Newly named Chamber of Commerce Director Laura Deans, seated, works with outgoing director Janna Bass Tuesday morning sorting through some of her many responsibilities. Deans begins her new position June 1.

The Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce has officially named Laura Deans as its new director, taking the place of outgoing director Janna Bass.

Deans, a native of Sampson County, will talk the helm at the Chamber on June 1. The position became available last month when Bass announced her resignation to pursue opportunities at Sampson Community College, where she will begin June 1. The last day at the Chamber for Bass will be May 15.

“I am very honored to have been hired for this position,” Deans said Tuesday morning from what will be her new office. “I have some big shoes to fill, but I plan to work to the best of my ability to fill them.”

Deans, the daughter of Dwayne and Peggy Deans, graduated from Clinton High School in 2011. She then attended Sampson Community College for one semester and transferred to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Just last week, Deans graduated from UNCW with a degree in business administration, concentrating in human resources.

According to Deans she always wanted to return to Sampson County to work, giving back to the community that gave so much to her.

“I knew I wanted to come home after graduation,” Deans admitted. “I began searching for a position in the Clinton/Sampson County area and the Chamber director job became available. I knew I would be a great fit for this position. It’s an excellent opportunity for me.”

According to Bass, the Chamber director works a great deal with the community and the businesses within the community.

“As Chamber director, Laura will work with the Chamber’s members and business community to ensure an increased quality of life and help make a stronger business community,” Bass said about the position.

Bass said she feels Deans is a great fit for the director’s position. Deans will continue to write the Chamber Chat column weekly, as well as work with the local radio station. She is also expected to continue the Member of the Weeks, which was initiated years ago by The Sampson Independent and then Chamber director Amber Cava.

“I am confident Laura will take things above where they are now,” Bass added.