Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Honors Kathy Wagner’s 27 Years of Service and Announces Marla Ferree as Interim President
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on October 02, 2026
T
The Harrison County Chamber of Commerce today announced a leadership transition as Kathy Wagner concludes her tenure as President following 27 years of dedicated service to the Chamber and the Harrison County business community. Marla Ferree, the Chamber’s Marketing Director for the past four years, has been named Interim President.
The transition marks both the close of an important chapter in the Chamber’s history and the beginning of a new one. As leadership changes, the Chamber remains firmly focused on its mission: supporting and connecting local businesses, strengthening regional partnerships, advocating for a strong business climate, and creating opportunities that help Harrison County grow.
For nearly three decades, Wagner has been closely connected to the growth and evolution of the Chamber. During her tenure, she worked alongside businesses of every size, community organizations, elected officials, economic development leaders, and countless volunteers to advance the interests of Harrison County and North Central West Virginia.
Her leadership helped strengthen relationships throughout the region while ensuring the Chamber remained an active advocate for its members and the broader business community. Over 27 years of service, Wagner became a familiar and respected presence throughout Harrison County, representing the Chamber at community events, business celebrations, legislative discussions, economic development initiatives, and countless meetings and partnerships.
“Kathy has given an extraordinary amount of her professional life to the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce and to the businesses and people it represents,” said Amy Haberbosch Wilson, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “Twenty-seven years of service is a remarkable legacy. The relationships she has built and the commitment she has shown to this organization have made a lasting impact. On behalf of our Board of Directors and Chamber membership, we thank Kathy for everything she has contributed and wish her the very best as she begins her next chapter.”
While this transition closes a significant chapter, the Chamber is also looking ahead with confidence and purpose. The Board of Directors will oversee the leadership transition while continuing to evaluate the organization’s long-term needs and opportunities. Throughout that process, the Chamber will continue its member services, networking opportunities, community partnerships, business advocacy efforts, and programs designed to strengthen Harrison County’s economic environment.
“Our responsibility during any transition is to remain focused on the mission of the Chamber and the businesses we serve,” Wilson said. “The Chamber is bigger than any one individual or moment in time. We have an engaged Board of Directors, committed members, strong community partners, and an important role to play in Harrison County’s future. We will be thoughtful about this transition while continuing to move the organization forward.”
Providing continuity during the leadership transition will be Marla Ferree, who has been named Interim President. Ferree has served as the Chamber’s Marketing Director for the past five years and brings a strong understanding of its members, programs, and community partnerships to the role. Prior to joining the Chamber, she spent 24 years in banking and was recognized as the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year in 2018.
Ferree is also an active community leader whose service throughout Harrison County reflects the collaborative approach she brings to the Chamber. Her experience with the organization and established relationships across the community will provide continuity as the Board guides the Chamber into its next chapter.
The Chamber’s leadership transition comes at a time when collaboration, entrepreneurship, business advocacy, and regional partnerships remain central to Harrison County’s continued growth. The Board intends to use this moment not simply as a change in leadership, but as an opportunity to build upon the Chamber’s history while thoughtfully considering how the organization can best serve its members and community in the years ahead.
The Harrison County Chamber of Commerce will share additional information regarding its leadership and future initiatives as plans develop. For the Chamber, this moment represents both gratitude and opportunity: gratitude for Wagner’s 27 years of leadership and service, and an opportunity to thoughtfully prepare for the organization’s next chapter.
The Chamber moves forward with the same fundamental purpose that has guided its work for generations — bringing businesses and community leaders together to strengthen Harrison County.
About the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce
The Harrison County Chamber of Commerce supports, promotes, connects, and advocates for businesses throughout Harrison County and North Central West Virginia. Through business advocacy, leadership, networking, collaboration, professional development, and community engagement, the Chamber works to create opportunities for its members and foster a strong and competitive business climate throughout the region.
The Chamber serves as a convener for businesses, community organizations, government leaders, and regional partners, building relationships and encouraging collaboration that contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life of Harrison County.
.jpg)
