Covington County Commission fills multiple regional and local board seats

The Covington County Commission on Wednesday approved a slate of appointments to regional and local advisory boards, reappointing incumbents and filling multiple vacancies after reviewing a large pool of applicants.

Commissioners reappointed Gail Robbins to the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission and reappointed Ben Corson as the alternate member. Commissioners also appointed Allison Thomasson, whom members said brings an education background useful for Head Start representation, and Jesse Self to other posts; K. Maddox was appointed to the OKAP board. Several other nominees were discussed but failed for lack of a second before alternative appointments prevailed.

The commission president said the applicant response reflected strong public interest in county service and stressed geographic balance when possible; commissioners repeatedly noted the desire to place members from different districts. Nominations and votes were handled in sequence for each vacancy, with commissioners calling for a voice vote on each motion.

The appointments cover three-year terms on regional boards and fill routine vacancies created by recent resignations and expirations of terms. No formal challenges to the appointments were recorded. The commission’s action will be reflected in the meeting minutes and the county will notify the affected boards of the new membership.

The commission adjourned after completing appointments and other business; several agenda items that will return to a future meeting were flagged for follow-up.