Leadership Oklahoma announces newly-elected Board of Directors for 2023-2024 Term, with Sammye Cravens as Incoming Chair

Oklahoma City, June 26, 2023 - Leadership Oklahoma, a statewide nonprofit committed to identifying, educating, and connecting leaders to positively impact Oklahoma, is pleased to announce the election of its Board of Directors for the upcoming year. Duncan's Jay Johnson is also on the board.

"This exceptional group of leaders will bring their diverse perspectives and extensive expertise to our organization, furthering our mission to cultivate leadership and shape the future of Oklahoma," said Dr. Marion Paden, Leadership Oklahoma President & CEO. "I am confident that under the leadership of Sammye Cravens as the incoming Chair, and with the support of the newly elected Board of Directors, Leadership Oklahoma will continue to make a significant impact in our state and on the people we serve."

An instrumental part of the consulting firm Public Strategies for over twenty years, Sammye Cravens oversees day-to-day business operations and manages all contractual obligations as the company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Her preparation and execution of strategic plans and precise analysis of outcomes makes her contribution to the organization invaluable. Prior to joining Public Strategies, Ms. Cravens’ business-savvy skills grew from experience in lead positions with McDonald’s Corporation, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, and Oklahoma City-Based Eateries, Inc. Ms. Cravens is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and graduate of the University of Central Arkansas.

Cravens participated in Leadership Oklahoma, Class X. She has served on the Leadership Oklahoma Board of Directors, on the Executive Committee and as Membership Chair. In addition, she has served on numerous non-profit boards and committees, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Oklahoma State Firefighters Memorial Committee, and Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County. She is a member of the American Institute of Public Accountants, Oklahoma Society of CPAs, and the Economic Club of Oklahoma

Elected to the executive committee for the 2023 – 2024 term, alongside Sammye Cravens, are the following esteemed individuals: Vice Chair/Chair-Elect/Chair-Administration: Chris Benge, Tulsa; Secretary/Treasurer/Chair-Finance Committee: Janet Cunningham, Alva; Chair-Adult Program Committee: Rachel Hutchings, Skiatook; Chair-Development Committee: Stephanie Cameron Regan, Tulsa; Chair-Marketing/PR Committee: Becky Samples, Norman; Chair-Membership Committee: Susan Paddack, Ada; Chair-Youth Program Committee: Dan Molina, Oklahoma City; and, Immediate Past Chair/Chair-Nominating Committee: Phil Kaiser, Tulsa.

The at-large members of the 2023 – 2024 executive committee, bringing their unique expertise to the table, include: Kathy Banks-Monroe, Lawton; Ginny Bass Carl, Oklahoma City; Mark Davis, Broken Arrow; Moises Echeverria, Tulsa; Cheryl Evans, Burlington; Drew Ewbank (Chair Elect - Youth Program), Enid; Melissa Hall (Chair Elect - Adult Program), Stillwater; Farooq Karim (Chair Elect - Membership), Norman; and, JT Petherick, Oklahoma City.

Additional members of the 2023 – 2024 board, bringing their unique expertise to the table, include: Chris Anoatubby, Ada; Gary Armbruster, Norman; Shella Bowlin, Tulsa; Candace Braddock, Altus; Dakota Cole, Ada; Susan Crenshaw, Tulsa; Jennifer Ellis, Medicine Park; Lance Frye, Tulsa; Michele Hardesty, Tulsa; Kim Henry, Edmond; Alexa Humphries, Woodward; Jay Johnson, Duncan; Rose Washington Jones, Broken Arrow; Liz Leaming, Ponca City; Thomas Lewis II, Oklahoma City; Marcie Mack, Enid; Mindy Mahaney, Tulsa; Millicent Newton-Embry, Edmond; Jordan Shearer, Laverne; Amy Siegfried, Tulsa; Mike Stopp, Tahlequah; Ronna Vanderslice, Lawton; and, Kevin Wallace, Wellston.

Leadership Oklahoma also proudly announces those serving as advisors to its Board for the next year: Cinthya Allen, Norman; Taylor Burnett, Woodward; Clytie Bunyan, Oklahoma City; Dawn Byram, Oklahoma City; Richard Cudjo, Oklahoma City; Kye Essmiller, Edmond; Jodi Lewis, Edmond; Christine McQueen, Tulsa; Krystina Phillips, Fittstown; Rob Reynolds, Oklahoma City; Stuart Solomon, Tulsa; Laurie Tilley, Tulsa; and Alba Weaver, Oklahoma City.

For more information about Leadership Oklahoma and its initiatives, please visit

www.leadershipoklahoma.com or call 405-848-0001.

About Leadership Oklahoma:

Leadership Oklahoma is a prestigious organization dedicated to cultivating and connecting leaders who are passionate about making a positive impact in Oklahoma. By promoting collaboration, education, and inspiration, Leadership Oklahoma prepares and links leaders to address the unique challenges faced by the state and inspire positive change.