When Larry Payne was elected Athens County Commissioner, a search began to fill his position at the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and ended with Wendy Jakmas.
On Dec. 12, Athens resident Jakmas was selected as the new president of the chamber.
Jakmas worked at the chamber as an office manager and a projects manager from 2000 to 2003 before taking a position with Personnel Plus - an affiliate of ATCO - which helps people with disabilities find jobs, Payne said.
Her previous work with the chamber and her experiences working in job development made her a unanimous choice for the job, Payne said.
Jakmas, who began working at the chamber on Dec. 30, said she is honored to be taking Payne's position.
In December, the chamber of commerce split into two separate entities, an Economic Development Council at the Innovation Center and the Chamber of Commerce, 449 E. State St. Because of the split, Payne's former position - membership services coordinator - was changed to president.
As president of the chamber, Jakmas said she will be an advocate for local businesses and help provide chamber members with services.
Jakmas said she hopes to supplement the chambers two big annual fundraisers, a golf outing and an auction, with several smaller fundraisers. She also plans to visit all the local businesses that are members of the chamber so she can assess their needs.
Payne, who began his commissioner duties last week, said he will miss working at the chamber, but plans to continue working to bring jobs and businesses to Athens County.
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Anna Sudar
