After making the hardest decision of her life, Betsy Frohnapfel begins a new job today.

The former Marshall County administrator has accepted a position as regional representative for U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan - a job that will take her from serving just the people of Marshall County to working with residents of Brooke, Ohio, Hancock, Wetzel and Marshall counties. She will work from an office at the Federal Building in Wheeling.

"I'm really looking forward to it," she said of her new post.

Frohnapfel, who will replace Kathy Abraham as Mollohan's representative, wasted no time between jobs. Her last day working for the Marshall County Commission was Friday. The commissioners and other county officials and employees honored her with a reception after the commission meeting last Tuesday.

It was 11 and a half years ago that Frohnapfel began working as Marshall County's administrator. She said the commission needed a full-time employee, but no one truly knew what the job would entail. A few other West Virginia counties had administrators at that point, she said, but now that has become the norm. Prior to accepting the job, she worked at the National Technology Transfer Center at what was then Wheeling Jesuit College.

Her first years in the commission office were also a busy time in the personal life of the Glen Dale resident. Frohnapfel married her husband, Jason, 10 years ago and started their family, which includes daughter Grace, 9, and son Justin, 7.

The administrator's job evolved over the past 11 years, and Frohnapfel said she encountered something new every week.

"All the elected officials in Marshall County make it easy," she said. "Everyone wants to see the county succeed and grow. They may disagree, but at the end of the day it's over. ... It's not based on a political agenda. ... Everyone works together in Marshall County."

When Frohnapfel began working in Marshall County, the commission consisted of current Commissioners Donald Mason and Howard L. "Biggie" Byard as well as R.E. "Slim Lehart" Hartley. Today, Jason "Jake" Padlow holds the seat once occupied by Hartley. On Tuesday, both Mason and Padlow tried to convince Frohnapfel to stay.

"There's not a person in this courthouse that she hasn't helped in some way," Mason said.

"Thank you for what you've done for us," Padlow said. "You've been a great person for this courthouse and this county."

Frohnapfel admitted she was not looking for a new job when Mollohan offered her the new position.

"I was very flattered," she said of the offer.

In her new position, Frohnapfel will meet with Mollohan's constituents, hearing their concerns and providing assistance.

She also will work with counties and municipalities on a variety of projects. She believes the job will be interesting and that she will enjoy her duties.

"I plan to stay as long as the congressman is in office or will have me," Frohnapfel said.