The Clark County School Board of Trustees selected its newest member — 66-year-old Linda Cavazos — on Thursday, heeding some calls for a more diverse governing body that oversees the nation’s fifth-largest school district.

The board whittled down a field of 10 candidates and voted unanimously to appoint Cavazos, a former teacher who’s now a part-time family therapist, to represent District G. The vote followed a morning of interviews during a public meeting.

Cavazos replaces Erin Cranor, who resigned as a trustee to pursue a law degree at Brigham Young University. Cranor’s last day was Wednesday.

“I feel extremely honored, especially to try to fill the huge shoes of my district (representative), Erin Cranor,” Cavazos said. “ … I look forward to being able to kind of carry on her legacy of being such a hands-on trustee.”

Cavazos said her first order of business will be visiting schools in her district, which covers the eastern valley and parts of Henderson. She vowed to be an accessible trustee who will return every call, text message and email.

“I’m a little bit OCD about getting back to people,” she said.

Several people vouched for Cavazos before the interviews even began, describing her as an inspirational person who can apply a critical eye to situations. Cavazos taught at Basic High School for 15 years before launching her family-therapy business.

She has three grandchildren who attend public schools in Clark County, including two who live in District G.

“She is not only a team player, but she is a team builder,” said Marla Turner, president of Emerge Nevada, an organization that trains women to run for office.

Cavazos, who participated in the training program, said she plans to seek election. Her appointment runs through December 2018, when Cranor’s term would have ended.

The board received strong encouragement from some members of the community to fill the unexpected vacancy with a hispanic person to better reflect the school district’s demographics. Plus, schools in District G serve a large number of students learning English.

Board members acknowledged the diversity concerns but also said they were seeking the most qualified candidate for the job, regardless of race or ethnicity. They ultimately concluded that person was Cavazos.

“Other opportunities we’ve had to appoint trustees, we’ve really tried to make sure that’s reflective of the community,” Board President Deanna Wright said. “This appointment is the same. We need someone who will be able to connect maybe with some of those parents and groups we haven’t been able to connect with, and she will be an asset to the board.”

Prior to the vote, Wright also pressed upon candidates the enormity of the time commitment, which involves multiple — and sometimes hours-long — meetings per week. Trustees receive $750 per month in compensation.

“This is significant — a significant, significant time commitment,” Wright told them. “I just want to make sure you’re aware of that.”

Thirteen people originally applied for the vacant seat, but three dropped out before the selection meeting. Adam London, a Las Vegas entertainer, withdrew Thursday midway through the interview process, noting the qualified pool of candidates vying for the opportunity.

“I am happy to be working on the local level with schools,” he said, referring to his participation on a school organizational team. “That is where I feel like I am making a difference right now.”

Cavazos’ appointment was effective immediately. The board swore her in at the end of the meeting.