By T.J. Hug
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Montpelier Chamber of Commerce has found its new Executive Director.
“We are pleased to announce that Susan Gearhart has accepted the position as the Executive Director for the Montpelier Chamber of Commerce.” An announcement from the Chamber stated.
Gearhart was chosen from three finalists, after a committee put together by the Chamber sifted through several resumes. The question of why she stood out among the rest would be a logical one.
“She brings with her many years of administrative experience…” The announcement continues.
This is most certainly true. After a nineteen year stint as the Fiscal Officer of the Williams County Health Department, where she also worked with the WIC Program, Gearhart took a break from the working world to enjoy being a grandmother. She eventually jumped back into the workforce, however, accepting a job at Bell Engineering Limited, which she held for seven years. The time then came to leave Bell, as Gearhart decided to run the books for her husband, Dale’s business, Gearhart Construction, which she recently finished doing aftr nine years on the job.
Already with a full and accomplished career behind her, what was it that motivated Gearhart to take the Executive Director’s position?
“I needed a challenge.”
And with a challenge comes a reward. In this case, the job itself gives Gearhart something few other jobs could; a say in how Montpelier’s downtown will be shaped.
“I’d love to be a part of those decisions.” She said.
This also played a part in her getting the job.
“…as well as a great desire to continue the positive mission of the Montpelier Chamber.” According to the Chamber itself.
Gearhart has good reason to desire to continue building a better Montpelier. Both Dale and herself are natives of the town, with Gearhart growing up just outside of the city limits. This has lead to her having a lot of contacts in the town, something she feels will play out in her favor.
“One of the advantages I have is that I know a lot of the people in Montpelier.” Stated Gearhart.
But the people she cares about most in Montpelier, or anywhere for that matter, are her two daughters, Alysha Saneholtz and Dawn Smith, who are both living there. More importantly, THEIR children live there, making it easier to be a grandmother once again.
“I’m extremely family oriented.” Gearhart admitted.
Because family is so important to them, Susan and Dale moved from Bryan back into Montpelier after retiring from Gearhart Construction. The former often babysits her five grandchildren, and spend a great deal of time with them.
“They’re my life.” Gearhart proclaimed.
That family mentality, along with her extensive experience and drive to help shape Montpelier’s future, will serve Gearhart well as Executive Director. As for the challenge she was looking for, becoming Director has presented her with a massive one.
“I’ve got some big shoes to fill.” Gearhart said of replacing soon to be former Executive Director Terry Buntain.
And she begins to fill those shoes tomorrow.
T.J. Hug can be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com