behavioral health division in the Department of Health and Human Services.

Ricketts announced the appointment Wednesday of Sheri Dawson, the division’s current acting director. Dawson also has served as a deputy director and administrator in the department, among other roles. She previously was a nurse at Lincoln General Hospital, now known as Bryan Medical Center-West.

Dawson earned a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Nebraska Wesleyan University and graduated with distinction from the Bryan Hospital School of Nursing.

Her appointment begins immediately. Her salary will be $135,000.

Behavioral health is one of six divisions within the Department of Health and Human Services.