LOXLEY, Alabama — Tina Harris is ready to take on the new challenge as director of the Loxley Civic Center.

In an interview on Tuesday, she said she is still getting acclimated after starting the new position on Monday, April 1.

 “It’s a lot to take in,” she said. “I’m still just trying to learn the dos and don’ts of what my responsibilities are.”

Harris credits senior activities director Beryl Allen for helping her in the early going.

“I don’t think I could have done it without her,” she said. “She’s been so great as I get acclimated to the job.”

For more than 25 years, Harris, a Loxley native and graduate of Robertsdale High School, worked in the banking industry in Baldwin County.

“I enjoy meeting people, talking to people,” she said.

But after spending the last few years away from working with the public, Harris is looking forward to the personal interaction of helping people again.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” she said. “I’ve always welcomed a challenge and I think this will be the place I will stay and retire. I feel so blessed that I found this job.”

Harris was hired to fill the position following longtime director Joey Knight, who resigned in January after serving for more than 8 ½ years.

“From what I understand, he always went out of his way to go above and beyond for people,” she said. “It’s a lot to live up to, but I really want the same thing and hope I can live up to those expectations.”

More than 20 candidates applied for the position, which was narrowed down to six, said Mayor Billy Middleton. A committee, which included Middleton and two council members, interviewed those candidates and picked Harris to fill the position.

“We felt like she was the best fit for the job,” said Middleton. “She is outgoing and has a great personality and I think she will be a great asset for the town. I’m really looking forward to working with her.”

After spending the last year working in Pensacola, the position was an opportunity to return home for Harris.

“My previous job was really stressful,” she said. “I know this is going to be a lot of work, but I’m really looking forward to working in a more relaxed atmosphere.”

She is also looking forward to serving the residents of her hometown. Her father, Walter Havel, who died nearly a decade ago, owned Walter Havel Dry Goods Store in Loxley. Her mother, Petrula Kreinbrink, still lives in Loxley.

“Where we live now is just down the street from my mother,” she said, “and I’m really looking forward to spending more time with her.”

Her sister also lives in Loxley, Harris said. She also has a brother who lives in Orlando, Fla.

She and her husband, Monty, have two children, Cody, 24, who works in the rodeo industry, and Taylor, 21, who is studying to be a nurse and currently lives in Kentucky.

Many might recognize Cody as the star of the hit CMT series Sweet Home Alabama, which was filmed in Baldwin County. He also helped organize the Bulls on the Beach series, which just wrapped up its second year in Orange Beach.

“He’s one of the busiest young men I know,” she said, “but he really loves it and we support both of our children as they work to fulfill their dreams.”

In the end, Harris said, it’s all about family and she wants to serve the town of Loxley like serving her extended family.

“People have been so great in welcoming me here and I’m really looking forward to serving them,” she said.