Leadership

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Welcome to Exceptional Ops (ExOPS)!

These extraordinary times are exceptional opportunities to support one another and spread good in our community. In 1986, ExOPS began this very journey—to serve and support families who have loved ones with developmental disabilities and differences. What began as an informal gathering of concerned parents meeting in their homes, has grown to become one of the premier advocacy groups in Georgia.  (READ MORE)

Janet Smola has lived in Fayette County since 1993. In that time, she has served as the Fundraising Director of The Joseph Sams School and The Dixie Wing of The Commemorative Air Force. Janet was the Marketing Director for The Great Georgia Airshow from 2001 until 2013. She served as an elected member of The Fayette County School Board for 12 years. In 2004, Janet became the Executive Director for ExceptionalOPS (ExOPS).

Janet is married to Michael Smola, and they have three grown sons.  Janet is a native of West Springfield, MA and attended Westfield State College majoring in Psychology. She obtained insurance licensing in New York, Connecticut, and Illinois along with NASD licensing in New York where she worked in the securities industry. Upon making Georgia her home in 1993, Janet dedicated her career to raising funds for nonprofit organizations in Fayette County. 

In 2014, Janet narrowed her efforts exclusively to the ExOPS mission of providing services and advocacy for citizens with developmental disabilities and differences. Janet is known and appreciated as a compassionate and courageous advocate as she works tirelessly to build bridges of support throughout the community at large. Her efforts have encouraged and impacted thousands as she continues to be a catalyst for exceptional opportunities in 2021 and beyond. Janet announced her retirement this year after 25 years of service. She will retire at the end of December, 2025. Her work has helped countless families and made a lasting impact for good in our area and beyond. We will be post more 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, following the retirement of our longtime director, Janet Smola. Janet's dedicated leadership and service to our community and beyond are immeasurable.  We are grateful for Janet’s many years of leadership.  We are grateful to share that she will continue to support ExOPS as a member of our board and is working closely with Brooke to ensure a smooth transition. 

Brooke is a board-certified advocate and experienced professional in the mental health and developmental disability sectors, with over 14 years of leadership, case management, and crisis support expertise. She holds a bachelor's degree in healthcare management from Kaplan University, with a focus on 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 driven to seek the best possible care and resources. Her path led her to the Marcus Autism Center and Parent to Parent of Georgia, where she later became a supporting parent, mentoring families navigating similar diagnoses.

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

Previously, Brooke was the Program Director at First Option Services, where she nearly doubled the reach of a day program for adults with IDD/DD and forged strong community partnerships. She also worked as a job coach with Briggs & Associates, helping individuals with disabilities secure meaningful, above-minimum-wage employment. Combining personal insight with professional expertise, Brooke brings to ExOps her commitment and passion for empowering families, improving systems of care, and creating inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities.

Phone: 770-631-1035  

Twitter: @ExceptionalOps 

Facebook: ExceptionalOPS

Scott Johnson retired from Coca-Cola and works extensively in Peachtree City volunteering. He has been a resident of Fayette County since 1996.  He has served on the ExOPS Board since 2010 and currently as its President. Scott is married to Michelle and they have 3 adult children.

Brenda Vogler is a retired CFO of HospitalMD with 30 years of financial and accounting experience.  She serves on the Leadership Board of PTCUMC and has been a resident of Fayette County since 1996. She has served on the ExOps Board since 2002. 

Arturo Cerezo is the Catering Technology Manager at Delta Air Lines. He has two adult children, and enjoys soccer and traveling. He has lived in Fayette County since 2013. He has served on the ExOps Board since 2018. 

Frances Stewart is VP of sales and marketing with UP Media Group, a media company serving the electronics industry.  She has lived in Fayette County since 2005 and has served on the ExOps Board since 2016. She and her husband, Norman, have an adult daughter, Helena, who is developmentally disabled.  

Terry Whitlock is a founding member of ExOps has served on the ExOps Board since 2002 and previously served as President. 

Ginny Duhon is a longtime resident of Fayette County and an attorney who specializes in Elder and Special Needs Law. Ginny and her husband Mel have two grown children. She has served on the ExOps Board for since 2006. 

Mary Giusti is a special education teacher for the Fayette County School System. She has lived in Fayette County since 1991 and has served on the ExOps Board since 2013.. 

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.  He has served on the ExOps Board since 2010.

Dr. Amor Kok is a longtime resident of Fayette County and originally from South Africa. She served on the ExOps Board for 10 years and has since served as a Board Member Emeritus. She provides counseling for children and adults with special needs.