Exceptional Opportunities for Leadership

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Welcome to Exceptional Ops (ExOPS)! These extraordinary times present exceptional opportunities for community support and to uplift one another. Established in 1986, ExOPS began its mission to advocate for families who have loved ones with developmental disabilities and differences. What started as an informal gathering of concerned parents in their homes has evolved into one of the premier nonprofit organizations dedicated to advocacy and leadership in Georgia. (READ MORE)

Janet Smola has been a dedicated resident of Fayette County since 1993, where she has made significant contributions to the community through her leadership roles. She has served as the Fundraising Director of The Joseph Sams School and The Dixie Wing of The Commemorative Air Force. Additionally, Janet was the Marketing Director for The Great Georgia Airshow from 2001 until 2013, and she spent 12 years as an elected member of The Fayette County School Board. In 2004, she took on the role of Executive Director for ExceptionalOPS (ExOPS), a nonprofit organization focused on advocacy for citizens with developmental disabilities and differences. 

Janet is married to Michael Smola and is the proud mother of three grown sons. Originally from West Springfield, MA, she attended Westfield State College, majoring in Psychology. She also obtained insurance licensing in New York, Connecticut, and Illinois, along with NASD licensing in New York, where she worked in the securities industry. Since moving to Georgia in 1993, Janet has dedicated her career to raising funds for nonprofit organizations, emphasizing community support for those in need.

In 2014, Janet narrowed her efforts exclusively to the mission of ExOPS, advocating for those with developmental disabilities and striving to enhance community support. Known for her compassionate and courageous leadership, she works tirelessly to build bridges of support throughout the community. Her advocacy has positively impacted thousands, making her a catalyst for exceptional opportunities in 2021 and beyond. After 25 years of dedicated service, Janet announced her retirement this year, effective at the end of December 2025. Her contributions have profoundly benefited countless families, leaving a lasting impact on our area and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates about Janet in the coming weeks.

Email: janetsmola@comcast.net

Phone: 770-631-1035

Twitter: @ExceptionalOps

Facebook: ExceptionalOPS

It is with great joy that we share some important news for the ExOPS family and the entire community. Brooke Wright has been selected as our new Executive Director, succeeding our longtime leader, Janet Smola, who has dedicated her career to advocacy and community support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Janet's leadership and service to our nonprofit organization and the broader community are immeasurable. We are deeply grateful for Janet’s many years of guidance and are pleased to announce that she will continue to support ExOPS as a member of our board, working closely with Brooke to ensure a smooth transition.

Brooke is a board-certified advocate and experienced professional in the mental health and developmental disabilities sectors, boasting over 14 years of leadership, case management, and crisis support expertise. She earned her bachelor's degree in healthcare management from Kaplan University, specializing in behavioral health.

Brooke’s advocacy is deeply rooted in her personal journey. Married to Mike and a mother of five, including two sons diagnosed with nonverbal autism, she was motivated to seek the best possible care and resources within her community. This journey led her to the Marcus Autism Center and Parent to Parent of Georgia, where she became a supportive parent, mentoring families navigating similar diagnoses.

In her commitment to community support, Brooke has served in leadership and advisory roles with organizations such as Ava’s Law, Autism Speaks, Our World School, and Madi’s Promise. She is also a proud graduate of the Partners in Policymaking program and has been a featured speaker at events like the Marcus Autism Center’s Big Splash. In 2023, Brooke was appointed by the governor to serve as a board member for the statewide Independent Living Council, furthering her advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

Previously, Brooke was the Program Director at First Option Services, where she significantly expanded the reach of a day program for adults with IDD/DD and developed strong community partnerships. She also worked as a job coach with Briggs & Associates, assisting individuals with disabilities in securing meaningful, above-minimum-wage employment. By combining personal insight with professional expertise, Brooke brings to ExOps her unwavering commitment and passion for empowering families, improving systems of care, and creating inclusive opportunities within the nonprofit organization for people with disabilities.

Phone: 770-631-1035

Twitter: @ExceptionalOps

Facebook: ExceptionalOPS

Scott Johnson retired from Coca-Cola and now dedicates his time to community support in Peachtree City through extensive volunteer work. A resident of Fayette County since 1996, he has demonstrated strong leadership as a member of the ExOPS Board since 2010, currently serving as its President. His advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities is a key focus of his efforts. Scott is married to Michelle, and together they have 3 adult children.

Brenda Vogler is a retired CFO of HospitalMD with 30 years of financial and accounting experience. She has been a resident of Fayette County since 1996 and actively participates in community support as a member of the Leadership Board of PTCUMC. Additionally, she has served on the ExOps Board since 2002, advocating for development and leadership within the nonprofit organization focused on individuals with developmental disabilities.

Arturo Cerezo is the Catering Technology Manager at Delta Air Lines and has been actively involved in community support, particularly for nonprofit organizations that advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. He enjoys soccer and traveling, and has lived in Fayette County since 2013. Since 2018, he has demonstrated his leadership by serving on the ExOps Board.

Frances Stewart is the VP of sales and marketing at UP Media Group, a media company dedicated to serving the electronics industry. Since moving to Fayette County in 2005, she has demonstrated her leadership by serving on the ExOps Board since 2016. Frances and her husband, Norman, are actively involved in advocacy and community support for individuals with developmental disabilities, including their adult daughter, Helena.

Terry Whitlock, a founding member of ExOps, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the nonprofit organization, serving on the ExOps Board since 2002 and previously as President. His commitment to community support and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities has greatly influenced the organization's mission.

Ginny Duhon is a longtime resident of Fayette County and an attorney who specializes in Elder and Special Needs Law, focusing on advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities. Ginny and her husband Mel have two grown children and are active supporters of community support initiatives. Since 2006, she has demonstrated her leadership skills by serving on the ExOps Board, a dedicated nonprofit organization.

Mary Giusti is a dedicated special education teacher for the Fayette County School System, where she actively advocates for students with developmental disabilities. A resident of Fayette County since 1991, she has also demonstrated her leadership by serving on the ExOps Board since 2013, contributing to community support and efforts through the nonprofit organization.

Steven Tyrrell is a Creative Director, Brand Strategist, and Designer with a background in media production and publishing. He has two adult children and has been a resident of Fayette County since 2006. As a leader in community support, he has actively contributed to advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities and has served on the ExOps Board since 2010, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing lives.

Dr. Amor Kok is a longtime resident of Fayette County and originally from South Africa. With a strong commitment to advocacy, she served on the ExOps Board for 10 years and has since been recognized as a Board Member Emeritus. Dr. Kok is dedicated to providing community support through her counseling services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.