Dane County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Corrigan confirmed biopharmaceutical sales representative Nikole Jones to the board Thursday.

Jones filled Abigail Wuest’s vacant seat, who recently moved out of District 28.

District 28 encompasses an area west of Middleton.

The full County Board approved Jones to start her duties as a supervisor Thursday, according to Supervisor Leland Pan, Disctrict 5.

The Board of Supervisors operates as the legislative branch of the county government, Pan said. He said the county funds important student programs such as the Rape Crisis Center and the Tenant Resource Center.

“The county government is the main provider of human services in Dane County,” Pan said.

He said students should be concerned with the board’s operations as they run the jail, where students may end up when they get too drunk.

There were five total applicants for the position. Jones was chosen due to her history of involvement in the community, Corrigan said.

Corrigan said she tried to choose the applicant whose policy positions were closest to Wuest’s positions in order to respect the voters in District 28.

“I hope that this will reflect the policy positions and values that Abigail had on the board,” Corrigan said. “It is important to recognize that there was an election and that we are replacing someone who voters chose.”

Corrigan emphasized the need for Jones to begin her duties as soon as possible since the board is currently working on the county budget. She stressed every district should have representation for this process.

Pan said the county works to combat racial disparities, such as those found within the criminal justice system. He said the county also works to protect the lake, an issue which they often work with student activists to address.

Jones currently works as a biopharmaceutical sales representative and has knowledge in the fields of business, marketing and management, according to a Dane County release.

“I feel really honored to be appointed to the County Board,” Jones said in the release. “Supervisor Wuest represented the interests of the district well, and I look forward to filling her shoes for the remainder of the term.”

This current term expires April 18, 2016. According to the release, Jones plans on running for a full term at that time.