Penny Hughey Appointed Assistant District Governor for Rotary International District 6880, Area 11

Rotary International District 6880 proudly announces the appointment of Penny Hughey as the new Assistant District Governor for Area 11, serving under District Governor Bob Cochran. In this role, Hughey will provide leadership and support to four Rotary Clubs in Baldwin County: the Gulf Shores Orange Beach Rotary Club, Central Baldwin Sunset Rotary Club, Foley Rotary Club, and Robertsdale Rotary Club.

Hughey brings decades of Rotary experience from her time in Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Since relocating to the Gulf Coast, she has made a remarkable impact on the local Rotary community as a dedicated member of the Gulf Shores Orange Beach Rotary Club since 2021. Under her leadership, the club more than tripled its number of active members - a milestone for which she was honored with the Rotarian of the Year award in July 2023. She served as Club President during the 2023/2024 Rotary year and she currently serves as the club’s Membership Chairperson and continues to play a pivotal role in driving its growth and community engagement.

Another addition to her Rotary leadership, Hughey was recently appointed Commodore of the International Fellowship of Yachting Rotarians – Mobile Compass Rose Fleet, representing South Alabama. This role is a natural fit, reflecting her deep love of being on, in, and around the water, as well as her passion for bringing Rotarians together in meaningful, fun, and distinctive social settings that strengthen fellowship and service.  

Mike Sledge, the former Assistant District Governor for Area 11 and current member of the Central Baldwin Sunset Club had this to say “From the first time I met Penny, I knew we had a “Rising Star” in our midst and I am so proud and excited for what she will bring to the table regarding her Leadership and Enthusiasm for Rotary as my replacement for Assistant Governor for Area 11.  She embodies Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self” and I predict big things for Penny in the Upcoming Rotary Year!”

Hughey expressed her excitement about stepping into district leadership, stating,“Rotary has been a cornerstone of my life for many years, starting with my father, who was a proud Rotarian when I was growing up. It’s an honor to now step into district leadership to support the incredible work being done by our clubs, and help expand our impact across Baldwin County.”

Penny exemplifies Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” not only in her volunteer efforts but also in her professional life, where she dedicates her time and energy to supporting underserved and vulnerable communities. Hughey is the Director of Community Development for Lee Charities and The Sea Glass Initiative, where she works to strengthen the social services network in Baldwin County, particularly in support of the unhoused population. 

She also serves as a tireless mentor to both students and adults, committed to developing future leaders through impactful programming. Hughey helped create and implement the Junior Leadership of Coastal Alabama program for local high school students and the Coastal Alabama Leadership League for adults. She is also currently developing a new initiative aimed at training and employing students from marginalized backgrounds which will further her mission to uplift others through education, opportunity, and service.

Hughey continues to live out Rotary’s guiding principles, known as the Four-Way Test:

Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
 

If you’re interested in joining Penny Hughey and other like-minded individuals committed to making a difference in our local community and around the world, you’re warmly invited to visit any of the Rotary Club meetings listed below. Come discover what makes Rotary - and Rotarians - truly special!

Rotary Club Meeting Times and Locations (Area 11):

Gulf Shores Orange Beach Rotary Club
Thursdays at Noon
Private Room behind BuzzCatz, Orange Beach, AL

Foley Rotary Club
Fridays at Noon
Private Meeting Room, Wolf Bay Lodge, Foley, AL

Central Baldwin Sunset Rotary Club
Thursdays at 6:00 PM
1063 Ellison Street, Loxley, AL

Robertsdale Rotary Club
Tuesdays at Noon
Magnolia Blossom Cafe, Robertsdale, AL
 
For more information on Rotary International District 6880 and local clubs, visit https://www.district6880.org/