JACKSON, Tenn. – Kim Tedford will be retiring from her role as Regional Director of the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department on April 4, 2025.

Shanna Wilbanks, current Regional Epidemiologist and Communicable and Environmental Disease Services Director with the Health Department, has been appointed as her replacement.

Tedford’s career at the Health Department has spanned 32 years. During that time, she has held multiple roles, including public health nurse, nursing director and Emergency Response Medical Task Force leader. She assumed the role of Regional Director in 2015.

Tedford was at the helm of the Health Department during the Covid-19 pandemic. She had the responsibility of overseeing the response and communicating every aspect of the disease’s progress and its impact on the community. Her leadership and poise during this time of crisis earned her widespread respect. In 2022 she was named Woman of the Year by the Jackson Rotary Club.

“I am honored to have led this department over the past decade and grateful for the experiences I’ve had throughout my career,” Tedford said. “I am very proud of our employees and the work we have done to protect the health of this community. I will continue to be a devoted supporter of public health during retirement.”

“Kim Tedford’s leadership has left a lasting impact on our community, especially during some of the most challenging times in public health. Her dedication and steady hand have ensured the well-being of so many in Madison County, and we are deeply grateful for her service,” said Madison County Mayor A. J. Massey.

(PHOTO: Kim Tedford)