By Kathryn Reed

Former South Lake Tahoe City Councilwoman Kathay Lovell has been appointed to a four-year term on the state Board of Occupational Therapy.

“Being on the recipient end of occupational therapy I might have something different to offer than those in the industry,” Lovell told Lake Tahoe News.

Kathay Lovell

The seven-member board is required to meet twice a year, though in 2011 there are four scheduled meetings – two in Los Angeles, one in Sacramento, and one in San Francisco.

Lovell has begun her homework by going through past meeting minutes. She will be sworn in either Jan. 1 or Jan. 2.

“It’s an opportunity for me to learn something new. They wanted someone with extensive board experience. It was quite an honor to be asked and an ordeal to go through the process,” Lovell said.

When the governor’s office first contacted her in September it was for a possible appointment to the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. However, based on her husband working for El Dorado County, she had to pass up that opportunity.

Lovell wanted to be part of a board she had an interest in. This isn’t about money. She can be reimbursed up to $100 for travel expenses; otherwise there is no money involved.

Before being given the job the state reviewed her credit, she had two interviews, submitted a resume, filled out “a really extensive, I mean extensive history,” and finished with a follow up phone call for more background information.