Oklahoma Magazine December 2025

Oklahoma Magazine

28 Great Companies to Work For

Impressive businesses don’t just offer topnotch products and services; they also make employees proud to be involved. Across Oklahoma, standout employers are redefining success –building work cultures on innovation, balance and true purpose. Meet Oklahoma’s 2025 Great Companies to Work For.

54 A Very Merry Guide

The holidays are here, pairing nicely with Oklahoma cheer. We offer a rundown of local happenings, plus holiday etiquette advice, cocktail recipes and other goodies that will surely help your season shine.

58 First Bite Blending Latin American roots with Oklahoma twists, Café Kacao serves up dishes as delicious and lively as its atmosphere.

Off From festive lights to heartfelt giving, Oklahoma’s got options to celebrate and make a difference all season long.

While it may not be the most popular tourist destination, Greenland will pleasantly surprise visitors with its friendly locals, outdoor adventures and historical spaces.

Local Flavors

Letter

Ho, ho, ho, my little festive elves! A very happy holiday season to you –whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, or just want to enjoy the company of your loved ones with some good food and seasonal cheer.

I set out to make this issue as merry as possible, starting with the annual Holiday Guide (page 54). Alongside a comprehensive round-up of community events, ice rink set-ups and dazzling light displays, we’re serving up cocktail recipes, holiday etiquette tips and a thoughtful look at the pros and cons of real versus artificial trees. You’ll also find plenty of other festive treats sprinkled throughout the magazine: our State cover story on volunteer opportunities (page 6), a peek at a brand-new Christmas album from some talented Okie musicians (page 19) and a chat with present-wrapping pros, offering tips that are guaranteed to up your gifting game (page 26).

One of our biggest features of the year also drops this month: Great Companies to Work For (page 28). Shining a light on 160+ companies in Oklahoma, this piece explores the businesses that are redefining success, making their employees proud, and raising the bar for workplace expectations nationwide. Be sure to check out our four accompanying CEO profiles, where we dig into leadership styles, workplace culture and what these innovators see on the horizon for 2026.

A very happy holiday season to you all. See you next year!

Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

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Botanic Garden of Lights, Tulsa Botanic Garden

The State

A Season of Celebration and Service

From festive lights to heartfelt giving, Oklahoma’s got options to celebrate — and make a difference — all season long.

Even in the hardest of times, people can find joy in holiday traditions. Centered on reflection and gratitude, the holiday season is time to give back to friends, family and those less fortunate.

Organizations across the state are doing just that. Throughout December, Oklahomans can find ways to connect and make a lasting impact in their community by participating in charitable deeds and locally organized festivities.

Christmas Under the Bridge

For 12 years, City Lights Tulsa has been serving people experiencing homelessness through compassionate outreach and housing support. Aimed at making

the holidays a special time for all, the organization is bringing back its annual Christmas Under the Bridge program in 2025.

Every Thursday, volunteers with City Lights feed hundreds of people under the bridge at Maybelle Avenue and Reconciliation Way. The Thursday before Christmas, Dec. 18, volunteers will give away clothing, warm meals and gifts to hundreds of people in need.

“We’ve had carolers before, and we always serve a special meal,” says Haley Kardokus, the director of development and communications at City Lights. “It’s a chance for people to feel like they’re a part of a community and can participate in things that people with housing get to do.”

City Lights is also preparing to reactivate its emergency mobile outreach program during times of extreme weather, distributing hot hands, blankets and other essentials to people in encamp-

ments. To make both programs possible, the organization relies on donations and a dedicated group of volunteers.

“There’s room for everyone, and it’s a great place to build relationships,” says Kardokus. “As much as we are serving our neighbors, it’s also a gift to the person who is serving; it really shows you the humanity of the people living next to us.”

To learn how to get involved, go to citylightsok.org.

Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots

Last Christmas, Toys for Tots distributed more than 40,000 toys to children in the Oklahoma City area. Motivated to deliver hope to those less fortunate, the organizers behind the program are working to reach more kids than ever before.

“Whether it’s 50 or 100 more kids, being able to go further with the campaign is ultimately what we want to do,” says Staff Sergeant Natasha Gann, who oversees the program.

Starting in Los Angeles in 1947, Toys for Tots has rapidly grown into a nationwide program that serves millions of families annually. Its mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys every holiday to distribute to children in need.

People can drop off toys at participating locations across the state until Dec.

At Arvest Winterfest, Tulsans will find ice skating, a 44-foot Christmas tree, hot cocoa and an igloo village.

Photo courtesy Arvest Winterfest

The Thursday before Christmas, volunteers at City Lights Tulsa will be giving away clothing, warm meals and gifts during Christmas Under the Bridge. Photo courtesy City Lights Tulsa

Downtown in December; courtesy Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership

15. In the days leading up to Christmas, the organization relies on volunteers to transport, store, organize and wrap toys.

“We’re all about joining in, whether it’s the smallest of contributions,” says Gann.

By removing the financial pressure of shopping for gifts, families can focus on what matters most: spending time with each other.

“Seeing the smiles and the joy on the parents’ and children’s faces is priceless,” says Gann. “Even if it is a couple toys, it’s taking that stress off of them, which is huge in itself.”

To learn more about the program, check out toysfortots.org.

Downtown in December

Organized by Downtown OKC and presented by Devon Energy, Downtown in December brings together over thirty holiday events and activities into the heart of the city. Launched in 2002, the event was created with the goal of revitalizing the city’s downtown stretch. By drawing people to this area, the event has helped generate over $6 million in additional funds for local business own

time of the year, and every purchase [they get] really strengthens our community,” says Danielle Dodson, the director of marketing and communications at Downtown OKC.

Running through the end of January, the event features ice skating, holiday pop-up shops, photos with Santa and other family-friendly activities. Lights on Broadway will also return on select Saturdays, transforming Automobile Alley into a stunning display of 600,000 Christmas lights.

Planning Downtown in December is a year-round effort for event organizers.

“There truly is something magical about being downtown and seeing all these families take photos and kids skating for the first time at the Devon ice rink,” says Dodson. “Those shared moments make all the hard work worth it.”

150,000 visitors annually.

Bringing dozens of events together is a full-time job for organizers.

“It is year-round planning,” says Holly Harper, who is the tenant and special events manager for the BOK Center.

“We’ve already started talking about next year’s event.”

This year, Winterfest will introduce a new program, Student Night, in partnership with Tulsa Community College. Beginning Dec. 5, TCC students can get a 50% discount on skating tickets every Friday evening.

To check out a full calendar of activities, go to downtownindecember.com.

“Many small businesses count on this

Nestled in the heart of downtown Tulsa, Winterfest is celebrating its 18th anniversary this year. The community event, which features an open-air ice-skating rink, has steadily grown to attract over

Visitors can experience the festival’s mainstay attractions, including a 44-foot Christmas tree, hot cocoa and an igloo village. Focused on making a difference in the community, Food Drive Mondays and Warmth Wednesdays will also return this year.

Visitors that participate in Winterfest’s donation drives will receive a 50% discount on skating tickets.

“For us, Winterfest is really an opportunity to stay involved in the community and give back,” reflects Harper.

To plan your visit, go to tulsawinterfest.com.

Oklahoma Forged

While you may consider blacksmithing a profession of the past, skilled artisans are still excelling in the art form today.

Isitioned to building oilfield pressure tanks and shoeing horses. For 35 years, he was a City of Moore firefighter, and he retired in 2018. Now he owns MC Iron Blacksmithing & Welding in Stillwater.

“I make anything, from hand-forged wall art, fireplace tools and table bases to gates and handrails,” says Carter. “I have a couple of different forges that heat the metal to approximately 2,000 degrees — then I forge them with a hammer and different tools on a 125 pound anvil. For gates and handrails, I also incorporate welding equipment.”

Improving his skills through workshops and classes, Carter hand forges items and uses tools to fabricate.

“I stay as busy as I want,” he says. “My favorite thing is for someone to say is, ‘I

know what I want but I just can’t find it.’”

The owner of SDS Knifeworks in Piedmont, Shawn Shropshire is an East Central University alumni, and was an Oklahoma City police officer for 20 years.

“When I found metal work and forging, it just felt right,” says Shropshire, who began making knives as a hobby two decades ago. “The shop is hot in the summer, cold in the winter and usually doesn’t smell too good. But it’s where I feel most comfortable.”

Known primarily for making cutlery, Shropshire produces custom, handmade knives and related items. He works with organic materials, and is recognized for frontier-inspired knives and sheaths as well as Native American and European Viking influences. Shropshire’s customers pepper the U.S., and are also in Europe, South America, New Zealand and the Middle East. His blacksmith travels are global.

