Athens Chamber Staff and Contact Information

Wendy Jakmas

President, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce

After an extensive search, The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors chose Wendy Jakmas to be the new president of the Chamber.  Wendy officially began her duties on December 30, 2008, just in time to take charge of the Chamber's relocation to a new office suite on the second floor at 449 East State Street.

Prior to becoming the Chamber's new president, Wendy worked for PersonnelPlus, an ATCO affiliate, for six years and was a nationally recognized Job Developer.  It was in this position that she developed her networking capabilities and a daily presence in many area workplaces.  As a result, she brings to the Chamber significant experience in working with Athens county businesses and services industries.

Wendy is no stranger to the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Prior to working for PersonnelPlus, she served for three years as the Chamber's Office Project Manager.  Wendy Jakmas also understands the trials and tribulations of small businesses.  She was the Office Manager of a family-owned business in McArthur for four years, and Wendy's husband, Richard Jakmas, is a small business owner in the Athens area as well.

Wendy is a graduate of Ohio University and a graduate of the Athens Foundation's Leadership Athens program, Class of 2009. Wendy has been a resident of Athens county since 1996 and is involved outside of work in numerous community philanthropic organizations. She is the proud mother of two grown daughters.

Wendy is extremely committed to Athens county and especially proud to represent and advocate for the business community. She believes that strong and healthy business commerce serves to enhance the quality of life for the people of Athens county and southeastern Ohio.

Dawn Worley-Sims

Office Project Manager

A seven year veteran of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Dawn Worley-Sims is involved with many aspects of the Chamber. Her Chamber responsibilities include coordinating various Chamber events including the Annual Dinner, Business After Hours, expos, Golf Outing and Steak Fry & Auction; attending various meetings; maintaining the Chamber membership database and Chamber web site, coordinating economic development retention and expansion projects, and providing assistance to the community and Ohio University for various events.

Dawn served as a Job Sampling Coordinator for PersonnelPlus from May 2008 to February 2009 and returned to the Chamber in February 2009 as the Project Manager. She is a past member of Southeastern Ohio Women in Networking (WIN) and received the first 2004 WIN award for contributing to the growth and success of women in our area and for being a role model for women in business. Dawn owned her own business, Contemporary Crates, and was a featured artist during the 2002 Art Walk in downtown Athens. Active in the Athens Uptown Business Association and the Promotions and Special Events Committee of the Chamber, Dawn was a Team Leader for the 2005 O’Bleness Annual Giving Campaign. She also helped raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and participated in other community events, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake.

An Athens native, Dawn graduated from Alexander High School in 1991, and attended Ohio University. Dawn was part of the second Leadership Athens County 2007-2008 class and graduated from that program on May 22, 2008.

Dawn lives in Albany with her husband Chris and their two boys, Sean, and Darion.