By SHELLEY HANSON

MOUNDSVILLE — Keeping a positive attitude and networking have helped Betsy Frohnapfel flourish in her career as administrator of Marshall County, a position she has held since 1998.

Frohnapfel said as county administrator she is tasked with the everyday operations of the county commission office.

“That can include a whole gamut of tasks, including doing research for and/or compiling information for the commissioners, troubleshooting issues with our department heads, budget preparation, project management, grant administration, personnel matters, etc.,” she said.

“The thing I like best about my job is I rarely have a typical day. They are all different. I do start every day with a to-do list, but it usually doesn’t work out the way I planned. My job definitely keeps me on my toes.”

One of the bright spots Frohnapfel sees in the Ohio Valley is its sense of community.

“We look out for our own, whether it is in our personal lives or work life.”

Frohnapfel offered some advice to young women interested in or starting out in her field or in any type of job:

“Some of the most important include No. 1, set a goal and don’t give up. You are going to trip and fall but get back up and keep moving forward,” she said. “No. 2, find your people, your group who you can learn from and not be afraid to be real with. I promise, they are out there. No. 3, know what you don’t know and seek out the people who do to ask for help. Never quit learning. No. 4, treat people with respect, be honest, keep your word and admit when you are wrong. I think they can really apply to any profession.”

In her personal life, Frohnapfel said she is very proud of her family.

“My husband, Jason, is the owner of Achieve Behavioral Health. He does contract work with multiple school districts in our area,” she said. “(Children) Grace and Justin are both in Morgantown working and going to school. Austin and his wife, Nicole, live in the Cocoa Beach area of Florida and are doing very well building their life and their careers.”

Professionally, Frohnapfel said she is most proud of her staff “from department heads to line staff.”

“No one can do this job on their own and with people like Tom Hart, director of Emergency Services; Carol Robinson, director of E911; Cyndy Butera, EMS team leader; Craig White, director of Parks and Recreation and so many more, we are able to work together to help the commission provide the best services for the residents of Marshall County,” she said.

“As for specific projects, there are two I am most proud of. No. 1, being part of the group who made the decision to make Grand Vue Park a priority both financially and by hiring Craig White. Because of this decision and the commitment from our current commissioners, Grand Vue Park has been able to stay true to its county park feel, while also becoming a destination recreation facility,” she said.

“No. 2, being part of the group who was the driving force behind the proposal to the commission to create Marshall County EMS. I believe our EMS department has the best crews, equipment and education.

“We are currently working to expand our community outreach efforts, so we can proactively help our residents, not only when they have to call 911.”