Because he makes luxury items, Shropshire’s demand fluctuates. But his orders stay backed up for at least a year.

“Typically I start with raw steel, forge to shape, then finish, grind, heat treat, clean that up, and fit a guard and handle before finally hand sanding and making a sheath for it. Each knife is different, so each sheath is fitted to the specific knife. Some of the sheaths I build, such as frontier style, rawhide, can take nearly as long to make as the knives.”

CAROL MOWDY BOND

Blacksmithing

An ancient art, blacksmithing involves heating metal in a fire or furnace to make it soft enough to hammer, bend and shape into useful or decorative items. By the Middle Ages, a local blacksmith shop, or smithy, was common. Blacksmithing declined with automation, but has recently resurged as a hobby and art form, paralleling the call for traditional craftsmanship. The global market is moving blacksmithing’s popularity and cultural presence forward through television, social media and competitions.

In 2021, Shropshire won the “Best Forged Blade Knife” Competition at the 32nd Salon International du Couteau d’Art et de Collection (SICAC) in Paris. He won the “Best Bowie” Competition at the 2022 Texas Select Custom Cutlery Event in Bellville, Texas. His champion status in the History Channel Season 5 Episode 39 “Forged in Fire Champion” took him into a full-time career.

There are various Oklahoma blacksmithing groups, and they include Oklahoma Knife Group LLC, Okie Blacksmiths, and Saltfork Craftsmen Artist-Blacksmith Association.

Shawn Shropshire, owner of SDS Knifeworks in Piedmont, is recognized for frontier-inspired knives and sheaths as well as Native American and European Viking influences.

Photo by SharpByCoop

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Dr. Brian Gosnell

Dr. Matthew Walker

William before FM Restorations

The Vanishing Parks of Oklahoma

Most know (and miss) Bell’s Amusement Park, but others like it have come and gone since before statehood.

Though many of Oklahoma’s beloved amusement parks have long since closed or been torn down, their stories reveal a fascinating glimpse into the state’s evolving culture of fun and recreation. Years ago, for those who couldn’t make it to Six Flags Over Texas, many family-owned amusement parks offered a perfect inbetween stop for a vacation. Some are still operating today, like Frontier City, which opened in 1958 on the heavily traveled Route 66 and I-35 in northeast Oklahoma City. Others weren’t so lucky – and closed their gates to the public for various reasons.

“Delmar Garden in Oklahoma City, open from 1902 to 1910, was known as the premier amusement park in Oklahoma territory,” says Matthew Pearce, Ph.D., a state historian with the Oklahoma Historical Society. “It was located south of downtown Oklahoma City along

the present Oklahoma River. It closed due to persistent flooding.”

The park offered a swimming pool and a variety of other attractions such as horse races, baseball games, restaurants and a hotel, says Pearce. Belle Isle Park in north Oklahoma City (near the present Penn Square Mall) offered similar amenities. Not all our Oklahoma amusement parks have a smooth history. Like many private parks in Oklahoma, Doe Doe Park was a segregated facility open only to white patrons. The park was notable for having a large swimming pool at a time when the City of Lawton did not provide an integrated, public alternative.

“During the summer of 1966, civil rights activists staged protests at the park entrance demanding equal access,” says Pearce. “Clara Luper even led a march of approximately 100 individuals from Oklahoma City overnight to Lawton to protest.”

The park was integrated a year or two later, but closed in the mid-1980s. The bridges that originally provided entry to and from the park are preserved in Lawton’s Bridge Park, while the amusement park itself has been replaced by an apartment complex.

Other amusement parks dotted the Oklahoma landscape. According to The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and

Culture, Wedgewood Village Amusement Park operated in northwest Oklahoma City in the late 1950s and '60s. Wedgewood

had a carousel, swimming and boating activities, a roller coaster, and other standard park amenities, although it closed in 1969.

In the mid-1920s, William Falkenberg established Crystal City Amusement Park next to (and later, eventually absorbing) Electric Park. He added an ever-growing number of rides, including the large Zingo roller coaster. The park became known for its Casa Loma dance hall, as well. The dance hall and bathhouse burned down in the mid-1950s, and the park soon disappeared.

Lakeview Amusement Park saved some of the Crystal City rides and opened near Mohawk Zoo. Another fun addendum for Tulsans was the Sand Springs Amusement Park, at the end of the Sand Springs Railway line, beginning in 1911 and lasting until the mid-1930s.

Near Jenks, the Skyline Amusement Park thrived from the mid-1950s until the modern Bell’s Amusement Park outcompeted it in the late 1960s. In 1969, Skyline management sold the park to a Tulsa liquor distributor who renamed it Indian Nations Park, which closed a year later.

Bell’s, which still flourished at the turn of the twenty-first century, began in 1951, and had a stellar reputation due to its iconic Zingo roller coaster, built in memory of Crystal City’s old Zingo. While there was some stir about Bell’s returning to Broken Arrow back in 2021, owners decided not to move forward with the project in 2023.

SHARON MCBRIDE

Wedgewood Village Amusement Park operated in northwest Oklahoma City with a carousel, swimming and boating activities, and a roller coaster. It closed in 1969. Photo by Jim Lucas courtesy OHS

OKC’s Delmar Garden, opened in 1902, was the territory’s premier amusement park, although it closed in 1910 due to persistent flooding. Photo courtesy OHS

Walls that Talk

Oklahoma muralists are transforming blank canvases into vibrant works of art that celebrate the many facets of Oklahoma culture.

Culture and history saturate the walls of Oklahoma in the form of murals, which tell stories of past and present, representing all who have called Oklahoma home.

Mural painting, one of the oldest forms of art, dates back to the Prehistoric Era. Over time, techniques have evolved, but the intents remain the same: cultural expression and social commentary.

“Murals have a tremendous impact on a community,” says Kris Kanaly, a muralist based in Oklahoma City. “They create unique places that attract visitors and increase property value. They provide communities with identity and offer spaces for expression. Murals build pride, improve quality of life, support citizen retention and even give businesses a reason to invest in the area.”

In Tulsa, Hightail Creative Co., run by Kayley Giacomo and Raygen Treat, handles everything from branding and digital design to mural and sign painting. They agree: murals only offer upsides.

“Murals greatly impact our local communities in a positive way,” Giacomo says. “They increase pedestrian foot traffic, boost business revenue, have huge ROI, engage community, provide a sense of safety, appeal to youth and special

groups, revitalize spaces, build cultural identity and attract tourism — all while supporting artists and their craft along the way.”

Every muralist has their own unique process when it comes to creating art. For Hightail, a women-, Indigenousand queer-owned business, the process begins with an inquiry. The team then gathers information about the site, the mural’s size, the client’s goals and the overall vision.

Kanaly, working under the moniker of “Pyramid Guy,” says that he finds that “all different variables can affect each project.”

After the pre-planning process, the mural completion turnaround is usually quick. For Hightail, the painting process can take a few days to a week, but murals of a larger size or immersive detail could take several weeks. Treat and Giacomo are brush painters, which often takes longer than using spray paint, but they “believe in the longevity and quality of brush application,” Giacomo says.

For Kanaly, the pre-planning sometimes takes no time at all. He says if it’s for a festival, he may just sketch a spontaneous idea onto the wall, while “commission jobs usually involve a sketch for approval, specific requests and mural permits that need to be approved by city officials, which can take weeks to months.”

Kanaly’s Abstract Passages is his largest mural to date — it’s a six-lane underpass leading into Bricktown in Oklahoma City, painted in 2017. It took a month to create. He says one of his favorite murals done by another artist is Dylan Bradway’s 7-story tall flower — one of the largest murals in downtown OKC.

The Plaza District is the go-to place for murals in the state’s capital, says Kanaly.

“Plaza Walls has been our premier display of mural art from artists all over the world,” he shares.

Living on Tulsa Time is one of both Treat and Giacomo’s favorites they’ve created together; you can spot it on the corner of Reconciliation Way and Boston, near Guthrie Green, in downtown Tulsa.

“We completed this piece to celebrate Tulsa and to coincide with Mayfest,” says Giacomo.

Other favorites of the duo are FUNKTIFIED, located in Broken Arrow on Main Street, Zink Lake, a collaborative piece between the River Parks Authority and a bevy of local artists near 18th and Riverside, and Howdy, a custom design for Empire Slice House in Stillwater.

