Leadership Oklahoma City, Inc.

06/05/2026

Welcome to Our New Board Members!

We’re excited to welcome 10 new members to the Leadership Oklahoma City Board of Directors! These individuals bring a wealth of experience, energy, and passion for leadership and community impact. We look forward to the incredible work we’ll accomplish together.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to:

Adam Brooks, Honeymoon
Betsy Brunsteter, Community Volunteer
Joshua Busby, Langston University
Jennifer Castillo, OG&E
Derek Caswell, MidFirst Bank
Kevin Guarnera, Stride Bank
Megan Law, Rotary Club of Oklahoma City
Wendy Simpson, Community Volunteer
Kelly Williams, City of Oklahoma City
Wendi Wilson, WLW Partners & W2 Create and Empower: Strategic Solutions for Nonprofits

We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Executive Committee for their continued leadership and support:

Kermit Frank, President
Dan Straughan, Vice President
Kathy Frankenfield, Vice President of Development
Andy Rine, Secretary
Helen Rambo, Treasurer
Lisa Synar, Past President
Lisa Macias, Signature Co-Chair 25-27
Jim Parrack, Signature Co-Chair 25-27

06/05/2026

Open the Signature Class 43 Time Capsule.

A year of conversions.
A year of discovery.
A year of leadership.

🎥 Watch the film: https://youtu.be/idPhhTcjtos?feature=shared

Throughout the past year, Class 43 explored our community, tackled ...

05/07/2026

Came for leadership… stayed for the people.
Best year with the best crew.
LOYAL Class XX understood the assignment.

03/17/2026

🌟 Final Days to Apply: Signature Class 44 🌟

The application deadline for Leadership OKC’s Signature Program is quickly approaching.

Designed for experienced leaders, this 10-month program offers a deep dive into regional issues, meaningful dialogue with diverse perspectives, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with others committed to strengthening Oklahoma City.

From an immersive opening retreat to monthly program days, participants gain the insight and connections needed to lead with greater impact in their organizations and across the community.

📅 Applications close: April 3, 2026 at 5 PM
🔗 www.lokc.org/signature

We encourage you to apply or share with a leader who should be part of Signature Class 44.

02/09/2026

🌟 Celebrate Leadership in Action 🌟

Each year, Leadership Oklahoma City honors individuals who go above and beyond to serve our community through the Leadership OKC Awards:

🏆 Paragon Award – Recognizing a Leadership OKC graduate who has been an extraordinary volunteer for a local nonprofit agency.

🏆 Distinguished Leadership Award – Honoring a graduate whose outstanding community service spans beyond a single organization.

🏆 Clyde Benn Service to Youth Award – Celebrating a local adult making an extraordinary impact in the lives of young people across central Oklahoma.

🏆 Zach D. Taylor, Jr. Servant Leadership Award – Recognizing a Leadership OKC graduate for exceptional long-term volunteer service to Leadership OKC.

Do you know someone who embodies servant leadership and community impact?

📩 Submit your nomination at www.lokc.org/awardsgrants.

Let’s recognize those who lead by example and make OKC stronger. 💙

01/30/2026

Leadership doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens here.

✨Leadership OKC Signature Program is where leaders connect, challenge ideas, and shape what’s next for our community.

Applications now open. www.lokc.org/signature

01/11/2026

Check it out

New executives and senior managers can fast-track their connection to Oklahoma City through OKConnect, a partnership program from Leadership Oklahoma City and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. This exclusive orientation offers insider access to the city’s history, leadership and key initiatives while building meaningful professional connections.

🔗 To learn more about this, click the link: www.okcchamber.com/okconnect

12/19/2025

🎄 Day 12: Naughty, Nice & Everything in Between 🎄

What a way to wrap up our 12 Days of Nice List Awards — and what a night to remember!

Thank you to our gracious host, Robinson Park, sponsors, BancFirst, MidFirst Bank, Hall Estill, and Woodworks Distilling Co., and our incredible caterer, Kam’s Kookery, for helping us create a festive, joyful space to celebrate the best alumni community around. From laughter and great food to meaningful connections, the night truly sparkled. ✨

We loved seeing classes and alumni reconnect, snap photos, and proudly wear their Naughty & Nice name tags — including a standout moment when, after a generous $20 tip, our bartender officially marked VP of Development Kathy Frankenfield as Nice (proof that holiday cheer is contagious!).

And of course, no Leadership OKC celebration would be complete without tipping our hats to the naughty classmates who always bring the fun — shoutout to Michael Balp and Matt Janey for keeping the mischief alive and the energy high.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported Leadership OKC, and helped make this holiday season one to remember. Here’s to leadership, laughter, and a little holiday mischief. 🥂

12/18/2025

🌟 Day 11 of the Leadership OKC Nice List

Above & Beyond Award

Some leaders don’t just show up — they go above and beyond all year long to make Leadership OKC programs stronger, more meaningful, and more impactful. Today, we’re celebrating the incredible program co-chairs who do exactly that. 💛

🏆 Above & Beyond Award Recipients:

Signature Program
• Jim Parrack (SP Class XVIII)
• Lisa Macias (SP Class 41)

LOYAL Program
• Cindy Batt (SP Class XX)
• Brian Bogert (SP Class 37)

Leadership Skills
• Jema Copeland (LOYAL Class XVII)
• Gabe Stark (LYL Class XV)

Youth-in-Action
• Jessica Gilmore (SP Class 38)
• Austin Klososky (LYL Class XVI)

Youth Council of Oklahoma City
• Kim Garrett (SP Class 40)
• Spencer Browne (LYL Class XII)

From planning sessions and mentoring participants to problem-solving behind the scenes, these leaders give their time, talent, and heart to ensure every program shines. Leadership OKC simply wouldn’t be what it is without you.

👏 Thank you for always going above and beyond — you’re officially on the Nice List!

12/17/2025

🎉 Day 10: The Hostess With the Mostest Award — Peggy Kates, Signature Class 40 🎉

Today we’re celebrating someone who doesn’t just open her home — she opens her heart, her calendar, and apparently… her living room to Hollywood. 😉

Peggy Kates, Signature Class 40, is the definition of a legendary host. She’s thrown a beautiful holiday party for her class, has graciously hosted the Alumni Board holiday gathering for the last three years, and still finds time to serve as a dedicated LOKC Alumni Board member.

Fun fact: Peggy once hosted not only Leadership OKC… but also the cast and crew of the movie The Huntsman while they filmed scenes in her house. If that’s not elite hosting credentials, we don’t know what is.

Peggy — thank you for your warmth, generosity, and hospitality that makes every gathering feel like home.

We see you. We appreciate you. And we’ll happily RSVP “yes” to anything you host. 🎄✨