Topeka ? Kansas Secretary of Aging Pamela Johnson-Betts has announced her retirement.

Johnson-Betts served as secretary since February 2003 and held jobs in various other agencies before that, spanning a 30-year career in state government.

“She helped make our state a better place for Kansas families, representing their best interests,” Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said Tuesday.

Sebelius named Kathy Greenlee of Lawrence, a longtime aide, as the acting secretary. Greenlee had served as assistant secretary of aging prior to being appointed long-term care ombudsman in 2004.

“Kathy’s years of work on behalf of consumers and experience with senior issues will be essential as she steps into this role,” Sebelius said.