Gov. Chris Gregoire recently appointed a Port of Kalama administrator as the newest trustee for Lower Columbia College.

Mindi Linquist, public affairs manager for the port, will fill a five-year term formerly held by Kelso resident Lyle Lovingfoss.

Lovingfoss served 10 years on the board. The governor typically replaces trustees who have served two terms, LCC spokeswoman Sue Groth said.

Linquist, 34, a Castle Rock resident, said she’s eager to serve LCC.

“Economic development is a huge interest to me, and I know LCC plays a huge role in economic development and making our community a better place,” she said.

Linquist grew up in Wahkiakum County. She graduated from Naselle High School and attended Olympic Community College. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management at Washington State University in Vancouver.

Prior to joining the port in 2008, Linquist worked for 10 years as the Southwest Washington district director for U. S. Sen. Patty Murray. She currently serves on the Board of Community Home Health and Hospice and on the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council.