There are eight members on the hospital board. They are appointed by the Haywood County commissioners and serve three-year terms. Board members can serve an unlimited number of terms, but must reapply for their seats. The terms expire in April.

The board elects a chairman from among its ranks. The chairman conducts the meetings, but only votes in the case of a tie.

This year, two seats are up: those held by Mike Ray and Steve Sorrells. Sorrells said he is not reapplying for his seat. Ray has not returned phone calls to say whether he is reapplying.

Anyone can apply by filling out an application between now and March 31. County commissioners hold 15-minute interviews with all applicants to make their selection. To get an application, call the county manager’s office at 828.452.6625.

Those who have already applied include:

• James Sizemore Jr. of Maggie Valley is retired from Merck and Co., the pharmaceutical company.

• Pamela Kearney of Waynesville is retired from the banking and cruise industries.

• Robert Sherman of Canton is retired but worked in hospital and Medicare finance.

• Gary Wooten lives in Canton and is currently employed at HRMC.

• Kathy Gross lives in Waynesville and was the human resources director for a hospital in Georgia.

• Guy Cromwell lives at Lake Junaluska and is a retired hospital CEO.

• Roger Dale Smith lives in Canton and is retired from BASF.

• Ken Stahl lives in Waynesville and is the owner of four franchise motels and is on the Haywood Tourism Development Authority.

• William Ashe lives in Waynesville and is president of Ashe Trucking and Grading.

• Dr. Mark Jaben lives in Waynesville and is an emergency room doctor.