Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Carol Gregory as state representative, Position 2, for the 30th Legislative District on Thursday.

The position was vacated after late Rep. Roger Freeman won the November election, despite passing away six days prior on Oct. 29, 2014 from colon cancer.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to represent the district,” Gregory said in an interview. “It’s kind of something I’ve prepared for for years. Because this is a session on education, and that’s my background, it’s very significant for me.”

Gregory has held several positions in education, including president of the Federal Way Public Schools board of education and director for the Northwest Area Foundation of Burst For Prosperity. She was also the King County executive’s education liaison from 1997-2005, she worked in the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and worked in the governor’s office for eight years.

“I have an understanding for the legislative process so I’m not going down cold,” she said. “But I will have a lot to learn.”

Gregory previously ran twice for the Legislature.

She will serve on the House of Representatives K-12 Education, Higher Education and State Government committees when the 2015 Legislative session convenes on Jan. 12. Gregory said she will still fulfill her board member duties until a superintendent is chosen.

“Carol has outstanding experience at both the state and local government levels, which makes her ready to hit the ground running for an important legislative session,” Inslee said in a news release. “I know she’s prepared to be engaged on the issues she cares about most — education, local government and human services.”

The governor was forced to make a decision on who would fill the spot after the Pierce County Council and King County Council could not agree on one of three appointees chosen by the 30th District Democrats in early December.

“It was stressful but it was a little more surreal because I’m the kind of person who likes to take charge and get things done,” Gregory said about waiting for the decision.

Gregory said while education is her main focus this session, she is interested in issues related to economic development and transportation.

District 30 covers parts of Federal Way, Milton, Algona and Pacific.

Having filled Freeman’s position, Gregory will need to run for election in November 2015 if she wants to maintain her seat. This year’s general election will be on Nov. 3.