PRESIDENT — Emily Byers, center, stood with members of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors during her second day as the chamber’s president. Joining her were Toni Moreland, left, ex officio board chair, and Melanie Dragoun, board chair. -- Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — A local marketing representative is stepping in as the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s new president, and she’s rife with ideas and hopes for the future.

Emily Byers of Wintersville started in her new position Wednesday, after gaining approval from the chamber’s board of directors. She follows three-year chamber president Kate Sedgmer, who departed Jan. 17 to become the director of marketing and communications for the Harrison Hills City School District.

“It’s a true honor to be in this position, especially to work with our board and foster growth among our members, among our community,” Byers said Thursday, adding, “Our membership is so strong. Everyone on our leadership team seems to be all hands on deck.”

Byers, formerly an outside marketing representative and community liaison for Apollo Pro Cleaning and Restoration, said she brings a track record of leadership experience and community volunteerism to the table.

Over the years, Byers has been involved in numerous chambers, boards and committees, including the Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce, formerly the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce; Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Champions; Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Special Projects and Membership committees; Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce golf scramble committee; Hancock and Brooke Young Professionals board and Programming Committee; Jefferson County Young Professionals; and the Kiwanis Clubs in Steubenville and Wellsburg.

“We did have multiple applicants who had applied,” said Melanie Dragoun, chamber board chair. “Emily, we felt, was the best one suited for the job, with her experience with the other nonprofits and the other chambers. She came into the interview process with a bunch of ideas for the chamber to move forward — different workshops, different programs and everything for us to look at and see what we can do to grow the membership.”

Ex officio board chair Toni Moreland added, “I think the full board is excited for the change and moving forward into the next generation of leaders.”

Byers said the chamber has been welcoming, and it’s affirming to know she has “a lot of support here” as she leads the organization into the future.

“I look forward definitely to welcoming new businesses and new members to the chamber,” Byers said. “I hope to offer some new innovative ideas and some great networking events and opportunities, and to really expand the benefits here that we offer to our membership.”

Before relocating to Wintersville, Byers lived in Follansbee for a time. She was born in Steubenville and grew up in Mingo Junction.

The 2016 Steubenville Catholic Central High School graduate studied at Kent State University and Eastern Gateway Community College. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business at Franciscan University of Steubenville, beginning in the summer.

Byers spent nearly the last three years working for Apollo. Before that, she worked for Economy Lawn Care in an office management capacity.

Almost all of Byers’ family resides in the Ohio Valley. A parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Church in Wintersville, Byers has a 6-year-old son who attends Wells Academy and is active in athletics, playing basketball and flag football through Steubenville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center and baseball through the Steubenville Baseball Association.

“For a little guy, he’s keeping me going,” Byers said.