Former state Rep. Betsy Ritter, a Waterford Democrat who often advocated for the elderly during her five terms in the House, is set to become the next commissioner of the State Department on Aging.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Ritter’s nomination Wednesday at a state Capitol press conference in Hartford.

“As a lawmaker, Betsy directed many of her efforts to the areas of public health and human services, specifically focusing a great deal on bringing affordable health care to the uninsured and underinsured,” Malloy said. “Our state has a growing senior population, and it is our obligation to ensure that this community receives the support it needs to live with dignity, security and independence. I look forward to having Betsy serve in this capacity, and am confident that she will have an impact on our efforts to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations of older adults.”

Ritter’s appointment is subject to the approval of one chamber of the state legislature. The Malloy administration has yet to decide whether it will send her nomination to the House or the Senate, an administration spokesman said.

If approved, the 63-year-old Ritter would succeed former state Sen. Edith Prague, D-Columbia, who served as commissioner on aging from March 2013 until her retirement last June. Margaret Gerundo-Murkette has been serving as acting commissioner.

Ritter represented the 38th House District, which includes Waterford and part of Montville, for a decade before opting to run for the 20th Senate District seat relinquished by former state Sen. Andrea Stillman, also a Waterford Democrat. Ritter lost the Senate race to Republican Paul Formica, the former East Lyme first selectman.

“I am honored at the opportunity to serve the people of the state of Connecticut as commissioner of the Department on Aging,” Ritter said in a statement. “Our senior population is growing, and Governor Malloy has been a steadfast advocate for this agency and its mission. Now more than ever, it is important to understand and anticipate the growing needs of our seniors, and I am looking forward to continuing the work begun by Commissioner Prague to lead the agency.”

Prior to becoming a legislator, Ritter served in municipal government in Waterford and also worked for 10 years in hospital accounting and financial management.

The Department on Aging’s mission is to help older adults live full, independent lives and to provide leadership on aging issues on behalf of older adults, families, caregivers, and advocates.

Created in 2013, the department was formed through the consolidation of several related state offices, including the Department of Social Services’ State Unit on Aging and the Office of Long Term Care Ombudsman.

b.hallenbeck@theday.com

Twitter: @bjhallenbeck