Kim Tedford to retire, Shanna Wilbanks named new director at health department - WBBJ-TV

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JACKSON, Tenn. – Kim Tedford will be retiring from her role as Regional Director of the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department on April 4, 2025.
Shanna Wilbanks, current Regional Epidemiologist and Communicable and Environmental Disease Services Director with the Health Department, has been appointed as her replacement.

Tedford’s career at the Health Department has spanned 32 years. During that time, she has held multiple roles, including public health nurse, nursing director and Emergency Response Medical Task Force leader. She assumed the role of Regional Director in 2015.
Tedford was at the helm of the Health Department during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She had the responsibility of overseeing the response and communicating every aspect of the disease’s progress and its impact on the community. Her leadership and poise during this time of crisis earned her widespread respect. In 2022 she was named Woman of the Year by the Jackson Rotary Club.
“I am honored to have led this department over the past decade and grateful for the experiences I’ve had throughout my career,” Tedford said. “I am very proud of our employees and the work we have done to protect the health of this community. I will continue to be a devoted supporter of public health during retirement.”
“Kim Tedford’s leadership has left a lasting impact on our community, especially during some of the most challenging times in public health. Her dedication and steady hand have ensured the well-being of so many in Madison County, and we are deeply grateful for her service,” said Madison County Mayor A. J. Massey.
“We are also excited to welcome Shanna Wilbanks into this new role,” he added. “Her expertise and commitment to public health make her the perfect choice to lead the department into the future.”
Shanna Wilbanks brings 22 years of diverse public health experience to her new role as Regional Director. As a former WIC nutritionist and health educator, she has worked directly with many members of the Madison County community to teach behaviors that promote good health and wellness. She has also served as Volunteer Coordinator for the Medical Reserve Corp — a national network of medical volunteers who support public health activities in times of emergency response and recovery — and played a pivotal role in Covid19 response.
In her most recent position, Wilbanks leads a team responsible for tracking the spread of diseases and making sure our community is ready for disease emergencies.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as the next Regional Director and would like to
thank Kim for her steady guidance and leadership,” Wilbanks said. “Our department has a strong foundation built on service and commitment to community health. I’m looking forward to building an even stronger future alongside a very talented team.” “I am confident the Health Department will be in great hands with Shanna,” Tedford said.
“She exemplifies the ‘servant leader’ mindset, and will bring a unique skillset and deep passion for public health to further advance our mission of protecting and improving the health of our community.”
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