JENNIFER LEE

Kris Kanaly’s signature style is dubbed “Galactiverse,” and explores ultra-flat abstractions where landscapes merge with otherworldly forms. Photo courtesy Kris Kanaly

Hightail Creative Co., helmed by Kayley Giacomo and Raygen Treat, has created a bevy of murals around Tulsa and beyond. Photo courtesy Hightail Creative Co.

The City’s

Harvest

Across Oklahoma, a growing number of residents are rediscovering the landscape and harvesting edible goodies in an activity called urban foraging.

While living solely off the land may not

be practical for most people, everyone can enjoy the bounty of Oklahoma on occasion through the practice of urban foraging. Wild mushrooms, herbs and fruits can all be found in nature, and, if harvested responsibly, can be a source of nutritious, unprocessed and chemicalfree food.

“Foraging is what people have done for millennia to either supplement their food and medicine or to find all of their food and medicine,” says Ashley Clouse, owner of Restoration Farms in Peggs. “It used to be commonplace, but then with industrialization and urbanization, a lot of that information got lost. In 2020, there was a resurgence of the practice as people begin to see how fragile our food systems are.”

Spring and summer is the prime time for foraging flowers, berries, fruits and

mushrooms. Fall brings persimmons, more mushrooms and nuts — but even as winter arrives, there’s plenty to be found.

“A few common things are rose hips, acorns, pecans, hackberries, pine, spruce, juniper berries/eastern red cedar berries and oyster mushrooms,” Clouse says. “Even though not everything is green and growing, you can practice identifying plants and trees in their winter form so you know where to watch for them when they pop back up in spring.”

Michael Ruzycki, owner of Ruzycki Farms in Jones along with his wife, Emily, is in his eighteenth growing season. In addition to running the farm, he also has an interest in plants harvested in the wild, and he makes use of their medicinal benefits.

“There are a lot of wild elderberries out there, which I also grow on my farm,” Ruzycki says. “You can find them in the ditches on the side of the road. Those have high antioxidants, and you can make a juice out of them. Goldenrod,

the bright yellow flower you often see along roads, has respiratory benefits. Dandelion flowers, leaves and roots are all medicinal. ”

In Oklahoma, national parks like Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Ouachita National Forest and Black Kettle National Grassland are great places to look for wild plants. Bluff Creek Park, located in Oklahoma City, has hosted guided foraging walks and McGee Creek Reservoir, found in Atoka County, is a forested area where you may also find wild edibles.

When it comes to proper foraging, also known as wildcrafting, Clouse says there’s a code of ethics to be followed. Positive identification and safety are top of the list.

“We recommend using at least three ways to check your identification when you’re learning a plant,” Clouse says. “We want to make sure that the plant is in a safe location and that the plant is actually safe to work with.”

Ruzycki says it’s also important to wash what you find, especially from along a roadside.

“What you find in the wild might have what we call road dust, brake particles, metals and spray chemicals on it,” he says.

While foraging is allowed on most public lands in Oklahoma, it’s always good to double check that you have permission to harvest.

“It’s really important in a lot of Native traditions to include getting permission from the plants, and that’s a beautiful practice if it resonates with you,” says Clouse.

Sustainability is the fourth ethic followed by responsible foragers, Clouse adds, which involves taking no more than 10% of what is found in the wild.

Becoming hunter gatherers — even for an afternoon — can offer benefits beyond the food and medicine it provides.

“Whether it’s to connect more with the world around you or spend time outside together with the family,” Clouse says, "it should be fun. Start small so you won’t get overwhelmed. Focus on a few plants and really get to know them.”

GRETCHEN EICHENBERG

For those interested in urban foraging, Restoration Farms in Peggs offers homestead classes, tours and plant ID walks. Photo courtesy Restoration Farms

The Write Stuff

Oklahoma’s playwrights and performers bring bold ideas, sharp wit and community spirit to the stage.

Shadia Dahlal is in a hurry. The belly dancer and acclaimed playwright has a date in a few minutes.

“I’m going to have coffee with a hot young actor who wants to talk about theater,” she says breezily.

The California native, 74, sports a new hip, two new knees and a can-do attitude.

“Sometimes people my age are a drag,” she confides.

The performing arts community in Oklahoma includes about 116 theaters and likeminded organizations. They’re packed with bold, diverse, quirky folks, much like Dahlal – an actor, director, choreographer, producer, educator and writer. She moved to Tulsa in 1992, after a 14-year professional belly dancing career. She later joined Heller Theatre Company as a playwright-in-residence from 2019 to 2023, where she wrote plays and supported other creators. Heller produced three of Dahlal’s works, including her zombie apocalypse tale, Oklahoma Red

“My inspiration, most of it, comes from what I see in the news,” says Dahlal.

“And I love magical realism. I love horror.”

When it comes to finding your “process,” you don’t have to wear a purple Bob Ross mullet, gulp homemade hot sauce and sing in a heavy metal band to release your inner artist ... but it works for prolific writer and filmmaker Eric Howerton, Ph.D. The Oklahoma StateUniversity-Tulsa associate professor, who also directs the school’s Center for Poets and Writers, partnered up with Andrew Bateman to write the multiaward-winning dark comedy film, Go Down, Diller, about a father, a daughter and a talking bear.

Asked about his process, Howerton says he pictures his writing as a movie in his head while he goes along.

“But sometimes I have a weird image, you know, like nine bald mannequins buried up to their knees in the desert,” he says. “I don’t know. I have to find a way to get there,” Howerton adds with a laugh.

PJ Sosko says he was an odd choice to play Ernest Hemingway in the off-Broadway play The Jazz Age

“I am six inches too small and [weigh] about 150 pounds less,” Sosko says.

“But because that director saw me read Hemingway ... " he got the part.

The actor, writer and director worked in New York over three decades before the COVID-19 pandemic pushed him, his wife Marta and daughter Quinn to Tulsa. The move didn’t slow him down one bit; Sosko continued racking up acting credits ranging from Reservation Dogs to The Girls on the Bus. Sosko also produces Sittin’ With The Sosk podcast, and he hosts the free Sandbox monthly event in Tulsa’s Circle Cinema, where actors coldread local writers’ works.

Like Howerton and Dahlal, he considers such collaboration critical.

“It is a collaborative sport. Because it’s tough to do it solitarily,” Sosko says.

“What I believe in is getting out and doing a reading. Hear it out loud. You have to hear it outside of your head.”

Whether it’s on a big screen, small screen or stage, Sosko says the purpose is consistent.

“I think the writer’s goal is to highlight the human condition, right?” he says.

SONYA COLBERG

Heller Theatre Company offers Double Feature: an annual show that presents two one-act plays by local creators. Photos by C. Andrew Nichols Photos

Songs for the Season

A new album from Brad and Mary Kay Henderson combines gratitude, grief, faith, and the joys of the holiday season.

Back in August of 1986, when I was working for the entertainment section of the Tulsa World, I wrote a review of a Mabee Center concert headlining singer Cristy Lane. Lane, as you might remember, was still riding fairly high at the time, thanks in great part to the huge splash made by her countrygospel chart-topper “One Day at a Time,” some six years earlier.

Looking again at that review, however, I saw that I was most impressed by a local opening act named Mary Kay Harshaw, whom I called “a convincing singer” with “a natural, unaffected stage presence, excellent range, and fine dynamics.”

Nearly 40 years later, she’s still all those things. As Mary Kay Henderson, she serves as the primary vocalist on a brand-new holiday album, A Very Merry Christmas. The disc features many of this area’s top musicians, including keyboardist, bassist, and vocalist Brad Henderson, who married Harshaw the year after she opened for Lane. He was one of the two instrumentalists with her at that show, and he laughingly remembers the now-quaint digital keyboard and Commodore 64 computer he had onstage that night.

The December after their wedding, they did the first of what would become a long line of Christmas shows, playing a benefit for Muskogee’s Kelly B. Todd Cerebral Palsy Center.

“We put together a team of people we liked playing music with, and, literally,

the rest is history,” Henderson notes. “Since then, we have not missed a year of doing at least four or five Christmas concerts every December, usually with three singers, four horns, and a piano, bass, and drums. So it’s a ten-piece group. We go out and do things like the Simple Simon’s [pizza chain] corporate Christmas parties and stuff like that –churches, civic clubs, whoever wants Christmas music.

“Over the years, we’ve worked on arrangements, and when we find one that sticks, one that we like, we add it to the book. When we finished last year’s season, I thought, ‘Why don’t we have a recording of all this? We’re not getting any younger.’ So in January, we started putting tracks together, picking our favorite ones we’d done over the years –or some of our favorites. We couldn’t put ‘em all on one album. Some of those arrangements have been with us for quite a while, and some of them I wrote last year. I even wrote [new] arrangements for the project.”

