Rotary International District 6880 has named Penny Hughey as its new Assistant District Governor for Area 11, a region that covers four Rotary Clubs across Baldwin County.

According to a news release, Hughey will serve under District Governor Bob Cochran, lending leadership and support to the Gulf Shores Orange Beach Rotary Club, Central Baldwin Sunset Rotary Club, Foley Rotary Club and Robertsdale Rotary Club.

Hughey, a veteran Rotarian with decades of service in Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina, has made her mark on Alabama’s Gulf Coast since joining the Gulf Shores Orange Beach Rotary Club in 2021. Under her tenure as Club President during the 2023-2024 Rotary year, the club more than tripled its active membership, earning her the Rotarian of the Year award in July 2023. She now serves as the club’s Membership Chair, continuing to drive growth and community involvement.

“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,” said Mike Sledge, former Assistant District Governor and current member of the Central Baldwin Sunset Rotary Club, in the release. “She embodies Rotary’s motto ‘Service Above Self’ and I predict big things for Penny in the Upcoming Rotary Year!”

Hughey has extended her Rotary leadership beyond district borders as the newly appointed Commodore of the International Fellowship of Yachting Rotarians – Mobile Compass Rose Fleet, representing South Alabama. The role reflects her love for the water and her dedication to fostering fellowship through unique social gatherings that strengthen service connections.

“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,” Hughey said. “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.”

Outside Rotary, Hughey serves as Director of Community Development for Lee Charities and The Sea Glass Initiative, focusing on support for underserved and unhoused populations in Baldwin County. She’s also a mentor to students and adults alike, helping shape future leaders through programs like Junior Leadership of Coastal Alabama and the Coastal Alabama Leadership League. Her latest project aims to train and employ students from marginalized backgrounds, advancing her mission to uplift through education and opportunity.

Per the release, Hughey embodies Rotary’s 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?

Community members interested in making a difference alongside Hughey and other service-minded neighbors are invited to attend a local Rotary meeting:

ROTARY CLUB MEETING TIMES AND LOCATIONS (AREA 11)

Gulf Shores Orange Beach Rotary Club: Thursdays at noon, Private Room behind BuzzCatz, Orange Beach.

Foley Rotary Club: Fridays at noon, Private Meeting Room, Wolf Bay Lodge, Foley.

Central Baldwin Sunset Rotary Club: Thursdays at 6 p.m., 1063 Ellison Street, Loxley.

Robertsdale Rotary Club: Tuesdays at noon, Magnolia Blossom Cafe, Robertsdale.

For more information or to find a club close to you, visit www.district6880.org.