At a special called meeting Thursday, the Bainbridge Hospital Authority selected Donald Barber of Barber Fertilizer to replace one of their longest serving members, Joe Livingston.

Barber was included on the second slate of candidates chosen and submitted by the Decatur County Board of Commissioners at their meeting Tuesday. The Hospital Authority rejected the first slate of candidates, which included Sufronia Clark, Decatur County Commissioner Pete Stephens and Decatur County Commissioner Russell Smith.

The other names on the second slate were Billy Poppell and Calvine Rollins.

“All I can say is I am just looking forward to serving and helping and learning what they do, and trying to improve if I can help them,” Barber said.

Last Tuesday, the Hospital Authority selected Decatur County Commissioner Rusty Davis from a list of names that included him, interim county administrator Perry Henry and Decatur County accounting manager Michelle West to replace long-time member Johnny Grimsley.

Both Grimsely and Livingston have served on the Hospital Authority for 20 years.

Davis said he was looking forward to serving on the authority and learning about the hospital’s operations.

“Hopefully (we will) try to solve some of the issues they have,” Davis said. “I just feel like it’s quite a challenge. That’s a pretty big operation.”

Davis began as a county commissioner in January and operates Davis Farms with his brother, Jerry. He also serves as vice president of Sowega Cotton, Inc., and is a member of the Decatur County Farm Bureau.

“We are glad to have them onboard in time for our annual planning retreat,” Hospital Authority Chairwoman Glennie Bench said about Barber and Davis. “It will be a good opportunity for them to get their feet wet, so to speak, on the operations of the hospital and some of the goals and objectives we have going forward.”

Bench said she would be remiss if she did not commend the loyal, dedicated service both men have given to the Hospital Authority and the community.

“Their experience and long-serving attitude are going to be missed,” Bench said,” although I’m sure Donald and Rusty will do a good job. We look forward to serving with them going forward.”