Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rhonda Adams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rhonda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

One of the most memorable moments I’ve had while operating the Lake Eufaula Tourist Information Center happened recently.

A visitor stopped in while traveling through — she owns an animal transportation service and was driving across the country to Kentucky to deliver a dog. When she saw how beautiful Lake Eufaula was, she decided to stop and see what there was to do in the area. We had a wonderful visit, gave her information, and she took one of our Visit Lake Eufaula Travel Guides.

About two weeks later, on her way back through, she surprised us with a thoughtful gift from Kentucky as a thank-you for being so kind and welcoming. She even chose to stay a couple of days at Arrowhead State Park to enjoy the lake!

Moments like this remind us why we do what we do. It’s not just about promoting Lake Eufaula — it’s about creating connections and sharing the beauty of this area with others.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My role with the Lake Eufaula Association is truly a “God thing.” For 13 years I owned and operated a home bakery, and I was in the process of looking for a storefront to expand. That was my dream and passion at the time. Around then, a friend from church mentioned that the Lake Eufaula Association had posted a job opening. I brushed it off — I was happy baking and thought that was where I was headed.

Not long after, another friend called me after seeing the job posting all the way in Norman and said, “This is a perfect fit for you, you really need to apply.” Again, I said no. But then, the following week at church, yet another friend brought it up. When my husband asked what everyone was talking about and I explained, he said, “You’d be crazy not to apply.”

So, I did. And that decision completely changed the course of my life.

I was hired into a sales and marketing position, and within three months I was promoted to Executive Director. Looking back, it’s clear this was where I was meant to be. I absolutely love working in the tourism industry. Every day I get to share the beauty, culture, and experiences of Lake Eufaula with visitors near and far.

Some of the work I’m most proud of includes creating and growing the Visit Lake Eufaula Travel Guide, leading our presence at major boat shows, travel shows, and hunting & fishing expos, and continually finding creative ways to promote tourism across the entire lake area.

Lake Eufaula is truly special. It’s the largest lake in Oklahoma with over 800 miles of shoreline and 105,000 surface acres of water. What sets the Lake Eufaula Association apart is our mission: we’re not just promoting one town or one marina — we promote the entire lake region, helping connect travelers to communities, businesses, events, and experiences all around the lake.

What I want people to know about LEA is that we are membership-based and deeply rooted in this community. We work hard to support local businesses, showcase events, and make sure every visitor finds something memorable here. My greatest joy is when a tourist stops by our Visitor Center, picks up a travel guide, or shares how much fun they had exploring Lake Eufaula.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. And I feel blessed every day that I get to do it.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

I still remember my very first project when I started at the Lake Eufaula Association. Just a week into my new position, I was handed the Corps Camper Newspaper and told, “Go sell the ads.” That was it—no guidance, no direction, no roadmap.

The first issue I worked on was a little rough and definitely a learning experience. But I didn’t give up. Over time, we built that project from something that was almost non-existent into a publication that is now completely sold out of ad space in every issue.

It’s one of the projects I’m most proud of because it represents growth, persistence, and how far LEA has come in building partnerships and visibility for Lake Eufaula.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn when I first started at the Lake Eufaula Association was my own understanding of what the organization truly is. For years, I thought of LEA as something similar to a local Chamber of Commerce, focused only on the city of Eufaula.

But once I stepped into the role, I quickly realized that the mission of LEA is much broader and more impactful. We are not just about one town — we are about regional tourism. The Association promotes travel and tourism across five counties: Muskogee, McIntosh, Okmulgee, Haskell, and Pittsburg.

We represent the entire Lake Eufaula region, with its 800 miles of shoreline and countless attractions, and our goal is to encourage visitors to explore all the communities and experiences the area has to offer. It was a shift in perspective that changed the way I approach everything we do — from events and advertising to publications and partnerships.

Instead of thinking small, we think regional. We want tourists to see the lake not just as one destination, but as a gateway to the whole region.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://VisitLakeEufaula.com
• Facebook: Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma
• Other: Tik Tok, Lake Eufaula Association

Image Credits

Sean Bentley & Mandy Lynn portraits