The result is an engaging, jazzy disc –attributed to “Brad & Mary Kay Henderson with friends” – that reflects not only the decades the musicians have been playing these songs together but also the sterling credentials of the participants themselves, who are some of the very best players around. Those familiar with Tulsa music and musicians, especially in the jazz arena, will immediately recognize names like Rod Clark (trombone), Vic Anderson and Tommy Poole (saxophones), Jared Johnson (drums), and the Hendersons themselves. Then there’s Pat Savage, the veteran Tulsa guitarist Brad and Mary Kay first encountered on a long-ago recording session.

“Yeah, it was way back there,” he recalls. “In fact, it was actually for a cassette.” He laughs. “We didn’t know Pat. We walked into the studio thinking we were going to see [owner] Johnny Graham. But he was busy, so he sent Pat to help us. It was kind of a country-gospel project, and Pat said, ‘This needs some guitar.’

“I don’t play guitar, so I told him, ‘Yeah, but we’re already out of budget.’

“And he said, ‘It needs guitar badly enough that I’d do it for free.’

“I’d never heard him play. I didn’t know he played. But when he broke out his Strat [a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar], I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. Yeah, you’ll do.’”

Other top-drawer musicians on A Very Merry Christmas include vocalists John Ward and Shannon Johnson, trumpeters Scott Copeland and Bill Gable, organist Blair Masters, pianist Sean Giddings, saxophonist Roberto Rabello, French horn player Marsha Wilson, drummer Greg Sadler, and a reed player billed on the liner notes as Dr. Justin Pierce, whom Henderson met when Pierce was the jazz-band director at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.

Another musician, trumpeter Steve Goforth, is featured on “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” The only instrumental on the whole disc, it carries a distinctly elegiac quality. Goforth died in 2020, following an accident on his ranch near Chelsea.

“He was my best friend, as well as my hunting and fishing buddy,” says Henderson. “He played all the shows with us for many, many years. The basis of that track [‘ O Little Town of Bethlehem’] was on one of his Christmas albums that I produced for him. It was four trumpets, and a shaker, and maybe an upright bass or something. No band to it. Very sparse, and really cool. So I got permission from his widow to edit it and use it, and we just kind of split it up in chunks and added guitar and keyboards and a drum set. That was one of the most fun parts of the project: ‘How do we make this more, and still honor Steve and make him the star of this [track]?’

While the majority of the numbers on A Very Merry Christmas are firstclass renditions of secular favorites like “Home for the Holidays” and “Christmas Time Is Here,” the disc concludes with a pair of faith-based numbers, “Hope Has Hands” and “Somewhere It’s Snowing.”

“For Mary Kay and me and some of the guys in the band, our faith is very much a part of what we are,” explains Henderson. “The sacred part is very deliberate. It makes a lot of sense for that to be the final part of the statement. We’re celebrating all this other stuff because we have a reason to celebrate, and that’s the birth of Christ.”

The band will have copies of A Very Merry Christmas for sale at their holiday shows this month. Contact Henderson at hendersongs@gmail.com for ordering information.

JOHN WOOLEY

Musicians Brad and Mary Kay Henderson recently released a holiday record. The duo also plays a bevy of Christmas shows in a ten-piece band each December. Photo courtesy Brad Henderson

A Serious Wake Up Call

More than 50 million Americans are estimated to have sleep apnea, but only 20% of cases are diagnosed.

For many Americans, getting a good night’s sleep is nearly impossible due to a chronic sleep-related breathing disorder: sleep apnea. The most common type of sleep apnea — which is known to cause pauses in breathing during sleep — is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 50 million Americans are estimated to have OSA, while only 20% of cases are diagnosed.

Amritanshu Singh, D.O., an internal medicine physician with Warren Clinic Sleep Medicine in Tulsa, says sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because many patients are unaware of the symptoms, which can include loud snoring, gasping or choking sounds during sleep, morning headaches and daytime fatigue.

“The primary risk factor for developing obstructive sleep apnea is obesity, especially those with central adiposity (increased waist circumference) and large necks,” says Singh.

He adds that while the risk factor of weight can be managed, other factors can’t be controlled including one’s age, sex and any craniofacial abnormalities such as a short lower jaw.

While men are reported to have the highest prevalence of sleep apnea, women are disproportionately affected by sleep apnea after menopause, often due to weakened upper airway muscles and hormonal changes.

A recent study by the University of Michigan research department found that “women with known or suspected sleep apnea were more likely than men to have symptoms or a diagnosis of dementia at every age level.”

Key factors within this finding were that women with moderate sleep apnea may have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and are more likely to have insomnia. In addition, OSA and the effects of sleep deprivation and fragmentation are associated with inflammatory changes in the brain that may also contribute to cognitive decline.

“It’s important to recognize symptoms such as snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing [apneas] and daytime sleepiness that may be signs of sleep apnea,” says Singh. “Other underreported symptoms include daytime fatigue and insomnia. Patients should talk to their doctor if they experience any of these symptoms as they may benefit from therapy.”

Singh says the most common treat-

ments for OSA include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, mandibular advancement devices and nerve stimulator therapy.

“There are also new medications being studied for the treatment for sleep apnea,” he says. “Recently, the FDA approved Zepbound for the treatment of sleep apnea in obese patients.”

In combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, Zepbound is an injectable prescription medicine that may help adults with moderate-to-severe OSA.

For anyone having trouble sleeping or staying asleep, Singh recommends seeking help rather than continuing to struggle.

“There are now many more available testing options — including home tests which do not require a patient to sleep in a sleep lab overnight,” says Singh. “As treatment options expand, patients usually have the choice between multiple modalities in treating the disease. If you treat the underlying sleep apnea, the hope is that patients will experience more restful sleep throughout the night and have more energy during the day.”

REBECCA FAST

Chickasha is an ideal getaway with history, charm and outdoor offerings galore.

Nestled in Grady County, just 40 minutes southwest of Oklahoma City, Chickasha is a lively town of 16,000 that weaves together Native American heritage, quirky attractions and a festive spirit.

Pat Cunningham, a lifelong resident of Chickasha and curator of the Grady County Museum, has greeted visitors from all 50 U.S. states — along with 18 countries.

“When you check out Chickasha, the Grady County Museum is a great place to start. Be sure to walk around and take in the sights,” she says.

The winter season, she shares, is the perfect time to stop by.

“Every year from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, don’t miss the spectacle at Shannon Springs Park with the 3.5 million bulbs that form the Festival of Light,” she says.

This 22-acre holiday extravaganza, ranked among America’s top 10 light displays, dazzles with drive-through routes and themed stops.

Chickasha’s central location makes it a hub for the surrounding region, connecting nearby cities like Norman and Oklahoma City. History enthusiasts will find treasures at the museum, and at the Verden Separate School. The museum

recently acquired a trove of artifacts from a local church founded in the 1890s and is seeking volunteers to help catalog these historical gems.

The town’s unique flair shines through its bevy of attractions. A 50-foot leg lamp, straight out of A Christmas Story, stands proudly in the Arts Plaza, pulling in fans from afar. Twice a year, Chickasha hosts the world’s largest auto swap meets, where thousands of vendors showcase vintage car parts and classics. Downtown streets burst with color thanks to six vibrant murals, transforming sidewalks into an artistic canvas.

Chickasha’s past is as rich as its present. The Chisholm Trail, a famed 19th-century cattle route, carved its path through town, leaving a Wild West legacy in the historic downtown, now on the National Register of Historic Places. From 1910 to 1927, the Chickasha Street Railway’s electric trolleys gave this prairie town a modern edge.

During World War II, the Wilson and Bonfils Flying School trained over 8,000 cadets, and its site now serves as the municipal airport with a 5,100-foot runway.

Once called the “Cotton Capital” after the 1899 Chickasha Cotton Oil Company, the town also sits on a vast natural gas field, powering industries like horse trailer manufacturing.

USAO, established in 1908 as a wom-

en’s college, is the nation’s only state-supported public liberal arts university, blending STEM and arts on a campus with a history of four name changes. In 2024, Chickasha’s landscapes stole the spotlight in the blockbuster Twisters, cementing its place in cinematic history. With its murals, history and holiday magic, Chickasha is a small town with big surprises. Come for the giant leg lamp, linger for the swap meets, and let this Oklahoma treasure captivate you.

