Born and reared on a small farm in Georgia, Joni took her southern roots and moved to Oklahoma as a college student. Graduating from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science, and later obtaining a second degree in Biblical Leadership from Southwestern Christian University, Joni has worked in non-profit management for 18 years. While in college, Joni began her career in the auction business order to pay for her college tuitions. While maintaining a career in the non-profit sector, Joni continued to work as a free lance auctioneer aiding other non-profits in their fundraising efforts.

When recruited to serve as the Executive Director of the Pawhuska, Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce to promote economic development and job creation in Pawhuska, Joni relocated from south central Oklahoma to Osage County. During her tenure as Economic Development and Chamber Director, Pawhuska saw astonishing growth that she attributes to the opening of the famous Pioneer Woman Mercantile, and her community soon became one of the 15 Best Small Towns To Visit by Smithsonian Magazine. 

Joni put down Oklahoma roots acquiring a small Osage County ranch and naming it after a five generation family name: The Coy T. Ranch. Joni’s ranch is  home to a small herd of commercial cattle, hay crop, and a guest Airbnb cabin where she hosts guests from all over the country. After years of serving in civic leadership, Joni now travels full-time as both an independent-contract auctioneer specializing in benefit and non-profit fundraisers and a motivational speaker. Her motivational and high energy keynotes range in subject and include areas of leadership and personal growth, business entrepreneurship, community involvement and development, and faith-based education and inspiration.

As former a Miss Rodeo Georgia, rodeo and horse show competitor, Joni is deeply rooted in agriculture and the outdoor industry: she enjoys her horses, working cattle, team roping, archery, and big game hunting in the US and abroad.