Chamber Staff

Meet our Staff

JUSTIN SOMMER

Executive Director

Phone 937-733-6402
jsommer@prebledev.com

Justin Sommer has over 15 years of experience in development, serving in roles at both the state and local level, as well as in private development. He currently serves as the Executive DIrector of the Chamber and Director for Economic Development for the public-private Preble County Development Partnership. Justin leads countywide efforts for business retention, expansion and attraction, marketing and community outreach, and workforce development. He serves on the  boards of the Preble County Land Bank and Edison State Community College Foundation. He is a past president of the Ohio Economic Development Association.

Prior to his current role, Justin was the Vice President of Business Development for Bruns General Contracting and served in economic and workforce development roles for the City of Piqua, Miami (Ohio) County Department of Development and the Ohio Department of Development. During his time in Piqua, Sommer served as Executive Director of Grow Piqua Now, a public/private economic development organization, and Director of the Piqua Improvement Corporation.

Sommer is a graduate of Miami University, with a bachelor’s degree in business. He has also completed the Graduate Academy of Community Leadership at Edison State and the Midwest Leadership Institute at Northern Illinois University.

PERRICA SHORT

Director

Phone 937-456-4949
pshort@preblecountyohio.com

Perrica Short, a Preble County native, serves as the Director of the Preble County Chamber of Commerce and also as the Program Manager for the Preble County Development Partnership. With more than 15 years of experience in business banking with local financial institutions, she brings a strong financial and economic development background to her leadership roles. Her professional focus is centered on strengthening the local business climate and advancing initiatives that support long-term community growth.

Deeply committed to community engagement, Perrica actively serves on several boards and advisory groups, including the I-70/I-75 Development Association, the Preble County Business Advisory Council Board, and the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) Board, among others. Through these roles, she works consistently to promote, advocate for, and support business owners and entrepreneurs across Preble County, helping to connect resources, encourage collaboration, and foster a thriving local economy.

BERNADETTE MATHES

Office Administrator
Phone 937-456-4949
bernadette.mathes@preblecountyohio.com

Bernie Mathes lived in Preble County most of her adult life, raising her children in West Alex and working at Twin Valley Schools, where she served as the Technology Manager.  She has 4 grandchildren, who are her world.  When not attending her grandchildren’s activities, she enjoys listening to live music. It is an honor to be working in and serving Preble County once again.

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