About the Chamber/Chamber Membership

Chamber History

The Okolona Chamber of Commerce was originally organized in 1934, with Joseph L. Bowles as its first secretary. Following the depression, the newly formed Chamber adopted the slogan, "The Little City That Does Big Things". In 2000, Okolona was designated a Mississippi Main Street Community.

Okolona Positioned for Growth
Detail analysis studies show that Okolonians are spending more of their income in the city, than in the in past. Sales tax is steadily increasing as new businesses open. Okolona’s retail area consists of approximately 15,000 persons.

Chamber Membership Provides:

Advocate for Business: The Chamber is the voice of the business community in local, county, and state issues representing the business community in problem solving, promoting economic development, raising the per capita income and providing strong financial resources to create a better life for all citizens.
Tax Deductibility: Membership in the Chamber may be 100% deductible as a necessary business expense or individual contribution.
Resource Center: Information resources are available at the Chamber-examples include community demographics, local and area phone directories, a city/county map, lists of clubs, organizations, businesses, industries, and churches.

Board of Directors

Rachel Hearn

Executive Director

Rachel Gandy Hearn, a native of Okolona, MS, and has a passion for working in her community. Rachel is an active member of Black Oak Church, Abundant Life Ministry, Inc., Band Boosters, and is the office manager of CatchKids Clinic, Inc. She also a teacher in the Okolona School System. Rachel has been married to Pastor Marcus Hearn for 20+ years, and they have 3 beautiful children: Matthew, Mari and Morgan.

Margia Marley, Retired Educator

President

Margia Hodges Marley is a native of Okolona, Mississippi. She attended Okolona High School and is a graduate of Mississippi University for Women. She has served on numerous clubs, organizations, and committees, such as Correttas, Choralettes, Youth Director, WIA Director, NMOBDA Registrar, NCNW secretary, Touchdown Club, Okolona Concerned Parents, Fannie Carter/Okolona High School Scholarship Committee, and Okolona Area Chamber of Commerce/Main Street. She was awarded the Main Street Hero Award along with Annie Gates in 2025. Her career in education spans forty years. She is the proud mother of Autumn, Bridgette, and Keondra. She has four grandchildren, Jay, Kobi, Leyah, and Kinsley, and one great-grandson, Emizha. She is a member of Jolly’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and an honorary member of Lifeline Baptist Church.

Virgina Moore, Banker

First Vice President

Stephen Schultz, Retired Professional

Second President

Annie Gates, Retired Educator

Treasurer

Gennie Butler, Business Owner

Executive Board Member

Betty Owens, Business Owner

Executive Board Member

Fredrick Suggs, Retired Retail Manager

Executive Board Member

LaKeisha Ivy, School Counselor

Executive Board Member

Oliver Johnson III, Business Owner

Executive Board Member

Oliver W Johnson III is a Mississippi Licensed Funeral Director with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Alcorn State University and a Juris Doctorate Degree in Civil Law from Southern University Law Center. A former Paratrooper and Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, he is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Oliver is deeply committed to his community, serving as a volunteer consultant for Mission Okolona Food Pantry and formerly as the PTO President at Okolona Middle/High School. He is an active community leader and volunteer.

Robert Alan Maharrey, Business Owner

Executive Board Member

Sumeka Thomas, Attorney & Judge at Law

Executive Board Member

Krystal Tucker, Business Manager

Executive Board Member

Jeffrey Jones, Bank of Okolona VP

Executive Board Member

Jeffrey Jones is a native of Greenwood Springs, Mississippi, located in Monroe County. He is a graduate of Hatley High School and holds degrees from Itawamba Community College and the University of Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Accountancy. In 2018, Mr. Jones and his wife, Tuesday, made Okolona their home.