ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s governor has appointed a new head of the Governor’s Office for Children.

Gov. Martin O’Malley announced the appointment of Anne Sheridan on Friday. She will lead the office tasked with promoting youth health and wellness and helping to end childhood hunger in Maryland.

Sheridan spent the last three years directing Share Our Strength’s “No Kid Hungry” campaign in Maryland. She previously worked as a community relations director for Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. and served on Sen. John Kerry’s campaign for president in 2004.

Sheridan received her bachelor’s degree in economics and government from Simmons College in Boston. She is also a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

Sheridan replaces Rosemary King Johnston, who left the position in June.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)