Photo Provided Teresa Schafer is sworn in by board member Michael J. Shaheen to become the newest member of the Belmont County Board of Elections.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Board of Elections’ newest member knows she has a challenge ahead in stepping into the role of a board member who recently died, but she said she’s up for it.

Teresa Schafer of Bethesda is taking the place of Frankie Lee Carnes, the board’s longest-serving member who died in late June. Schafer said Carnes was a dedicated and respected member of the board.

“Her knowledge and understanding of the process set a high standard. I know I have big shoes to fill on that one,” Schafer said.

Schafer actually isn’t a stranger to the Belmont County Board of Elections, having served there with Carnes from 1993-95. When Carnes died, Schafer said she wanted to honor her legacy and continue to ensure the integrity of elections and ensure that every resident has a voice that is heard. Carnes served as the first female director of the Belmont County Board of Elections, taking over the position in 1975.

Schafer served as the Goshen Township fiscal officer for 36 years, retiring from that position in 2020.

“I have run in nine elections, so I kind of know the process. And it has always interested me,” Schafer said. “I filed petitions when I ran. And then I would file petitions for levies when I was the fiscal officer.”

Since retiring, Schafer has continued managing business operations for Dutton Cattle Co., where she began working in 1999. Prior to working for Dutton Cattle Co. and Goshen Township, Schafer was a licensed real estate agent.

She will serve the remainder of Carnes’ term until Feb. 28, 2027. Schafer said that after serving Carnes’ term, she plans to seek re-election.

“I’m looking forward to serving with the current board. I want to continue to maintain fairness, that’s important to me,” Schafer said. “Every voter needs to feel confident that their voices are heard.”

Schafer wants to support innovation and continue to help the board be transparent.

“Most of all, I want to listen and learn over the next few months so that I can be an effective and informed board member,” she said.

Belmont County Board of Elections Deputy Director Kamron Chervenak said she is looking forward to working with Schafer.

“I know she has served on the board prior, and she’s going to be a great addition here,” Chervenak said. “Ultimately, the mission will stay the same — that we are going to continue to create safe, accurate elections in the county.”

Board of elections President Lois Donneson said she also can’t wait to work with Schafer. Donneson said Schafer’s experience with Goshen Township will be an asset to the board because of her vast knowledge of petitions for levies.

“I don’t think there’s any question that we all miss Frankie Carnes. She was an amazing resource with 20-plus years of experience,” Donneson said. “Everyone trusted and loved Frankie. She was just an amazing board member, so losing her was quite a setback. But going forward, we feel confident that Teresa will do a good job as a board member.”