Voters picked the lone incumbent running again and three new faces for Powell Hospital board in Tuesday’s general election. 

R.J. Kost, a former educator, was the top vote getter, earning a fourth term with 2,244 votes. He will be joined by Scott McKenzie (2,109), Joni Bennett (1,757) and Michele Hill (1,518).

“Our hospital is an extremely important part of our community and I’m honored people want me to represent them,” he said. “I’m excited to be able to serve more. It’s quite an honor.”

McKenzie, longtime high school athletic director, said he plans to start his term simply by learning what all the board does for the medical staff and community.

“I’m very honored, very appreciative to be able to give back to our community,” he said. “A big thank you for the support and I look forward to the new task at hand. I look forward to representing everyone in the medical profession and in the community.”

Bennett, a former hospital staff member who also ran for school board but finished behind the leaders in that race, said her election to the hospital board was a sign from the voters. 

“It means that they’re ready for a change, they’re over some of the stuff that’s going on there,” she said. “I’m excited, I’ve had quite a few people texting me to say they voted for me.”

Michele Hill, a former school administrator and a small business owner, was likewise excited. 

“I was quite surprised. I’m pretty excited for this new adventure,” she said. “It’ll be a fun, exciting, new thing I get to do. I’m just excited to offer what I can, be part of a good board.”

Karen Elton finished fifth in the voting with 1,481 votes, followed by Tracy Morris (1,456) and Melinda Shopa (919). 

Christopher Cox will be able to serve the final two years of a separate unexpired term where he had already been serving after being appointed as no one else contested the race.