CENTRE — After 10 years of leadership, Mark Collins has stepped down as president of the Weiss Lake Improvement Association (WLIA), marking the end of a decade-long tenure dedicated to protecting, maintaining and enhancing Weiss Lake.

Collins announced the transition this week, expressing gratitude to the many individuals, communities and organizations that supported the association’s efforts during his time as president. While stepping away from the leadership role, he will remain actively involved with the organization as a board member and a member of the channel marker maintenance committee.

The WLIA Board of Directors has selected Jamey Johnson as the association’s new president. Johnson has been actively involved with the organization and has served as chairman of the popular Crappie Rodeo Committee, helping guide one of Weiss Lake’s signature annual events.

Collins praised Johnson’s leadership and contributions to the association, noting that he has helped elevate the Crappie Rodeo and will bring strong leadership to his new role as president.

During his tenure, Collins worked alongside fellow board members, local governments, volunteers and community partners on numerous projects aimed at improving and preserving Weiss Lake. He thanked the Town of Cedar Bluff, the Town of Leesburg, the City of Centre, WLIA sponsors, and both past and present board members for their support over the years.

Collins said the accomplishments achieved during the past decade were the result of a collective effort and would not have been possible without the dedication and support of those who shared the association’s vision for Weiss Lake.

Founded to protect, maintain and enhance Weiss Lake for current and future generations, the Weiss Lake Improvement Association continues to serve as an advocate for the lake and its surrounding communities. With Johnson assuming the presidency and Collins remaining involved in the organization, WLIA leadership says its commitment to stewardship of Weiss Lake remains strong.

Collins said he remains passionate about Weiss Lake and is proud to call it home, adding that he looks forward to continuing his work to help improve and preserve the lake for years to come.

Read his statement here:

After 10 years proudly serving as president of WLIA, I Mark Collins have stepped down as president. I will continue as a board member and channel marker maintenance committee member in the future.

Jamey Johnson was voted in as the new president of WLIA, he is a great guy and has been the head of the crappie rodeo committee. He has done a excellent job and has taken the rodeo to a level that we are proud of, he will do a great job as the new president of WLIA, and he will always have my support in all projects of WLIA.

Congratulations Jamey, I look forward to you keeping up the great work that WLIA does !

I want to thank all of WLIA sponsors, the town of Cedar Bluff, the town of Leesburg and the city of Centre, and ESPECIALLY all of the board members past and present for supporting me as president of WLIA. Without everyone’s support none of the great projects we accomplished in the last 10 years would have been possible.

I truly love Weiss Lake and am proud to call it home, and I will continue to work to help make Weiss Lake better.

Weiss Lake Improvement Association

The lake association that is there to, protect, maintain and enhance Weiss Lake for today and future generations.

Thank you

Mark Collins