Jan Vassar is the first woman to serve on the Idaho Transportation Board since it was established in 1974, and also since its predecessor board, the Board of Highway Directors, was established in 1951, a distinction she called "pretty amazing." No women have previously served on either panel, according to ITD. Asked about his historic appointment of the first woman to the board, Gov. Butch Otter's press secretary, Jon Hanian, said, "The governor looked at it in terms of finding the best person for the job. ... He was interested in finding the best person, and he feels he has."

Vassar said, "In my position, I've been the first woman or the only woman oftentimes in the room, but I feel like I've been afforded respect and consideration for my viewpoints. I'm excited. I hope I can bring a little gender diversity."

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