TRACY LEGRAND

The Grady County Museum is a must-visit tourist destination in Chickasha. The museum recently acquired a trove of artifacts from a local church founded in the 1890s. Photos courtesy the Grady County Museum

A New Type of Independence

Empty nesters, those 55+ and adults looking for likeminded neighbors can move into emerging neighborhoods in Oklahoma tailored just for them.

Across Oklahoma, new neighborhoods are emerging for empty nesters, and for those who are 55+. These spaces cater to those wanting to stay active, social and independent, while combining that autonomy with maintenance-free living.

Lorri Williams is the Oklahoma City sales manager for Hoffman Homes, which offers luxury downsizing, as well as low maintenance homes for adult communities in one-of-a-kind neighborhoods. There are no age restrictions for residents, and the amenities are ample.

“What sets us apart is that we created a unique concept for your next stage of life,” Williams says. “Our homes are designed to maximize square footage, using only the best materials and the utmost craftsmanship. We custom design your floor plan and other details that give your home the wow factor. We offer an active adult community lifestyle.”

Hoffman Homes offers a variety of living options across the state, with some of their communities already at maximum capacity. These include The

Lakes at Rabbit Run in Broken Arrow, with a 30-acre gated community, 100 lots and single-story homes; Bellarose, in OKC near Gaillardia, with single-story custom homes in a 15-acre gated space; The Abbey at Coffee Creek in Edmond, a 43-unit luxury townhome community with single-story duplexes and fourplexes; Rabbit Ridge at Oak Tree in Edmond, a 12-acre, single-story neighborhood overlooking Oak Tree Country Club; Duck Creek Estates in Mounds, an 80acre rural luxury community with single or two-story home sites; Antler Falls in northeast Broken Arrow, a 45-acre community with 149 home sites; and Antler Falls in Broken Arrow, which is still under construction and set to open in the fall of 2026.

David Z. Forrest is a partner in the ownership of Highland 55 at Spring Creek in Edmond, which is a 55+ retirement community with numerous amenities curated for older age demographics. Forrest says these new types of communities are taking root primarily in areas such as Edmond, Mustang, Yukon, Moore, Norman and Oklahoma City. Besides the Edmond location, Highland 55

has a site in the pre-development stage, Highland 55 at Mission Hills, in Broken Arrow.

Forrest says older models of age restricted communities typically fall into two different types. One is the “for sale” communities. The other is senior independent living facilities, which are often located in a continuum of care campus settings that typically involve assisted living and/or memory care facilities on the same campus.

But Forrest says these new communities are called “Active Adult” or “Active Lifestyle” communities.

“What sets our rental model apart from more traditional retirement communities is the lack of a requirement for an expensive upfront fee,” he shares.

Residents move to Highland 55 to simplify their lifestyles and live among other like-minded residents.

“All maintenance and literally everything, including real estate taxes and property insurance, are taken care of,” says Forrest. “We offer amenities and programs which cater to and encourage social interaction and a healthy active environment.”

He continues: “This is not your grandfather’s retirement community. Communities like Highland 55 give our residents more freedom to do what they think is important. They are only bound by a traditional rental agreement. This version gives our residents more freedom to do what they want to do.”

CAROL MOWDY BOND

Highland 55, with locations in Edmond and a new development coming to Broken Arrow, is a 55+ community neighborhood with numerous amenities curated for older age demographics. Photos courtesy Highland 55

Hoffman Homes, which offers luxury downsizing as well as low maintenance residential living, has no age restrictions and ample communities across the state. Photo courtesy Hoffman Homes

On Thin Ice

Driving

on ice and snow isn’t always avoidable. The experts advise on how to prevent accidents.

Inevitably, summer’s lazy, warm days have already morphed into a brisk and intense Oklahoma cold, with the looming possibility of harsh weather and dangerous driving conditions.

When that happens, the best advice, usually obtainable from a variety of news and information sources, is to just stay put at home.

Shawn Steward, public and government affairs manager for AAA Oklahoma, makes that exact point, even for drivers who are skilled in navigating snowy or icy streets.

“Even if you can drive well in winter conditions, not everyone else can,” he says. “Don’t tempt fate. Stay home until crews can properly clear roadways.”

Predictions about Oklahoma winters are often contested. For example, The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted a moderately harsh winter season for the central U.S., while its rival publication, the Farmer’s Almanac, foresaw a more traditional winter season.

But as Oklahomans know, that can mean almost anything – so it’s best, Steward says, to be prepared, no matter the predictions.

Prepare with both knowledge of how

to drive as safely as possible when snow or ice strikes and by getting your vehicle ready for bad weather. Oklahoma doesn’t get as much winter weather as other parts of the country, says Steward, so the first snow or ice storm can take people by surprise.

His advice is to “take everything slower” when driving, accelerating and turning. “When braking, make sure you leave plenty of space between your car and the vehicle in front,” he says.

Steward cites statistics from AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety that show on average, about one-third of crashes during wintertime driving occur in adverse weather or road surface conditions.

“Ice and snow can cause significant safety problems by reducing visibility and making it difficult to maneuver or stop,” he says “It’s important for drivers to be cautious and take it slow if they have to get out on the roads.”

Another bit of advice comes from T.J. Gerlach, a district public relations officer for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. He urges people to watch out for snowplows working to clear snow-packed roads, and not to pass a snowplow.

“We ask drivers to remain two

hundred to three hundred feet behind plows,” Gerlach says. “That’s the length of about four or five school buses.”

Steward, meanwhile, urges car owners to start thinking about car problems that might lie ahead should bad weather invade Oklahoma, paying attention to a car’s battery and tires.

This fall, AAA was already busy with sending out early reminders in various forms before snow or ice came calling. The AAA website has a collection of reminders about what to do if a driver gets caught in unsafe conditions. More advice can be found from the website offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nhtsa.gov.

Slippery driving conditions will inevitably produce fender-benders and more serious collisions, says Jessica Stegner, who operates Tim’s Body Worx, a body shop in Guthrie, and is vice president of a three-year-old trade group, the Oklahoma Auto Body Association. Stegner says it was formed primarily to train and educate its members on the best, current approaches to body repairs.

Fortunately, she says, “Oklahoma doesn’t have winters like some other states do,” but “there are still fender-benders,” with most body shops in Oklahoma getting busier after a bout of adverse driving conditions.

HENRY DOLIVE

Department of Transportation

Wrapping Joy

The art of gift wrapping is alive and well — and a skill you can learn with a little help from the pros.

Gift wrapping is an art form that takes center stage at the holidays. A beautifully wrapped present adds an element of surprise and excitement to gift-giving. Like other creative arts, gift wrapping is a skill — one that demands practice.

Mother-daughter duo Brenda Thomasin and Britton Green co-own Paper + More, an Oklahoma City boutique specializing in fine stationery and oneof-a-kind gifts.

“Our store has always provided gift wrapping services with professional techniques,” says Green. “That standard has carried through the 43 years that Paper + More has been in business.”

Popular Gift-Wrapping Trends & Styles

Red, green, gold and silver are traditional color palettes for holiday gift wrap. However, unconventional designs and shades are on the rise.

“The trend for Christmas décor the last couple of years has been a lot of bright colors,” says Green. “We saw a lot of pink, turquoise and other really fun colors.”

For a more minimalist look, brown paper packaging and twine is a timeless

combination. Dried flowers, small bells and stencils can be added to the outside of the paper to give it a more elevated feel.

Upcycled and eco-friendly materials, such as reusable gift boxes and newspapers, are popular among consumers looking for thrifty alternatives. Furoshiki, an ancient Japanese method that involves wrapping gifts in pieces of scrap fabric, can also be accomplished with reused materials.

Expert Tips & Techniques

One of the most important factors in achieving a professional look is selecting high-quality supplies.

“It all starts with the quality of the paper,” shares Green.

Premium, heavy-weight wrapping paper is less likely to wrinkle and tear when handled. It also includes gridlines, which are helpful for measuring and cutting wrapping paper with a strong level of precision.

Make sure to lay your gift on a flat surface with the print-side facing down when measuring your paper. For crisp, seamless folds, use double-sided tape.

“Match your pattern on the back and use double-stick tape underneath the fold so there isn’t tape showing on the outside,” says Thomasin.

To wrap odd-shaped objects, place

them inside of a larger box or sack first. If the object won’t fit, Thomasin recommends trying out the “Tootsie Roll method,” which involves rolling up the item in a large piece of paper securing both ends with ribbon.

While gift-wrapping may feel like another to-do, Green recommends making the experience a fun holiday tradition.

“I personally love to spread out on my floor, turn on a Christmas movie and get a fire going,” she says. “It’s something special that you’re doing for someone else, so it does make you feel good if you get in the right mindset about it.”

