COEUR d'ALENE - Lake City Development Corp. has its newest member.

The city's urban renewal agency selected Justin Druffel, 34, Wednesday to fill the vacated board seat, citing his experience as a businessman and urban land planner as a perfect fit for the agency.

"The committee certainly had some good choices," said Rod Colwell, LCDC member, of the eight applicants from which Druffel was selected. "We had a good slate of candidates."

The interim spot will fill the remainder of former member Charlie Nipp's term.

Nipp stepped away from the board last year. The term is set to expire in early August, after which the mayor will appoint a full-time replacement, voted upon by the Coeur d'Alene City Council.

Druffel has 13 years of experience managing multi-million dollar business contracts for domestic and international projects through Preco Electronics, Inc., and Caterpillar, Inc., where he works as an industry representative for building and construction products for the international company, according to his work history biography.

He also formed his own consulting company, JD Lakeshore LLC, which he operates in Coeur d'Alene.

He's vice chair of the state's Urban Land Institute regional outreach committee, a nonprofit research and education organization for responsible use of land development.

He said after his appointment the experience he gained working with the ULI will make him a good fit for the urban renewal agency, which concentrates on spurring economic development.

"The opportunity presented itself and it seemed like the right thing to do," he said, adding it allowed him to apply his business and development skills "in a way that I can give back and assist my community."

Druffel graduated from the University of Idaho with a major in agriculture systems management and a minor in business.

"We felt very comfortable that Justin provided us with a variety of experience that we really need," said Deanna Goodlander, LCDC member. "He'll be a great addition to this board."