Karen Brown, long-time administrative secretary for the hospital, was unanimously appointed to serve on the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors during a special meeting Friday.
Brown shared her desire to see the hospital succeed. Questions were brought about being able to be a part of the board after being an observer for over 20 years as a secretary and attending meetings.
“I’ve seen lots of changes in my time here. We need to make changes to keep going,” she responded when questioned how she would navigate things that may be a new style of operating.
There were two candidates interviewed for the board position, Brown and Brian Reese. Reese drives a truck and his schedule was questioned by board members. He served in the military for six years and also as a substance abuse counselor.
The board discussed both candidates after brief interviews and voted to add Brown to the board.
The board thanked Reese for his interest in serving the hospital.
Brown will be sworn in during the March meeting. She is unable to attend the regular February board meeting due to prior commitments.
Judy Thompson recently resigned from the board after several decades of service. She announced her retirement in August but remained on the board through January. Her latest term began in April 2020. Terms are for six years.
Candidate requirements are to be citizens of the United States, voters of the district of which they are a candidate, reside within the state for one year preceding the election, and who are at least 30 years of age, according to the hospital’s website.
There are six districts within the hospital district and one director from each district serves a six-year term.
Those who wished to be considered by the board of directors filed a request for appointment.
