Eric Allyn has been elected as chairman of the board of directors for Auburn Memorial Hospital, taking over for David Smith, who is leaving the Auburn area.

Allyn, who had been the board's vice chairman, is presently the Vice President, Specialty Markets and Japan, for Welch Allyn and a member of the company's Executive Committee and sits on the Board of Directors of the Allyn Foundation. He was a founding member of Auburn Hospital System Foundation, Inc., serving from 2001 to 2006, has been a member of the hospital's board since January, 2007.

Allyn's grandfather, William G. Allyn, served as president of the AMH Board from 1961 to 1964, and his father, William F. Allyn, served in the same position from 1986 to 1988.

"Eric has always gone far above and beyond the call of duty for the hospital and the community," said AMH CEO Scott Berlucchi in a news release. "His vision and experience come to the hospital at the right time."

Robert K. Bergan, was elected as vice chairman of the board. Bergan was first elected to the board in 2004 and served as Chairman for the years 2006 and 2007. He is an attorney with Boyle & Anderson in Auburn.

Newly elected to the board was William L. Dorr, LL.B., retired Senior Vice President and Corporate General Counsel of Excellus, Inc., predecessor to The Lifetime Healthcare Companies.