PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island health department official has been tapped to serve as the state’s top public health official on an interim basis.

Democratic Gov. Daniel McKee on Thursday named Dr. James McDonald, the health department’s medical director, to serve as interim health department director.

McDonald has served as a medical director and the chief administrative officer for the state’s Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline since 2012.

He’ll be charged with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the agency while McKee searches for a replacement for Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the outgoing department director.

Alexander-Scott announced her resignation earlier this month after serving for seven years, including leading the state’s response to the pandemic.

She has said she’ll stay on the job for two weeks during the search for new leadership and then serve as a consultant to the department for another three months to ensure continuity. No reason was provided for her resignation.

McKee also announced Thursday the appointment of other top staffers to support McDonald during the transition.