COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Board of Education named Stephanie Siddens as the state’s new interim education superintendent on Monday.

Siddens is the senior executive director of the Ohio Department of Education’s Center for Student Supports.

The state board approved a resolution selecting Siddens for the role during a special meeting Monday that followed the resignation earlier in August of another official who was slated to fill the role.

In July, Ohio Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction John Richard was approved by the board to take over as the state’s interim superintendent in place of superintendent Paolo DeMaria, who is retiring. 

However, on Aug. 10, Richard announced that he will be resigning from the department, with plans to work for a nonprofit. His resignation created an opening that the board filled with Siddens’ appointment.

Following a five-year tenure as the state's top education official, DeMaria will retire on Sept. 24.

Siddens has worked for the Ohio Department of Education for 15 years. In prior positions, she held administrative roles for curriculum as well as early learning.

Before coming to Ohio, Siddens worked in Virginia school districts. She holds a philosophy doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Iowa.