The Oklahoma State Department of Health has announced a new state epidemiologist.
Jolianne Stone, formerly deputy state epidemiologist, will be the fourth official to serve in the role over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, following Laurence Burnsed, Dr. Aaron Wendelboe, and outgoing Dr. Jared Taylor.
Stone's "past experience includes Infection Prevention Manager at Integris, and she brings her unique perspective addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in a hospital setting to this new position," according to a news release from the state.
Taylor will be moved to a position as chief science officer, which the department said "will work to bring an academic lens to operations at OSDH and public health initiatives in the state."