The Lansing Community College Board of Trustees selected Marylou Olivarez Mason on Friday to fill a vacancy left by C. David Patterson.

Mason won with a 4-2 vote against Chris Laverty and her term will run through June 30.

"I'm very excited that she is coming to the board with huge energy and coordination," Trustee Todd Heywood said.

Mason is chairwoman of the Cristo Rey Community Center and executive director of the Michigan Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs. She also serves on other boards of community organizations.

Mason will be sworn into office during a special board meeting at 5 p.m. on Feb. 4.