Community Liaisons

In the fall of 2020, the Opelika Police Department launched TOGETHER, OPELIKA, a campaign geared to build trust and relationships between the citizens of Opelika and the Opelika Police Department. After a series of community meetings, we identified areas that were important to the citizens of Opelika and began developing a model that could be used to better serve the community. 

In 2021 the Ambassadors of Change Council, which consists of multiple organizations and community advocates, was formed as a way for everyone to come together to collaborate and coordinate their efforts to help affect change in our community. In order to implement these changes, nine liaisons from the community were selected to work with the Police Department liaison, Captain Tony Amerson. Each ward within the City of Opelika is represented. 

The liaisons play a vital role as part of Together, Opelika by:

  • Supporting and respecting the mission and values of the Opelika Police Department
  • Facilitating communication between residents and the Opelika Police Department
  • Supporting the activities of the Opelika Police Department and Ambassadors of Change 
  • Helping to bring the five wards of Opelika together as a whole community

If you are interested in getting involved, you can reach out to one of the liaisons listed below or attend the Ambassadors of Change Council meeting on the last Monday of every month from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Opelika Public Library. These meetings are open to Opelika Citizens and Organizations interested in working with other community members to make the city the best it can be. View the Police Department calendar to see if any community meetings are being hosted in your ward. 

Contact Us

  1. Amerson, Tony

    Tony Amerson

    Captain of Community Relations/Special Services
    Email
    Phone: 334-705-5211
    More Information

Meet your Liaisons

Dexter_web

Dexter Hughley

Co-Chair & Ward 1 Liaison

Cell: (334) 444-5564

Dexter was born and raised in Apopka, Florida before entering the Army for 6 years. He moved to Alabama in 1993 to help his family and married his wife Ruby in 2008. He has been a member of Brothers Unity Social Club for 15 years, Friend Making a Enhance Social Club for 2 years, and is currently a member of the NAACP. 

Why you became a liaison:

After being in Opelika for about 30 years, I thought it was time to get involved and have an impact in my community. 

Parker Hamilton Web

Parker Hamilton

Ward 5 Liaison

Cell: (240) 401-9243

Parker moved to Opelika in 2017 where she first settled in Ward 2 before moving to Ward 5. She is retired from Montgomery County, Maryland where she was the Director of Public Libraries. Parker is active in many organizations including the Lee County NAACP, Lee County Remembrance Project, and the Museum of East Alabama.

Why you became a liaison: 

I watched with interest the rolling out of the Together Opelika Campaign and knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of the implementation. I am a public servant at heart.

Sherry Cook Web

Sherry Cook Welch

Ward 2 Liaison

Cell: (334) 332-6684


Susan Clark Web

Susan Clark

Ward 4 Liaison

Cell: (404) 271-7478

Email: [email protected]

Susan was born and raised in Opelika, and graduated from Opelika High School. She taught High School Economics and U.S. History in Georgia until she retired in 2010 after 30 years of service. In 2015 Susan returned to Opelika and settled into Ward 4. 

Why you became a liaison:

I wanted to be involved in my hometown through volunteering and participating in community activities. 


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Valestine Penn

Ward 1 Liaison

Cell: (334) 734-6148

Valestine was born and raised in Opelika. She has one son and is a member of the Nazareth Missionary Church in Opelika. Val is also the President of the Auburn Dist. Women Department and the Vice President of the Opelika Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. 

Why you became a liaison:

I became a liaison because I love people and I love my community. After completing the Citizens Police Academy, I wanted to learn more about how I could help make our town a better place to live. 

Angela Johnson Web

Angela Johnson

Honorary Liaison 

Email: [email protected]

Angela has been a citizen of the city of Opelika for the last 15 years and is currently the Director of Housing Operations at the Opelika Housing Authority, Opelika, AL. Angela loves being able to assist others in whatever capacity he/she is in need of.

Why you became a liaison:

I became a Liaison to become more involved with the community.   

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Sherri Reese

Honorary Liaison

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