After a nearly year long search, the Lake County Board of Supervisors has voted unanimously to hire a new public health officer. The board in a closed session voted to approve Dr. Erik McLaughlin to the post. McLaughlin, who currently lives in Las Vegas, will serve at 80% time and his hiring is dependent on his receiving state Medical Board Licensure. There has not been a specific date for his employment to start as of yet. The county has been seeking a new public health officer since Dr. Gary Pace stepped down a year ago.