A year ago, Pennsylvanians for Fair Representation was formed because a variety of groups were unhappy that state officials had appointed five older white men to Pittsburgh's financial oversight board.

The nonpartisan organization rallied around the need for fair representation on all public boards and lobbied in a number of areas, including meeting with all candidates for mayor of Pittsburgh.

Now, members find themselves back where they started. The organization will hold a news conference at city hall today to call for a woman to be appointed to the five-member body, known officially as the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, or ICA.

Since the ICA was formed a year ago, two members have left. They were replaced by former county Councilman James Simms, a black man, and J. Matthew Simon, a white college professor and former college president.

Heather Arnet, executive director of the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania which sponsors the organization, said yesterday it is "frustrating and troubling" that no women have been appointed after the furor over appointments last year.

"Each time so far a man has been appointed," Arnet said. "It is in some ways absolutely remarkable: Here we are a year later and we're right back here again."

The organization has been meeting with state officials recently because another appointment will be made soon to replace Jim Roddey, former county chief executive who has said he will resign as soon as a replacement is named.

Roddey said yesterday he supports the group's efforts and his recommendation for a replacement is Doris Carson Williams, head of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Pennsylvania.

"I think there should be a woman on the ICA. Women should be represented on any public board," Roddey said.

Roddey's replacement will be named by Senate President Pro Tem Robert Jubelirer, R-Altoona, with strong input from state Sens. Jane Orie, R-McCandless, and John Pippy, R-Moon. Pippy said he's not sure how quickly an appointment will be made, but women are under consideration for the seat.

"I think there's a strong likelihood a woman will be appointed -- first and foremost because she's qualified and also to add some diversity to the board," Pippy said.

David Atkinson, an aide to Jubelirer, said "chances are pretty good" the appointee will be a woman.

More than 40 groups, including equal rights organizations, good government groups and elected officials, participate in Pennsylvanians for Fair Representation.