By JOSELYN KING

WHEELING — Stephanie Hockenberry — the new growth and retention manager for Ohio County — sees women taking on even more important job roles in the future.

“Women are doing great things in government and I’m proud to get to work with each of them and be a part of the growth of our city, county, and state,” she said. “It was very impressive to hear the women in economic development speak about the future of West Virginia and how they are working to create opportunities and remove barriers for people in the state.

“For me, it’s very humbling to be able to share in such a purposeful journey with these super women and I believe as we share these stories, we will see more women stepping into roles that will push change to a new level.”

Hockenberry took over the newly-created role of growth and retention manager in December.

The position is unique in that she will answer to a board including representatives from the Ohio County Development Authority, the Ohio County Commission, the city of Wheeling, the Wheeling Park Commission, the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, and the Regional Economic Development Partnership.

“My primary focus is to sustain the current county population and businesses and foster new growth in those areas within Ohio County through collaboration with partnering organizations, city, state, and federal delegations, and community members,” she explained. “I am grateful to be part of a larger team that is working together to activate and engage others to see the opportunities that we offer in our wonderful part of West Virginia.”

Hockenberry acknowledged she had been struggling with her sense of purpose “and wanted the opportunity to do something more meaningful.”

“I believe that God always places me where I am supposed to be. His plan is much larger than mine,” she said. “It was when I read the posting for my current role that I felt a connection with each ask to help impact the future of my hometown.”

Hockenberry has been married for almost 19 years to Michael Hockenberry, and the couple resides in Triadelphia with their children – Michala and son, Blake. They also have dachshunds named Izzy and Beau, a Holland lop bunny named Waffle, and a Chinese Dwarf Hamster named Peanut.

She offered advice to young females just starting out in their careers.

“I would tell a young girl or woman to first take time to figure out your values and know what is important to you as a person,” Hockenberry said. “Understand your natural gifts and talents, and how to best utilize those with confidence.

“Confidence in yourself is key. Find a group of friends that support you, push you to be better, and lift you up when you have tough days – because you will have periods of struggle, and that’s okay. Be open to learning, new opportunities, and growth and do your best to do good things for others.”

She added that a valuable lesson she has learned “is that relationships begin with conversations, grow with effort, and last because you continue to do both of those things with sincerity.”

“There are so many bright spots in the Ohio Valley, especially right now,” she said. “I see opportunity everywhere and it is exciting. There are so many people working behind the scenes to create greatness for our community and that is inspiring. The people are the bright spots – it is a collaborative effort of creativity, hard work, and passion that drives momentum in the valley and it’s awesome!”

Her motto in life comes from author and politician Marianne Williamson: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us….”

“Marianne Williamson’s quote speaks to my soul,” Hockenberry said. “It’s our responsibility to help others see their light and help it shine brighter. Imagine how bright the world would be if we shared our light instead of blowing out other people’s flames?”