\u201cI am very excited for this opportunity to serve Montezuma County in this capacity,\u201d said Lock.<\/p>\n
Employed at the health department for the last 23 years, Lock first joined the agency as a home health nurse. She\u2019s also served in the immunization clinic, well child clinics and HIV counseling. In 2007, she was appointed to lead the nurse family partnership.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy goal is to provide Montezuma County with the best possible public health department that we can and make a difference in the health and well-being of our community,\u201d Lock said of her new post.<\/p>\n
According to County Administrator Melissa Brunner, a total of four candidates were interviewed for the post, but Lock was ultimately recommended for the position. County commissioners approved Lock\u2019s appointment earlier this month, pending an exemption from state officials for not having an advanced degree.<\/p>\n
Lock had served as interim director of the health department since March, following Lori Cooper\u2019s resignation. Cooper was convicted of DUI the same month.<\/p>\n
According to Brunner, Cooper earned nearly $73,000 annually as director of the health department.<\/p>\n