Commissioners unanimously approve Lopez as health director

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday morning voted unanimously to approve Pat Lopez as health director. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday morning voted unanimously to approve Pat Lopez as health director.

The commissioners gave Lopez, who has served as interim health director of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department since last year, a standing ovation and applause.

Lopez was visibly emotional and cried following the vote.

The vote comes less than 24 hours after the City Council also voted unanimously to approve her to the position.

The votes come after calls from some that Lopez didn’t have the authority to enforce directed health measures because she was never duly appointed to her role.

The county health board is expected to vote to Lopez Tuesday evening.

This is a developing story, we will continue to provide updates as they become available.