MADISON Co – (November 17, 2014) — At Monday’s Madison County Commission meeting member’s were introduced to Kim Tedford as the new director of the Madison County Health Department.  Tedford is a name and face many are familiar with.  She has been with the Madison County Health Department since 2002.  Mrs. Tedford has been the Nursing Director for the Health department since 2007.

County Mayor Jimmy Harris said the county tried to find a replacement for Dr Tony Emison after he retired in February to be the director of the department, medical examiner, and county coroner but no qualified applicants were submitted.  Harris says he, along with the local health board have decided to divide the job into two positions.

In July the position was posted and Tedford applied.  Interviews were with Mayor Harris; Ashley Tanner, Chairman of the Board of Health; Dr Tony Emison; and Deputy Mayor Tony White.  By statute the position is an appointment of the State so Tedford was also interviewed by the Commissioner of Health, Commissioner John Dreyzehner, in Nashville.

In addition to Tedford running the Health Department, Dr. Tony Emison will remain as the County Coroner and Medical Examiner.  The commissioners approved that position at Monday’s meeting.  The appointment is for two years.

Tedford said, “I have large shoes to fill. Dr Emison did an excellent job of leading the department for twenty years.”  Tedford said “our goal is to protect and improve the health of folks in Madison County.”