April Schmaltz has been named CEO and president of Delta Dental of Iowa, the company announced. The announcement comes after the completion of a national search.

Schmaltz replaces Jeff Russell, who left the company in May to become president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. Schmaltz was Delta Dental of Iowa’s interim co-CEO and senior vice president of sales and marketing during the national search for a new CEO and president.

“April’s strong track record of providing strategic leadership, along with her experience in the health care and financial services industries made her the unanimous choice of the board,” Rowena Crosbie, chair of Delta Dental of Iowa’s board, said in a prepared statement. Schmaltz’s “background provides a unique perspective of understanding the needs of members, providers, brokers and employers.”

Schmaltz has worked at Delta Dental of Iowa since 2014, leading sales, marketing and product development. She has more than 25 years of experience in executive leadership, strategy and new business growth. Schmaltz has a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University and a master’s of business administration from Iowa State University.