LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts has appointed a Norfolk woman to serve as the state’s new economic development director.

Courtney Dentlinger will start in her new position on Jan. 11. Ricketts announced Tuesday that she will fill the opening left by Brenda Hicks-Sorensen.

Dentlinger works as the executive director of the Norfolk Area Economic Development Council. She previously served as executive director for Northeast Community College, where she managed capital campaigns including a partnership with the school’s College of Nursing and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Dentlinger earned a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State College and a law degree from George Washington University Law School.

Her salary will be $145,000.