I ask because the ex second oboist before Emily Beare joined was Rich Johnson who was cincinnati oboe for 54 years (10 as associate, 30 as principal, and 14 as 2nd oboe)

Is Steve Paulson one of those finalists? I think he's probably had enough and principal bassoon is EXTREMELY stressful

That's impossible!!!!! I thought he would stay on Contrabassoon and bassoon and one of those days eventually retire as bassoon and contrabassoon