Gov. Walker names Tom Engels interim health services secretary

MADISON — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has tapped Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Tom Engels to serve as interim secretary following the death of Secretary Kitty Rhoades this weekend.

Walker's office says Rhoades died Saturday in Madison after falling ill last week. She was 65.

Walker's office announced Monday that Engels would serve as the interim secretary until a replacement is found. He didn't include a timeline for that process.

Walker's office also says Kevin Moore will continue to serve as Wisconsin's Medicaid Director.

In a statement, Walker calls Rhoades "an important part of our administration and a close friend."