Massachusetts has named a long-time health administrator to lead the state's promising medical marijuana program, which later this month will grant licenses to 35 open dispensaries from a pool of 100 applicants, Boston.com reported.

Karen van Unen was named executive director of the program on Monday by the state's Department of Public Health. She has been a chief operating officer and program director at a number of non-profit organizations in Boston. During the launch of the medial marijuana program, she also served as a consultant to Massachusetts officials.

Van Unen will oversee "all aspects of the medical marijuana program," the Boston.com reported.

"Her management expertise in public health and commitment to safety and patient access will successfully guide the implementation of the Commonwealth's medical marijuana program," Cheryl Bartlett, state public health commissioner, said in a statement.

In addition to awarding marijuana dispensary licenses, Van Unen will also have oversight over inspection of dispensaries and the creation of a database listing people authorized to get medical marijuana. The database is expected to be created later this year.

Van Unen previously served as chief operating officer for eight years of DotWell, a Dorchester public health nonprofit agency. She is a board member and past president of the Massachusetts Public Health Association.

"It will not be an easy job, but we are confident that Karen has the skills to run a highly professional program that balances access for patients with serious health conditions with concerns about diversion, especially to youth," Rebekah Gewirtz, the executive director of the Massachusetts Public Health Association, said in a statement.

The health department is scheduled to announce its decision Jan. 30 on the awarding of the first 35 marijuana dispensary licenses.