FAITH HARL

Online Exclusive:

Supporting Local

Paper + More has thousands of rolls of gift wrap available in store, along with handmade ribbons and bows, gift tags, acrylic ornaments and more. “We’re a small business, and so truly it’s the customers that bring us so much joy,” says Green. “To see the store full of people shopping and looking for something unique that they can’t get on Amazon or a big box store means the world to us… it feels like a community, and that’s what we love so much about it.”

Photo courtesy Paper + More

Great Companies to Work For

Impressive businesses don’t just offer top-notch products and services; they also make employees proud to be involved. Across Oklahoma, standout employers are redefining success — building work cultures on innovation, balance and true purpose.

Empowering leadership, investing in the community and developing employee-first initiatives, these businesses prove that healthy workplaces drive thriving economies. The following pages spotlight the organizations raising the bar for workplace expectations, making Oklahoma not just a great place to do business, but the place to build a fulfilling career.

Meet Oklahoma’s 2025 Great Companies to Work For.

Profiles

by Gretchen Eichenberg & Kimberly Burk

Listing by Mary Willa Allen

Healing Through Teamwork

Dr. Richard Lofgren leads OU Health with a simple but powerful philosophy: when employees thrive, patients do too.

At OU Health, says CEO Richard Lofgren, M.D., “It’s about the team.”

The human resources department recently adopted a slogan, Lofgren says: “You take care of our patients, so let us take care of you.”

A $22 million employee incentive program rewarded all team members for the system’s fiscal year 2025 performance, Lofgren says, with bonuses distributed in late October.

Expanded benefits include a 6% 401(k) match, paid family leave and career development programs.

“When you come here, we are helping you to advance your entire career,” Lofgren says. “We have really doubled down on this idea that when you come here, you are going to skill-up.”

In March of 2022, Lofgren became the inaugural president and chief executive officer of the University of Oklahoma’s unified academic health system, which includes Oklahoma Children’s OU Health, the Stephenson Cancer Center and the University of Oklahoma Medical Center flagship academic hospital. Physicians serve as faculty at the OU College of Medicine. With more than 11,000 employees and more than 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, the system serves all 77 Oklahoma counties.

Lofgren comes to Oklahoma with experience as a physician, researcher, medical school faculty member and health system administrator. But he doesn’t see his job as a balancing act between OU Health’s missions, “because they are inextricably linked. That’s what

allows us to provide outstanding care for our patients.”

Milestones during his time at OU include a financial turnaround, with overall revenue growing from $1.5 billion to $3.4 billion in a little over three years. Patient outcomes have improved, too; OU Health is now ranked among the top 10% of academic hospitals with a lowered rate of hospital-acquired infections.

“It’s really about best practices, and recognizing that healthcare is a team sport,” Lofgren says. “We have dramatically improved some of our quality measures.”

Admissions increased 5.7% and clinic visits grew by 9.4% in fiscal year 2025, with system-wide occupancy rising from 76 to 81%.

“We just entered into a partnership with Stillwater in opening a Level 2 neonatal intensive care unit at Stillwater Medical Center,” Lofgren says, to bring advanced neonatal care closer to rural families. And scheduled for a December 2026 opening is a pediatric behavioral health center. The center will offer 72 beds for short-term stabilization and long-term care, with a staff of 400.

“The mental health crisis is daunting,” Lofgren continues. “One in five children has some sort of mental health disorder.”

Stephenson Cancer Center has expanded to Norman and soon to Tulsa, and the Pediatric Heart Transplant Program was re-started, performing the state’s first pediatric heart transplant in more than 30 years.

- KB

Photo courtesy OU Health

Building Better Every Day

CEO Ivan Crossland, Jr., keeps his father’s legacy alive at Crossland Construction by focusing on growth through skill, grit and a commitment to people.

Acompany must grow to stay alive, says the CEO of Crossland Construction, but that doesn’t always mean getting bigger.

“It means getting better at what we do, every single day,” says Ivan Crossland Jr., CEO of the construction conglomerate that has offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, as well as in Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri and Texas.

“We’ve got crews out there every day pouring concrete, setting steel, doing the work with our own hands,” he says. “That’s what keeps us grounded. At the same time, we’re not afraid of change either. We try to stay on the front end of new technology and new equipment.”

The company was founded in 1977 by Ivan Crossland Sr., a Korean War veteran and father of ten. He died in 2002, leaving his legacy to the six sons he had trained to run the company while battling cancer.

“My dad taught us how to build,” Crossland says. “How to pour concrete, hang steel and do carpentry work, and we’ve never let that go. Performing the work is part of our DNA. The difference today is that we’re doing it on a much larger, more complex scale with advanced tools and equipment.”

Drawing on his U.S. Army background, his father would say, “you’ve got to train your troops,” Crossland says. “That mindset stuck with us. Today, we have a nationally recognized education department that exists to do exactly that, to train and equip our people to be the best.”

Crossland says the company has kept his father’s vision alive by continuing to invest in its people, and it’s the employees who keep him passionate about his work.

“You see crews out there taking on tougher, more complex jobs every year, and they just figure it out. They don’t back down from a challenge; they lean into it,” he says. “That attitude, that grit, is what makes this company special. Watching our people grow, seeing young builders turn into leaders, that’s what keeps me passionate. It reminds me why we do what we do.”

The company has had many milestones during its decades of expansion.

“The first big one for me was the Technology Center at Pittsburg State University,” Crossland says of the Kansas project. “That was our first major job back then, late ’90s, and it really changed the trajectory of our company. It proved we could take on large, complex projects and deliver.”

- KB

Betting on Heritage & Growth

Driven by passion and duty, Kimberly Pearson has transformed Osage Casinos into a powerful engine for cultural preservation, community impact and generational opportunity.

Her love for the Osage Nation is at the very heart of everything Kimberly Pearson, CEO of Osage Casinos, puts into — and out of — her company every day. Hailing from a long line of Osage heritage, Pearson considers it not just her passion, but her duty.

“That is what motivates the decisions and the hard work we all put in each day,” Pearson says. “We are the largest revenue generator for the Osage Nation’s budget, and we don’t take that lightly. This job is so rewarding, because my work directly helps fund the programs that support the Osage people and preserve our culture.”

Over the past five years, Osage Casinos has increased its distribution to the Osage Nation each year and has contributed nearly $400 million to the Nation’s budget. The company employs more than 1,500 people in Osage County and gives back to the communities in which their employees and Osage citizens live and work.

One of the company’s accomplishments that Pearson is most proud of is the re-acquisition of the nation’s historic lands.

“The casino properties sit on land that was historically Osage,” she says. “The history of how tribal lands were taken from the Osage goes beyond Oklahoma history. Our territory stretched across Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. I led the majority of recent efforts to place the land we acquired into trust. When I started with Osage Casinos, we had lost most of our reservation, but proceeds from the casinos have helped us to reacquire hundreds of thousands of acres.”

Being one of the largest employers in the rural communities of the county, Osage Casinos has a big economic impact in these areas and brings needed jobs to the table.

“Osage Casinos has a culture of promoting from within our current employee base,” Pearson says. “Each location has many entry-level options for people to get hired in these small communities, often without the need of a college degree. We are a highly regulated industry, but we are looking for attentive, responsible people who are

Photo courtesy Crossland Construction

going to show up and do the work.”

Opportunity is what makes Osage Casinos a great company to work for, Person says.

“We support our team members and give them opportunities for career advancement,” she says. “In the last year, we opened a stateof-the-art training center for employees from across the enterprise to learn, grow and share skills. This has been a game changer for information sharing, career growth and new opportunities for our team.”

- GE

Growing People, Not Just Profits

Randy Nail, CEO of HoganTaylor, sees his business as a platform for growth, connection and contribution.

It’s not just what you do for a living or how you do it. It’s who you are while doing it — and who you can become. That’s the philosophy of Randy Nail, CEO of HoganTaylor, a public accounting and business advisory firm with more than 400 employees in five locations.

“At Hogan Taylor, you don’t sign up to have a job,” he says. “You sign up to make a contribution to the greater good. I’m trying, as a leader, to create an environment where human beings thrive. If we can grow as human beings, then not only will we thrive in the market place, we can also take principles learned into our homes, into our friendships, and into our communities.”

He says the work is not just about debits, credits and finding financial balance.

“Surrounding yourself with good people committed to that kind of shared purpose makes the work we do so much more meaningful,” Nail says. “It is an incredible privilege, responsibility, burden — all of those things are true — to lead HoganTaylor.”

Since 2009, HoganTaylor has opened up new offices, merged in other firms and has been recognized in publications like Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting. But Nail measures success in a different way.

