Our Team
ALI RAUCH
President & CEO
Our fearless leader here at the chamber is Ali Rauch. She comes all the way from Paris, Illinois with a passion for positivity, small business, and of course, Opelika! Ali has an associate degree in Communication from Lake Land College, and a Bachelor’s in Public Relations from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has worked for a variety of small businesses, many times as a jack-of-all-trades. Most notably, Ali served as the Director of Marketing at Chicken Salad Chick and helped grow that small business from only 3 locations to 160 locations. She decided to take the opportunity to use her experience and focus it on serving her neighbors and friends here in Opelika as the President & CEO of the chamber. She is an avid reader and huge Packers & Auburn Football fan. Her favorite thing about Opelika is, “The people – we have a little bubble of the most incredible people in America. Not only are they kind and generous, but they welcome others with open arms and have created a community that is truly one of a kind.”
MACKENZIE POOLE
Vice President
Mackenzie is our second in command! She is responsible for events and leadership programming along with developing workforce and daily operations of the chamber! Originally from Roswell, Georgia, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Sport, & Tourism Management and a Master's in Public Administration from Troy University. She previously worked for the City of Troy in the Community Engagement & Special Projects Department as well as Troy’s University’s Student Involvement Office until she began her role here in 2019 as the Director of Leadership & Events. She coordinates over 170 events and programs annually and is the staff lead for the 20 under 40, Lee County Young Leaders, Opelika Young Professionals, REACH Campaign, and all program related committees. She loves to travel, listen to live music, and attend fun community events. Mackenzie’s favorite thing about Opelika is, “There is always something to do or get involved in like Sno*pelika, On the Tracks, Victorian Front Porch Tour, and Summer Swing.”
ASHLEY COLQUITT
Director of Operations & Engagement
Ashley serves as our Director of Operations & Engagement and is your point person for most of your chamber related questions. She is focused on supporting existing members and onboarding new members to help them make the most of their membership. She is an Opelika native with 13 years of experience in business management and customer service. She is passionate about the Opelika community and the people within it. She has loved getting to watch the downtown small business community grow and is excited to be a part of that growth for years to come! She enjoys spending time with family, including her two kids and all their after-school sports programs. Her favorite thing about Opelika is its charm. “I love the small-town vibes where everyone knows everyone and going to Opelika Bulldog football games. Go Dawgs!”
LENZI WOMACK
Director of Marketing, Communications, & Media
Lenzi is our connector! Lenzi serves as our Director of Marketing, Communications, and Media, so if you need to get the word out about your business or events, she’s the girl for you. She is the brains behind all branding, email, press, website, magazine, and social media communication efforts so if you need to add an announcement to The Connector, don’t hesitate to contact her directly. From the sweet small-town Scottsboro, Alabama, she graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a minor in Communication. She previously worked within the Marketing & Communication Departments of Chicken Salad Chick and Auburn University’s Alumni Association. You'll always be greeted by her smile and infectious energy. She is truly a ray of sunshine with a passion for authenticity, spreading joy, connecting with people, travel and living life fully. Her favorite thing about Opelika is the community, “The bond we all share is truly something special. The people genuinely care and encourage one another with such intentionality, like family. Opelika is also such a cute town filled with unique spots! At times, I feel like we live in a Hallmark movie!”
JOEL ALVARADO
Director of Business & Workforce Development
Joel Alvarado serves as the Director of Business & Workforce Development for the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. He is a 2015 graduate of Auburn University, a proud alumnus of Southern Union State Community College, and a product of the Opelika City Schools system, having moved here in 6th grade. Since graduating from Auburn, he’s gained invaluable experience working for the State of Alabama’s 529 Plan, followed by serving as the communications lead at Baxter in Opelika. He and his wife, Jenny, and their little girl Penelope are proud to call Opelika home. Fun fact: Joel is the lead singer in a 90’s cover band called Truck Dog! "My favorite thing about Opelika is the city pride. It’s easy for a city to get wrapped up in the identity of the larger ones nearby. However, even with a powerhouse SEC school in the city right next door, our identity has only strengthened. From the legacy families of Opelika down to the newlyweds who met in college and just couldn’t leave, our city pride runs deep."
SAFFRON KOPPELMANN
Marketing & Events Manager
Meet Saffron, our Marketing and Events Manager! Originally from sunny Miami, Florida, Saffron brings her warm energy to the Chamber. She is a University of Florida graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a minor in Entrepreneurship. Before joining our team, she served as the Marketing and Communication Associate at Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network, where she worked passionately to raise awareness about domestic abuse. Saffron is all about community—nothing makes her happier than helping Opelika's local businesses shine. When she's not helping the team plan events or create content, you'll find her exploring new restaurants and trying to recreate those dishes at home. Her favorite thing about Opelika is how people make time to help others. "People are always willing to stop what they're doing to make sure you feel welcomed into the community. I have never experienced that anywhere else and will never take it for granted."
MARY MORGAN SHOLTER
Member Services Coordinator
Mary Morgan is our Membership Services Coordinator! She plays a key role in supporting our members and ensuring that their needs are met with top-notch service. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, she graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Public Relations. Mary Morgan's passion for connecting with people and fostering relationships shines through in her work. In her free time, she enjoys reading and listening to country music. Mary Morgan's favorite thing about Opelika is "the people and how everyone is always so welcoming!"
SHAY WIMBERLY
First Impression Coordinator
Meet Shay, our warm and welcoming First Impressions Coordinator! Originally from the small but big-hearted town of Elba, Alabama, Shay brings her passion for people and love for community to the Opelika Chamber. With a background in finance and a natural ability to connect with others, she has a knack for making everyone feel seen and appreciated. Known for her big smile and down-to-earth personality, Shay loves spending time outdoors, meeting new people, and exploring all the wonderful things Opelika has to offer. Her favorite thing about Opelika? "The blend of small-town charm and modern growth—it’s the perfect place to live, work, and grow together."