Regional director for local health dept. announces retirement

JACKSON, Tenn. — The regional director of the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department is retiring.

After 32 years as Regional Director, Kim Tedford retires with Shanna Wilbanks appointed in her place as the new director beginning on on April 4. Tedford was at the helm of the health department during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She has held multiple roles, including public health nurse, nursing director and emergency response medical task force leader.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career in public health. I didn’t start my career because I just loved public health — I was a young mother. It was Monday through friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., an hour for lunch, no weekends and no holidays. But I developed a heart for public health and and I will continue to support public health even in my retirement,” said Tedford.

Tedford was named Woman of the Year in 2022 by the Jackson Rotary Club for her outstanding leadership.

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