Our board of directors for 2025-2026:
Susan Brinson, Doc Dorsey, Shealy Langley.
Middle row (l-r): Deke Hillyer, Cathy Newkirk, DeDe Jackson, George Allen, Colleen Alsobrook, Brandon McCurdy, Shane Healey
Back row (l-r): Derika Griffin, Tabatha White, Jason Flowers, Sutricia Johnson. Not shown: Farrell Seymore.
Barbara Patton: (Executive Secretary/Treasurer) Barbara has lived in Opelika since 1973 with her husband Bob. She was Mayor of Opelika (1996-2004), President of the Chamber of Commerce (2010-2017), and currently is President of the Community Foundation of East Alabama. She currently leads three task forces of Envision Opelika: Downtown Development, Southside Center for the Arts, and the First Class Pre-K Program.
Christopher Rhodes: Christopher Rhodes is a Wellness and Sport Sciences instructor at Southern Union State Community College with over a decade of experience in physical education, kinesiology, and student development. He is passionate about cultivating whole-person wellness through innovative teaching, leadership development, and campus-wide initiatives that promote lifelong health and character. Beyond the classroom, he actively serves in community leadership roles, including involvement with local organizations such as the Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee and Keep Opelika Beautiful, contributing to initiatives that enhance quality of life and community well-being.
Colleen Alsobrook: Colleen moved to Opelika 30 years ago with her husband and their three sons. She is a Registered Nurse and retired from EAMC where she worked for over 40 years. Colleen serves on the EAMC Foundation Board, is a member of First Methodist Church Opelika and has served on several committees in the community.
DeDe Jackson: DeDe is a lifelong resident of Opelika and Executive Vice-President of Four Seasons Credit Union. She also serves the community through Greater Peace Baptist Church, the Opelika Character Council, the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, P.A.C.E. of Lee County, and the Mu Sigma Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Jessica Ford: Opelika native, Jessica Ford serves as the Director of Resident Services at the Opelika Housing Authority. Using her diverse educational and professional experiences, she combines an extensive range of competence and neutrality to objectively and passionately serve the people of her community. Jessica is a member of numerous community organizations; to name a few: Lee County Branch of NAACP, Community Liaisons and Ambassadors for Change. She sits on the Alabama Council of Human Relations Board and the Opelika Chamber of Commerce’s 20 Under 40 Board. Jessica earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of South Alabama and her Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.
Jessica Segrest: Jessica Segrest is a parent educator and early childhood consultant with more than 10 years of service at the Child Care Resource Center. She is dedicated to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect through education and community support. Jessica is a wife and mother of two daughters and is passionate about making a positive impact in her community.
Lisa Harrelson: (Board Chair) Lisa is the Community Development Administrator and Historic Preservation Coordinator for the City of Opelika. She previously enjoyed a successful 25-year career in real estate. Lisa serves as the current board President of Opelika Main Street. She is a lifelong resident of Opelika and loves her hometown.
Rosanna McGinnnis: Rosanna McGinnis is the Director of the Opelika Public Library in Alabama, where she has served since 2016. She is passionate about developing libraries that are inclusive, future-ready spaces that foster connection, learning, and community pride.
Shane Healey: Shane Healey is the recently retired police chief of the Opelika Police Department. Shane dedicated over 35 years to making our community a better place to live, work, and worship. As a part of the Envision Opelika board, Shane will continue to serve the people of this fantastic community. Shane lives in Opelika with his wife, Christie, and together they have five children.
Sutricia Johnson: (Secretary) Sutricia is an Opelika native who cares deeply about the community that raised her. She serves as Director of Case Management & Health Equity, working to ensure individuals and families have access to quality, compassionate care. With roots in both healthcare and leadership, Sutricia is passionate about building strong community partnerships. She is committed to creating opportunities that support equity, growth, and wellbeing in Opelika. Giving back to her hometown is at the heart of her work and service.
Tamarcus Milner: (Vice-Chair and Secretary) I’m an educator and have been for 16 1/2 years. I have served in every capacity, coach, teacher, administrative and higher education. I have 3 beautiful daughters, Kinsley Anise (19), Makena Elise (12), and Kamarlyn Noelle (11). I’m currently the Interim Principal of Opelika Learning Center, the Alternative Program for Opelika City Schools and the Executive Director/President of The Curtis House.
Tom Tippett: (Executive Director) Tom serves as a Pastor, Teacher, Executive Director of the Envision Opelika Foundation, and President of the Christian Care Ministries. He is an active member of the Opelika Character Council, the Lee County Ministers Alliance, and the Education, Family, and Youth Development Group, collaborating to support families, youth, and civic leadership across Opelika.
Trip Garner: Trip is a Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer, and a Regional Director for Encore Rehabilitation. He attends First Baptist Church Opelika, where he serves as a Deacon and Sunday School leader. In his free time, Trip enjoys endurance sports and is a distance runner. Trip serves on the Opelika Envision Board as well as the Opelika Parks and Recreation Board. For the past 2 years, he has helped organize and direct the Opelika Sportsplex Summer Swing 5K Series that runs in conjunction with the Summer Swing Concert series.
Yarbi Cound: Yarbi is the social work/CIT coordinator for Opelika PD. She was hired to create the social service unit in November of 2023. Yarbi has over 25 years of experience in the social service/social work field.