By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A new commissioner was sworn into office during last week's Hays City Commission work session.

From among several applicants, Alaina Cunningham was unanimously appointed by the commission to fill the seat of Michael Berges, who was recently elected to the Ellis County Commission.

"I just want to say thank you for letting me join you, and I'm very excited to serve our community," Cunningham said after she was sworn into office by Brenda Kitchen, city clerk.&nbsp;

Cunningham, a registered nurse, has been a volunteer and officer with the Downtown Hays Development Corporation board of directors and is currently president of HaysMed Foundation board, according to her application letter. Cunningham serves as secretary of the USD 489 Hays Academic Booster Club and has been active in the O'Loughlin Elementary School PTA.

She will serve the remaining one year of Berges' unexpired term.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673365869569.jpeg" alt="New Hays City Commissioner Alaina Cunningham (right) is congratulated by City Clerk Brenda Kitchen after being sworn into office on January 5. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>New Hays City Commissioner Alaina Cunningham (right) is congratulated by City Clerk Brenda Kitchen after being sworn into office on January 5. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA new commissioner was sworn into office during last week's Hays City Commission work session.From among several applicants, Alaina Cunningham was unanimously appointed by the commission to fill the seat of Michael Berges, who was recently elected to the Ellis County Commission."I just want to say thank you for letting me join you, and I'm very excited to serve our community," Cunningham said after she was sworn into office by Brenda Kitchen, city clerk.&nbsp;Cunningham, a registered nurse, has been a volunteer and officer with the Downtown Hays Development Corporation board of directors and is currently president of HaysMed Foundation board, according to her application letter. Cunningham serves as secretary of the USD 489 Hays Academic Booster Club and has been active in the O'Loughlin Elementary School PTA.She will serve the remaining one year of Berges' unexpired term.&nbsp;

Cunningham sworn in as newest Hays city commissioner