Blair County Commissioners have hired a new chief clerk. Sherry Socie of Altoona was hired yesterday to fill the county’s top administrative post at a salary of $74,000 a year. Presently, Socie is a strategic planner and grant writer for the county. Socie will be taking over for Nicole Hemminger who was fired as chief clerk in July. At the time of her firing, county commissioners reportedly said they wanted to create a new culture in county government, and desired to take a more active role when it comes to making daily decisions. Socie will officially take over the position on September 3rd.