Meet Our Team – Valdosta-Lowndes County Economic Development

Niki Ogletree

Passionate about collaboration, Niki Ogletree enjoys bringing people together to transform big ideas into meaningful results. She believes one of Valdosta-Lowndes County’s greatest strengths is its strong sense of community and the way people step up to support one another, especially during difficult times.

For Niki, economic development is about more than recruiting new industries; it’s also about helping existing businesses grow, overcome challenges, and create long-term opportunities. Known for being a problem-solver, she has a relationship-driven approach committed to keeping Valdosta-Lowndes County moving forward and building momentum for future success.

She says the best part of her job is celebrating the successes of local industries because “their wins feel like our wins.” Niki is equally proud of the development authority’s small-but-mighty team, whose camaraderie, dedication, and sense of humor make every workday rewarding.

A proud South Georgia advocate, Niki loves the strong sense of community found throughout Valdosta-Lowndes County. Whether supporting local businesses, cheering on new development projects, or watching neighbors rally together after storms, she believes this community consistently brings out the best in people.

When she’s not working, Niki enjoys spending time with her husband, Lee, and their teenage son, Owen. Whether it’s grabbing a bite at Wooden Nickel Pub, Woodstack BBQ Tavern, Georgia Beer Company, Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant, or Ella’s Top Corral, the Ogletrees love supporting local spots and enjoying time together. Adding more energy to the family is Grady, their lovable Jack Russell Terrier-Dachshund mix, whose big personality quickly wins over everyone he meets.

John Waters

More than simply recruiting new industries, John Waters views economic development as an investment in the community’s future that not only strengthens the current workforce but also opens the door for the next generation of young professionals to build meaningful careers.

As a project manager with the VLCDA, John enjoys working alongside existing industries while also helping recruit new businesses to the area. He values the relationships he’s built with industry leaders, local governments and community partners, but says the best part of the job is the development authority team. While each day brings new challenges, John said there’s plenty of fun, and it’s a place where collaboration and teamwork truly matter.

He believes Valdosta-Lowndes County offers the perfect balance of opportunity and lifestyle. Whether it’s peaceful country living or city life, there is something for everyone. From local dining and shopping to outdoor recreation and events like the annual Bluesberry Festival and Downtown Valdosta’s First Fridays, he said there is always something to do.  

An avid outdoorsman, John’s ideal South Georgia weekend begins before sunrise in the woods, watching wood ducks take flight, followed by a classic Waffle House breakfast. From there, he’s happy spending the afternoon on the golf course with his wife, Kayla, then enjoying some hot wings at Wooden Nickel Pub and wrapping up the evening with friends for college football. 

When it comes to local favorites, he recommends spots like Jack’s Chophouse, Woodstack BBQ Tavern, and the legendary Speedy Hot Dogs for a quick lunch.

April Brogdon

April Brogdon believes the future of Valdosta-Lowndes County is full of possibilities — and for her, that future is personal. As a parent of two children raised in the community — one now in the workforce and one still in school — she sees every new industry, small business, downtown investment, and educational opportunity as part of a bigger story to build a stronger, more vibrant place where the next generation can thrive.

In her role with the development authority, April enjoys being part of that momentum firsthand. She values the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team, connect with local businesses and organizations and support both new and established companies as they grow. Whether she is participating in community events, helping strengthen partnerships or supporting economic development efforts behind the scenes, April finds purpose in work that helps move Valdosta-Lowndes County forward.

She also believes the area’s quality of life is one of its greatest strengths. With short commutes, accessible jobs, strong business support, parks, outdoor spaces, and plenty of local events, April appreciates the balance Valdosta-Lowndes County offers as a place where people can build careers, raise families, and still have time to enjoy life.

On the weekends, she is happiest outdoors or surrounded by family and friends. You might find her kayaking, enjoying live music at a local spot, visiting Georgia Beer Co. when a great food truck is on site, or relaxing over dinner at Austin’s Cattle Co., Wooden Nickel Pub, Woodstack BBQ Tavern, or Jack’s Chophouse. She also loves a simple “grill and chill” evening at home with the people she loves most.

Donna Holland

With a heart for people and a front-row seat to growth, Donna Holland is excited about the momentum building across Valdosta-Lowndes County. From new businesses and expanding job opportunities to a growing population and stronger workforce connections, she sees a community creating lasting opportunities for the next generation. She especially values the role of institutions such as Valdosta State University and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in preparing a strong workforce.

After twenty years at the development authority, Donna says her favorite part of the job is the people, who are more like family than co-workers, and that’s what makes coming to work fun and rewarding. That sense of togetherness is also what she loves most about Valdosta-Lowndes County.

Living in Hahira, Donna enjoys the best of both worlds — the relaxed pace and close-knit feel of small-town life, with Valdosta’s shopping, dining, work opportunities, and conveniences just a few miles away.

When the weekend rolls around, Donna’s activities are centered on family. Whether eating out or cooking a big meal at home, relaxing with the grandchildren or playing ball outside, she treasures the simple moments spent together. A few of her favorite local stops include Wooden Nickel Pub, where the camel riders and pizza are her pick, or a great steak at Austin’s Cattle Company.