“The milestone that we’re particularly proud of is watching somebody come in on day one and then 12, 13 years later, they’re still here and they’re still growing,” Nail says. “And they are happy, and they’re great human beings. They have become culture champions, and they are promoting and extending who we are into new

generations in ways that I couldn’t.”

Innovation at HoganTaylor, Nail says, is more than the latest and greatest technology.

“For us, it’s a mindset,” he says. “We call it micro innovation — where it might not always be the one big thing that changes everyone’s lives, but it’s the thousand little things people learn and do every day that might save five minutes here or 10 minutes there.”

Community service is a core value at HoganTaylor, Nail says, as they give employees 24 hours of paid time to volunteer for the causes that mean the most to them. And Nail has a message to his employees:

“I see your grit,” he says. “I see your generosity. I see how you bring your heart every day. It reminds me of why I love to work so much with you and to be your leader, and I’m honored.”

- GE

Photo courtesy Osage Casinos

Photo courtesy HoganTaylor

Statewide

Accounting

Eide Bailly LLP

Bringing specialized knowledge and forward-thinking solutions in financial advising, auditing, taxes and wealth management, Eide Bailly LLP is a top 20 firm in the nation with 50+ offices in the U.S. and India. The firm serves industries including healthcare, construction, manufacturing and private equity.

HoganTaylor OKC and Tulsa

Private Jets, Inc.

Bethany

An on-demand jet charter service with a wide selection of the finest aircraft available, Private Jets, Inc., emphasizes a truly tailored experience, the highest attention to aviation safety and unbeatable private jet service. The fleet includes Learjets, Citations, Hawkers, Beechjets and Legacy 600s.

Sundance Airport

OKC

Privately owned and a public use facility, Sundance Airport offers a 5,001-foot concrete runway, multiple hangars, a terminal facility and a tie-down facility. Services include both self-serve and full-service fueling, hangar rentals, flight planning, airport communications and a flight academy.

Tulsa International Airport

Tulsa

Well-equipped to handle complex business problems, regulatory compliance, advising, human resources, taxes and wealth management, HoganTaylor combines the expertise of the nation’s largest accounting firms with the personal attention of a local business. In 2025, HoganTaylor was named a Top 100 Accounting Firm by both Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting

Aerospace & Aviation

Boeing Co.

OKC

As a leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services everything from airplanes to defense products and space systems. Boeing, laser-focused on engineering the future of the industry, emphasizes innovation, safety, quality and sustainability.

Omni Air International

Tulsa

Charter airline Omni Air International has built its reputation on reliability and flexibility, with an exceptional fleet of aircraft, precise operations and experts in the field with impressive depth of experience. Services include aircraft management, airline development, ACMI leasing and worldwide passenger charters.

Ethos Architecture (Formerly KKT)

Tulsa

Tulsa International Airport is a civil-military airport offering domestic flights, airline maintenance operations and general aviation services. Amenities include on-site hotel lodging, complimentary shuttle service, lounges and non-stop flights to Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C. and more.

Will Rogers World Airport

OKC

Will Rogers World Airport offers nonstop flights to 20+ U.S. destinations and has begun seasonal direct international service to Cancun. Airport amenities range from lounges to an expanded shopping/dining concourse and a consolidated security check point to speed up processing for all fliers.

Architecture (Commercial)

1Architecture

Tulsa

Combining bold ideas and better designs, 1Architecture employs hands-on, engaged experts. Both Native- and woman-owned, 1Architecture has a tried-and-true process with each client: listen, explore, expand and deliver. Recent projects include the Gilcrease Museum rebuild and the Okemah Community Hospital.

With a new name, the same leadership and the same trusted quality design, Ethos Architecture continues its passion for creating spaces that improve lives and enrich communities. Ethos serves the civic, nonprofit, education and healthcare sectors, among others, and believes its people are the foundation of its success.

FSB Architects + Engineers

OKC and Tulsa

Award-winning FSB Architects + Engineers serves the aviation, commercial, education and federal markets, among others, with services ranging from architecture to interior design, mechanical engineering and construction. FSB has been named AIA Central Oklahoma’s Firm of the Year five times.

JCJ Architecture

Tulsa

Established in 1936 and 100% employee owned, JCJ Architecture has offices in 7 states with 50+ architects and 160+ employees. Comprehensive services include planning, architecture and interior design, with expertise in the commercial, gaming, educational and hospitality industries, among others.

Ethos Architecture, Tulsa

HoganTaylor, OKC and Tulsa

Rand Elliott Architects

OKC

Rand Elliott Architects operates with a mission to elevate Oklahoma with architecture. The firm’s works run the gamut – from renovations to residential projects, commercial buildings and interior architecture. Recent projects include the Snow Barn at Will Rogers Airport and the London offices of Ackerman McQueen.

Renaissance Architecture

OKC

With experienced architects, planners and interior designers, Renaissance Architecture serves school districts, higher education institutions, and civic and commercial clients. Boasting cost-effective, efficient and inventive design, Renaissance operates with core values including integrity, service and community.

TriArch Architecture

Tulsa

Aiming to create buildings with purpose, TriArch Architecture is a Native-owned firm established in 2004. Working within the tribal, educational, religious, residential, wellness and commercial sectors, TriArch boasts projects including the Chickasaw Ada Wellness Center and the Southern Hills County Club Fitness Center.

Banking, Finance & Investing

Ameriprise Financial

Statewide

Ameriprise Financial is committed to its clients, ensuring each receives one-to-one financial advice, personalized recommendations, regular meetings and anytime access. For over 130 years, Ameriprise has helped millions make the most of their financial lives, with expertise in investments, banking, money management and insurance/annuities.

Arvest

Statewide

One of the largest banks in the U.S., Arvest operates with a singular mission: a dedication to the customer above all else. Arvest, which provides a broad range of financial services, is also deeply committed to the communities it serves, evidenced in its multi-faceted charitable giving campaigns and volunteer programs.

BancFirst

Statewide

As Oklahoma’s largest state chartered bank, BancFirst has roots dating back to the Land Run of 1889. With nearly $12 billion in assets and serving 220,000 Oklahoma households, BancFirst also employs over 2,000 people. The institution was named one of America’s Best Banks & Credit Unions of 2025 by Newsweek

Bank of America

Statewide

The team at Bank of America asks each client a simple question: “What would you like the power to do?” Inspired to provide tailored financial services to people from all walks of life, Bank of America is also dedicated to responsible growth, sustainability and ethical, accountable governance.

BOK Financial

Tulsa

Fueling the success of consumers, businesses and wealth clients, BOK Financial delivers tailored-made financial insights and expertise. The team at BOK focuses on relationships over transactions, taking in a holistic view of each client’s story and making decisions based on unique goals – not their own agenda.

Capital Advisors

Tulsa

From wealth and portfolio management to financial planning and investing, Capital Advisors provides an unconventional, transparent approach to building and managing wealth. Principled, personalized and proven, Capital Advisors works to transform each client’s future through thorough, dynamic service.

Charles Schwab OKC, Norman and Tulsa

Fidelity Investments

Statewide

With a goal to remain as straightforward and transparent with clients as possible, Fidelity Investments makes the complex simpler. Offering tailored planning and advice alongside expert insights and best-in-class investing tools, Fidelity strives to harness innovation and challenge the status quo to best serve their customers.

First 1 Oklahoma Bank Statewide

Local, community-based banking is at the heart of First 1 Oklahoma Bank. Committed to providing the best service for every customer, First 1 is locally owned and operated with $1 billion in growth over 13 years. First 1 is also dedicated to serving the community with participation in a variety of charitable initiatives.

First Fidelity Bank Statewide

Charles Schwab offers countless perks for its clients, including transparent pricing, low costs and a world class education for every investor. Charles Schwab is also consistently recognized for its client service, winning the No. 1 Overall Broker title at the 2025 Stockbrockers.com Awards.

Commerce Bank Statewide

Combining high-touch personal service with innovative financial solutions, Commerce Bank has been helping clients reach their financial goals for 160 years. With over $32 billion in assets, Commerce’s values include acting with integrity, striving for excellence, and remaining customer-focused.

A leader in banking since 1920, First Fidelity has grown to serve clients in Oklahoma, Arizona and Colorado. The company has garnered multiple accolades for its services, and operates with values like financial responsibility, creating a caring place to work and honing in on lasting client relationships.

JPMorgan Chase Statewide

Known for its commitment to service, innovation and growth, JPMorgan Chase serves millions of customers annually, striving to create economic opportunity for all. Services offered at JPMorgan Chase range from corporate and investment banking to asset and wealth management.

