One Valdosta Lowndes (OVL) was officially launched in 2023 as a community-wide initiative to serve as a catalyst for growth by uniting business and industry, faith-based and civic organizations, nonprofits, and public sector partners to bring about economic development and an enhanced sense of place in Lowndes County.
Seizing a vision for change, a group of local stakeholders committed one million dollars to establish the OVL initiative.
The founding partners include:
To secure OVL’s future, the founding members hired Mary Beth Brownlee as its director and established a Board of Directors with members seated equally among public and private partners.
Brownlee brings a wealth of experience in economic development and community collaborations. She previously worked with the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). She was executive director of the One Sumter Economic Development Foundation in Americus, Georgia. Under her leadership, One Sumter helped raise $3.7 million in capital investments.
In November 2023, OVL enlisted Shannon Whaples from Convergent Nonprofit Solutions as the Synergy 2023 campaign director. With his extensive leadership experience and a proven track record in fundraising, Whaples is set to deliver the capital investment necessary to advance OVL’s strategic priorities.
Guided by comprehensive community engagement and collaboration with local leaders, business and industry partners, and representatives from the faith-based and nonprofit sectors, the 2023 Synergy plan centers on three core initiatives: Civic Engagement & Leadership, Pathway to Prosperity, and Vibrant & Safe Community.