Teri Smith was appointed Monday as Douglas County emergency management director.

Smith has acted as the interim director since Paula Phillips resigned from the position in February. Phillips had held the director’s job for 18 years.

Douglas County Administrator Craig Weinaug made the announcement Monday.

He said the county had advertised for the position and received applications from throughout the country.

“We’ve reached the consensus that she is the best person for the job,” Weinaug said and noted he was pleased with her handling of two tornado warnings this summer and spring.

Smith has worked with the department since 1995.