COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) -- The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), the agency that oversees the state's Medicaid program, could soon have a new leader. Gov. Henry McMaster announced on Wednesday that Eunice Medina, 43, has been appointed as the agency's next director. She will succeed former Director Robert Kerr, who retired on Nov. 1 after two non-consecutive stints as director. Medina currently serves as the chief of staff and deputy director of programs for SCDHHS, roles she has held since June 2021. "The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has been a model of excellence under the direction of Robert Kerr, and there is nobody better positioned to build upon the agency's success than Eunice Medina," said Governor Henry McMaster. "With her expertise in Medicaid and proven leadership at the executive level of the agency, she will help lead a seamless transition. I am grateful for her willingness to serve in this critical role." Republicans flip seats to clinch supermajority in South Carolina Senate Before joining SCDHHS, Medina was the bureau chief with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, where she managed a team that oversaw 18 Medicaid-managed care contracts, among other responsibilities, according to her resume. "For the last 20 years, I have dedicated my career to Medicaid, and for three and a half of those years, I have had the pleasure to serve alongside Director Kerr, working closely with him to set a new strategic direction for the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services," Medina said. "I look forward to moving the agency forward and thank Governor McMaster for the faith he has shown in me. I look forward to earning this position through the confirmation process."  The governor's office said he was assisted in the selection process by state healthcare leaders and members of the General Assembly. "Eunice Medina knows SCDHHS, she cares about serving the citizens of our state and we are fortunate to have someone of her caliber willing to step up and be a part of Team South Carolina," state Senate President Thomas Alexander said. "She has a heart of service, of putting those citizens that need service first, while at the same time being a protector of taxpayer dollars here in South Carolina." Medina's appointment still has to be confirmed by the South Carolina Senate.