Whidbey General Hospital is searching for a new member to represent the South End on the hospital district’s board of commissioners.

Holly Schoenknecht, a hospital commissioner for nearly 15 years, is leaving. Her last meeting will be in September.

She said she’s moving within the next year to West Seattle, after 20 years in Langley, to be nearer her grandchildren.

“I leave having been a part of a wonderful team, and am very proud of our accomplishments in the surveillance and offering of excellent health care on Whidbey Island,” Schoenknecht said.

Schoenknecht has been a registered nurse for 26 years, with special interest in bioethics, hospice and home healthcare. She also is a member of the Community Health Advisory Board, and has been a longtime volunteer with the South Whidbey School District.

The soon-to-be-open seat covers all of the island south of Bush Point Road, not including the Bush Point precinct.

The remaining commissioners will choose a temporary replacement in the fall, with a permanent replacement elected in November to fill the balance of the term, said Dr. Roger Case, president of the hospital’s board of directors.

Case said the board is looking for applicants who are experienced in business and who can attend committee meetings during the day, along with the regularly scheduled board meetings at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Whidbey General Hospital.

Those interested may submit applications, including resume, to Board President, Whidbey General Hospital, 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239.

Case said applications will be accepted through August.