Gov. Tony Evers on Monday named Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson the next secretary of the Department of Health Services.

Johnson, who announced last month she would be stepping down as Commissioner of the Milwaukee Public Health Department, will start her new role Feb. 27.

“Over the past 20 years of my career in public health, I have worked to address the challenges and health disparities facing Wisconsin’s rural, urban and suburban communities alike — disparities that were laid bare by the pandemic,” Johnson said in a statement. “I am excited and honored to join Gov. Evers’ administration to lead DHS, where I look forward to using my expertise and knowledge to continue this important work.”

Before joining the Milwaukee Health Department, Johnson led the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department.