Former Grays Harbor County Auditor Chris Thomas has been appointed to a vacant seat on the commission for Grays Harbor Public Hospital District 2, which operates Community Hospital.

Thomas fills the spot vacated by Maryann Welch when she retired from the board recently. Thomas was appointed to the county auditor’s spot when Vern Spatz retired. He lost a race last fall to retain the spot. He will have to run this fall to retain Welch’s spot. Candidate filing starts next month.

Thomas was among five candidates who were interviewed by the hospital board Thursday. After a 30-minute executive session, they decided on Thomas, who has a background in public administration and government.

The other four candidates were: J. Scott Dilley, Dale Hensley, Charles Reibel and Dan Wood.

The candidates provided 15-minute presentations based on questions and topics the board provided in advance.

“The Board was thrilled with the response to this vacancy and very pleased with the quality of applicants,” said Michael Bruce, board president. “We look forward to working with Chris and are grateful for his ability to serve and the many talents he brings to the board.”

Thomas will be sworn in Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Conference Room C at the regular board meeting.

There are five commission positions up for election in November.