For his years of service, Roger Case received a standing ovation June 10 during a Whidbey General Hospital board meeting.

But his resignation leaves hospital officials with a problem. They’re having to scramble to find a replacement.

The long-time hospital commissioner resigned six months short of completing his third term in office. After advertising the position, and after the Island County Auditor’s Office held two filing periods, zero candidates have emerged for the position.

Trish Rose, spokeswoman for Whidbey General Hospital, said one person expressed interest in Case’s seat. After closer examination of the person’s residence, however, it turned out she lived yards outside of the district.

“We’re back to square one,” Rose said.

Case’s term as District No. 4 commissioner expires at the end of the year. He announced his resignation in April.

District No. 4 covers the Seaplane Base south of Crescent Harbor Drive, the State Highway 20 corridor through Oak Harbor and the east side of Oak Harbor, according to the Whidbey General Hospital website.

Filing Week took place in mid-May and a special filing period was held in early June to provide people a chance to file for any remaining vacant seats.

Coupeville School Board had one vacancy after Filing Week. Vanessa Matros filed to fill the seat being vacated by Jeff Tasoff.

Rose said Whidbey General Hospital will continue to advertise the vacancy on the hospital board.

Hospital commissioners have 90 days to find and appoint a candidate to replace Case.

Whoever is appointed will have to run for the seat during the November 2015 general election.