Phoenix • The executive director of the Navajo Nation Department of Health has been named a member of President-elect Joe Biden’s COVID-19 advisory board.

Dr. Jill Jim was among the board members announced Saturday as part of Biden’s transition team preparing to implement the president-elect’s coronavirus containment plans, KPHO-TV reported.

Jim’s work has focused on preventing chronic diseases and addressing health care and health disparities involving Native Americans and Alaska Natives, a statement from the transition team said.

The Navajo Nation member served urban and tribal communities for 18 years in nonprofit, state and federal agencies.

She most recently served as a cabinet member in the administration of Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer.

“I look forward to working with fellow members of the advisory board to help prepare an urgent, robust, and professional response to the global public health crisis, for President-elect Biden to lead with on day one,” Jim said.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.