Halfway through her third term, a Whidbey General Hospital District commissioner is moving on.
Holly Schoenknecht announced her resignation after serving 15 years on the hospital board. She represents Hospital District 1, which generally covers Whidbey Island south of Bush Point Road.
“We’re retiring and moving to West Seattle eventually,” Schoenknect said. She said she is moving off the island because it provides easier access to her grandchildren. She has three grandchildren; one lives in Maple Valley, one in Ocean Beach and another in San Diego. Living in West Seattle will provide easier access to the airport.
Halfway through her third six-year term, she is proud of several accomplishments the hospital has made during her years on the board. Most notable is opening clinics for low-income families on North and South Whidbey Island. She is also proud of the “Patients First” philosophy adopted by the hospital several years ago.
“Holly has been a great board member,” hospital CEO Scott Rhine said, adding that her medical background was an asset to the board. Prior to moving to Whidbey Island, Schoenknecht enjoyed a career as a nurse and administrator at Northwest Hospital in Seattle.
She said that she will probably serve on the board until its September meeting, scheduled to take place the second Monday.
Hospital officials are busy working to find someone to fill Schoenknecht’s position, which is scheduled to expire at the end of 2011.
The other members of the Whidbey General Hospital Board of Commissioners are Kristy Miller, Paul Zaveruha, Roger Case and Ron Wallin. They earn a $90 a day stipend whenever they conduct hospital business.
The person appointed to fill the vacancy would run for election in November 2009 to fill out the last two years remaining on the term. Schoenknecht’s replacement won’t be named in time to appear on the November 2008 ballot.
People who live in the district and are interested in the position can apply by mail to Board President, Whidbey General Hospital, 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239. Please include a resume. Applications will be accepted through August.
