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The Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors has selected Joni Lolley as the next executive administrator.

According to Board President Jay Mikel, Lolley was chosen from 14 applicants.

“We are proud to employ Joni Lolley as our new executive administrator. Each applicant was well qualified for this position, and the Board of Directors is confident they have made the right selection. Joni has excellent technical skills as well as planning and organizational talents. She handles being out in front as well as assisting from the wings. The board is encouraged by her zeal and looks forward to working with her to promote a business atmosphere in Opp and Covington County,” Mikel said.

Lolley was volunteering when she learned the position was open.

“I had volunteered to help organize the Miss Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo Pageant that is sponsored by the Opp Chamber of Commerce. I felt this was a great opportunity to offer my skills and talents to my community. I am looking forward to meeting so many great people that share a spirit of community and growth. I have already been introduced to many people who truly have Opp and Covington County’s best interest at heart and am eager to work with them,” she said.

Her first day as executive administrator was Monday, April 10.

“I don’t like to brag on myself, but I think I bring my passion for helping others, my willingness to learn, and being a team player to the table. I am a planner at heart and love a good project.”

Lolley added that receiving support from the Board of Directors was extremely important.

“Knowing they are behind me gives me the confidence to try new things and implement some of my ideas for promoting our city, county, and our local businesses. I also look to them for guidance and ideas. We really are a team here.”

She is a 2007 Opp High School alumnus.

“My main goal for now is to get acquainted with our local business owners and leaders in our community. I want them to know they have me for whatever they need and that I will always be a helper to them. I want my front door to be open to anyone in our community,” Lolley said.

She was proud to call Opp her hometown and excited about her new role with the Opp Chamber.

“It is where I grew up and graduated high school. I have lived in other places, and you truly never know what you have until it’s gone. Luckily, you can always go home again, and I am happy to have put down roots here. What we have here in Opp and Covington County is special. I want to be a part of helping other people see how special it is.”

Lolley is married to her husband of nine years, Sebastian Ishmael, with three children: Ava, 12, Draven, 2, and Everest, eight months.

The Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 200 South Main Street in downtown Opp. For more information visit oppcoc.net, email oppchamber1@gmail.com, or call 334-493-3070.