Who We Are

kathy@harrisoncountychamber.com

Kathy has led the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce since 1999. She previously worked at the Marion County Chamber of Commerce for more than ten years. Kathy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mountain State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership, Management and Development.

In addition to over 36 years in Chamber experience, Kathy was awarded the IOM graduate recognition after completing the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management in 2000. She has participated in economic development training through the Council for Urban Economic Development, completed Leadership West Virginia in 2003, and completed the three-year Community Development Institute East program 2006. She earned her Professional Community & Economic Developer (PCED) certification in 2006 through the national Community Development Council and has successfully recertified every three years since.

As Chamber President, Kathy is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, is a member and past President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Executives and is a member of the West Virginia Economic Development Council. She currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors of both the Harrison County Economic Alliance and the Harrison County Economic Development Corporations. She is also the Secretary/Treasurer of the I-79 Development Council. She is serving her sixth appointment on the Region VI Workforce Development Board, has served as Vice Chair and is a Past Chair. Kathy is also a registered Lobbyist for the Chamber.

In addition to her professional affiliations, Kathy serves on several community boards. She is serving her second term on the United Hospital Center Board of Directors and is their Board Secretary. She had served on the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph’s Hospital 2016-2024. She currently serves on the United Physicians Care Board; all three are part of the WVU Medicine system. She has served on the HOPE Inc. Task Force on Domestic Violence Board of Directors and was their Chair 2014-2017. She was presented with the Fahey Award in 2017 for her service to HOPE Inc. She was elected to the Fairmont Federal Credit Union Board of Directors in 2022 after serving as an Associate Director 2019-2022. She is currently the FFCU Second Vice Chair. Kathy is a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy Class of 2023 and is a member of the Citizens Academy Alumni Association.

Kathy was named a West Virginia Wonder Woman in 2016 by WV Living Magazine. The Progressive Women’s Association named Kathy a 2023 American Woman of Distinction. She is currently a member of the Progressive Women’s Association and the Clarksburg League for Service.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, history, genealogy, Sudoku, crochet, and her cats. She is a native of North Central West Virginia and lives in Bridgeport with her sister Carla and niece Stephanie.

marla@harrisoncountychamber.com

Marla Ferree spent 24 years in banking building trust, relationships, and leadership in the financial sector. She retired in 2021 and seamlessly transitioned to the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce where she has served four years as the Marketing Director. She was named the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year in 2018, recognizing her commitment to helping others long before she officially joined the Chamber team.

In 2025, Marla serves as the 91st President of the Clarksburg League for Service. She is a member of the HOPE Lions Club, a past president/current treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Clarksburg, and Secretary/Treasurer of Uptown Clarksburg, she is also an active member of the Progressive Women’s Association, and a consistent advocate for empowering and recognizing the women of North Central West Virginia.

In February 2025, using Chamber connections, she organized a regional flood relief drive to support the southern coalfields. Partnering with Harry Green Nissan, Central Van Lines, and WBOY, leveraging local resources for storage, transportation, and messaging to launch a highly effective campaign. This community-wide effort resulted in 14,140 pounds of donated goods—including space heaters, bottled water, hygiene products, hand sanitizers, and clothing. The Ferree’s followed Central Van Lines to Williamson, WV to work at the fieldhouse, and help those in need.

In June 2025 Marla was recognized as an Antero Women of Distinction Award by the Progressive Women’s Association along with co- sponsors Antero Resources and Burnside Funeral Home.

Marla attends Clarksburg Baptist Church with her husband, Assessor of Harrison County Allen Ferree.. The two live at Lake Floyd. She is mother to Paige & Johnathan Swentzel, and stepmom to Seth & Matthew Ferree. She is guided by the belief that “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much,” a quote from Helen Keller that reflects her collaborative spirit and servant’s heart.