(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Monday, Dec. 30, Dr. Emily Russell-Kinsley was sworn in as El Paso County Coroner marking the official transition into the role after Dr. Leon Kelly's resignation. In October, Dr. Kelly announced he would resign in December, closing out nearly 17 years of service to the county. The Colorado constitution requires the El Paso County Board of Commissioners to fill the vacancy until the next general election. On Dec. 17, the Board chose Dr. Russell-Kinsley. Dr. Russell-Kinsley started her career as a medical examiner in 2012, and since 2018, she has served as the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for the El Paso County Coroner's Office. In 2019, she was appointed the Colorado Cold Case Task Force forensic pathology representative. She has been a Colorado Coroner's Association Board of Directors member since 2019, working to improve practices and policies in coroner's offices statewide. "I am deeply humbled and honored to take the oath as El Paso County Coroner," Dr. Russell-Kinsley said. "I take this responsibility seriously and am grateful for the trust placed in me. Having worked alongside such a dedicated team, I am fully committed to continuing the mission of this office. Together, we will ensure that our work remains focused on serving our community with the highest level of care, integrity, and professionalism."