During a press conference today, Governor Mike Parson announced the appointment of the newest Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services.
Paula Nickelson has been tabbed as the Department’s acting director. She has been with DHSS for 22 years and Governor Parson believes the appointment could be more than temporary.
During his press conference, he said the new title could be indefinite, and he plans for her to be in the role until her term as Governor ends. He has three years left on his current term.
As acting director, her appointment doesn’t require confirmation from the state Senate. However, Parson says he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of submitting her for confirmation at some point.