Leslie Aitken was appointed as the interim director of the Clark County Health Department Thursday, in the wake of Scott Lockard’s retirement.

Aitken is the director of administrative services at the department, Lockard said, and will serve until the board hires a permanent director.

Lockard retired Friday after 12 years as public health director.

The decision was made during a special meeting of the health board Thursday evening.

The process to find a Lockard’s permanent replacement, though, will likely take several months.

Lockard said the board members will meet with representatives from the state Department of Public Health about the search process.

“They are going to move rapidly here,” Lockard said. “The typical process to get a director on board is three to six months. Sometimes it takes longer.”

Lockard said he wa confident the board will make a good choice.

“They’re going to do their due diligence and make sure a good decision is made,” he said.