As autumn approaches, major changes await Powell Valley Healthcare.In the coming months, the organization must replace its chief executive officer as well as its chief financial officer. In addition, five seats of seven on the Powell Hospital District Board of Trustees are up for election in November.This week has served as a telling indicator of the changes that are to come. On Monday night, it was announced that Steve Ramsey, chief financial officer, will retire after 25-plus years in the position. On Tuesday night, the community gathered to bid farewell to Rod Barton, chief executive officer, who is leaving PVHC early next month to take a position in Idaho.Barton has said the timing of his resignation and Ramsey's retirement is coincidental.Also on Monday, the filing period for election to seats on the board closed. One candidate, Larry Parker, filed for a two-year term. Only three other candidates filed for the other four, four-year seats — meaning the fourth seat hinges on a successful write-in campaign or a board appointment following November's general election.With only three candidates running for four seats, it appears that those who filed by Monday will be elected to the board automatically. Yet come November, voters still need to carefully consider each candidate's experience and qualifications before aimlessly casting a vote.Those who serve on the hospital board must be ready to help steer the organization through difficult financial, administrative and personnel decisions.We encourage qualified individuals with the desire to serve the hospital and community to consider running as write-in candidates.Amid impending turnover and changes, strong leadership for Powell Valley Healthcare's future is vital.

As autumn approaches, major changes await Powell Valley Healthcare.

In the coming months, the organization must replace its chief executive officer as well as its chief financial officer. In addition, five seats of seven on the Powell Hospital District Board of Trustees are up for election in November.

This week has served as a telling indicator of the changes that are to come.

On Monday night, it was announced that Steve Ramsey, chief financial officer, will retire after 25-plus years in the position. On Tuesday night, the community gathered to bid farewell to Rod Barton, chief executive officer, who is leaving PVHC early next month to take a position in Idaho.

Barton has said the timing of his resignation and Ramsey's retirement is coincidental.

Also on Monday, the filing period for election to seats on the board closed. One candidate, Larry Parker, filed for a two-year term. Only three other candidates filed for the other four, four-year seats — meaning the fourth seat hinges on a successful write-in campaign or a board appointment following November's general election.

With only three candidates running for four seats, it appears that those who filed by Monday will be elected to the board automatically. Yet come November, voters still need to carefully consider each candidate's experience and qualifications before aimlessly casting a vote.

Those who serve on the hospital board must be ready to help steer the organization through difficult financial, administrative and personnel decisions.

We encourage qualified individuals with the desire to serve the hospital and community to consider running as write-in candidates.

Amid impending turnover and changes, strong leadership for Powell Valley Healthcare's future is vital.