First Fidelity Bank, statewide

Merrill Statewide

A Bank of America company, Merrill offers services including personal banking, lending, investing, retirement planning, insurance and wealth management. What sets Merrill apart is its team of advisers, who listen to each client’s individual needs and create a strategy that’s tailored to their goals.

MidFirst Bank Statewide

Helping more than one million accounts for customers nationwide, MidFirst Bank offers a full range of personal, commercial, trust, private and mortgage banking products. The largest privately owned bank in the nation, MidFirst has assets totaling $40.4 billion, but remains committed to bettering each individual community it serves.

Morgan Stanley Statewide

Morgan Stanley excels in everything from wealth management and investment banking to research and trading. No matter the service, Morgan Stanley is driven by core values including putting clients first, leading with exceptional ideas and continuously committing to diversity and inclusion.

Regent Bank Statewide

Regent Bank, which offers concierge-style banking and tailored financial solutions, harbors a bevy of specialized banking expertise in an array of industries, ranging from healthcare to agriculture. The bank is also committed to fostering a healthy workplace, evidenced by its top-tier talent and local, regional and national recognition.

UBS Wealth Management

OKC

With over 160 years of experience helping clients pursue what’s important to them, UBS Wealth Management crafts personalized solutions to help grow wealth and manage assets. Named the World’s Best Bank in 2024 by the EuroMoney Awards, UBS boasts 350 offices worldwide.

Vast Bank Tulsa

With a strong reputation for personal service, flexibility and integrity, Vast Bank can assist with personal, business and private banking. Through premier customer service, topof-the-line technological capabilities and impressive responsiveness, Vast allows each customer to be fully in control of their finances.

Communications

AT&T Statewide

AT&T offers everything from 5G data to bundled phone and internet services to customers across North America. Dedicated to corporate responsibility, AT&T has committed $5 billion by 2030 to narrow the digital divide and help 25 million people get — and stay connected to — affordable, high speed internet.

Cox Communications Statewide

From home automation and security systems to digital cable television and telecommunication services, Cox Communications is a family-owned company that’s committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. Cox is also the largest private broadband provider in the country.

T-Mobile Statewide

Touting the first and largest nationwide 5G network, T-Mobile has won numerous awards for its service and work culture. Additionally, T-Mobile is committed to sustainability and community impact – providing over $1 billion matched funds and in-kind products and services to communities around the country.

U.S. Cellular Statewide

Providing 5G internet and telephone services nationwide, U.S. Cellular is focused on meaningful connections and healthier relationships with technology. Passionate about closing the STEM education gaps, U.S. Cellular also invests time, talent and resources into a bevy of K-12 equitable educational opportunities.

Construction

Crossland Construction OKC and Tulsa

Founded in 1977, Crossland Construction Company offers the resources, capabilities and experience to deliver projects faster and more cost efficiently than most. A top construction firm in the nation, Crossland also focuses on community impact, with a variety of volunteerism efforts and charitable contributions enacted nationwide.

Flintco OKC and Tulsa

From preconstruction to construction, design-build, general contracting and project management, the team at Flintco operates with an unrelenting focus on quality, safety, cost and schedule. A results-driven firm, Flintco works in a bevy of industries including aviation, hospitality, healthcare and education.

Regent Bank, statewide

Crossland Construction, OKC and Tulsa

Flintco, OKC and Tulsa

Manhattan Construction Group Statewide

Credit

Union

A dynamic conglomerate, Manhattan Construction Group offers varied services, from general building to road and bridge construction, pipeline maintenance and virtual construction. The winner of multiple national construction awards, Manhattan serves numerous industries, including aviation, healthcare, education, oil and gas, and hospitality.

Nabholz Construction Corp. Statewide

Excelling in construction, custom millwork, machinery moving, environmental hazard services and more, Nabholz Construction Corp. has been in business since 1949. What began as a small, family-owned construction company has transformed into a multi-discipline, employee- and family-owned empire.

Ross Group OKC and Tulsa

Simplifying development, engineering and construction one project at a time, Ross Group began in 1979 and has grown into a multi-office entity with 125 employees. While much has evolved, the core value remains the same: a steadfast commitment to quality, safety, customer satisfaction and the local community.

Thompson Construction OKC and Tulsa

Award-winning and minority-owned, Thompson Construction was founded in 1997 and serves the education, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, industrial and Native American sectors, among others. Services offered include preconstruction, construction management, design-build and general contracting.

Communication Federal Credit Union Statewide

Founded in 1939 and now over 130,000 members strong, Communication Federal Credit Union offers its members 22 branches in Oklahoma and Kansas. The credit union employs more than 300 people and has received both regional and national attention for its services, which include digital banking and loans.

Oklahoma Central Credit Union Tulsa

With a mission to make a difference in the lives of employees, members and the community, Oklahoma Central Credit Union has been helping Oklahomans thrive since 1941. Services include online banking, financial planning, money management and more, with locations in Tulsa, Owasso and Broken Arrow.

Tinker Federal Credit Union Statewide

The largest credit union in Oklahoma, Tinker Federal Credit Union was founded in 1946 and now boasts over 470,000 members and $6.1 billion in assets. What sets Tinker apart is that members have 100% ownership over the credit union, which also offers lower fees than most plus 5,600 branch locations.

TTCU Federal Credit Union OKC and Tulsa

TTCU Federal Credit Union was established in 1934 as Tulsa Teachers Credit Union and offers general banking, loans, credit and digital wallets. The union boasts $2.5 billion in assets with cooperative principles including democratic member control, diversity and concern for the community.

WeStreet Credit Union Tulsa

Founded in 1943, WeStreet Credit Union now has over 56,000 members and is community-chartered, meaning membership is available to anyone in its 11 communities with just a $5 deposit. WeStreet Foundation, the union’s philanthropic arm, focuses on community issues including hunger, stable shelter and mental well-being.

Thompson Construction, OKC and Tulsa

Tinker Federal Credit Union, statewide; photo by Braid Creative

Communication Federal Credit Union, statewide

Manhattan Construction Group, statewide

Distribution

Fabricut Tulsa

Devoted to creating a single source for fabrics, trimmings, drapery hardware, window treatments, furniture, rugs and more, Fabricut harbors an extensive showroom network and worldwide sales force. Founded in 1954, Fabricut is now one of the world’s largest distributors of decorative and wholesome fabrics.

Energy

Continental Resources OKC

Among the most cost-effective producers of oil and natural gas nationally, Continental is also a top 10 independent oil producer in the U.S. Focused on oil exploration and production, Continental also invests in its communities through a variety of charitable initiatives that focus on health, education and industry advocacy.

Devon Energy

Oklahoma City

A leader in independent oil and gas exploration and production, Devon Energy’s second quarter 2025 daily production was approximately 387,000 barrels of oil. Devon’s targets also focus on reducing the carbon intensity of its operations, minimizing freshwater use and engaging constructively with its value chain.

Expand Energy Corporation

OKC

Powered by dedicated and innovative employees, Expand Energy Corporation aims to fuel a more affordable, reliable and lower carbon future. Formed in 2024 after the merging of Chesapeake Energy and Southwest Energy, Expand is now the largest natural gas producer in the U.S.

OG&E

OKC

Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company, the largest electric utilities company in the state, represents a balanced portfolio with 67% natural gas, 22% coal and 7% renewable energy. OG&E offers rates 30% below the national average, and has invested $9.8 billion in infrastructure projects from 2021-2024, helping create more than 17,000 jobs.

ONE Gas Tulsa

A natural gas distributor to more than 2.3 million customers in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, ONE Gas has company values including safety, ethics, service, value, and diversity and inclusion. Passionate about community giving, ONE Gas contributed $3.3 million to nonprofit organizations in 2024 alone.

ONEOK

Statewide

A leading midstream service provider in the U.S., ONEOK harbors expertise that will be important in the future energy transformation. Company values include excellence, service and innovation, and ONEOK heavily invests in its community through causes like arts and culture, education, and health and human services.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma Tulsa

Garver

OKC, Tulsa and Norman

Electric utility provider Public Service Company of Oklahoma works together with its customers and communities to create the future of energy. PSO aims to power a greener outlook with a focus on innovation and sustainability, as evidenced by the fact that wind provides 27% of its energy mix.

Williams Tulsa

Providing infrastructure that safely delivers natural gas products to fuel a clean energy economy, Williams handles approximately one third of the U.S.’s natural gas. With a measurable commitment to sustainability, the proof is in the numbers: since 2018, expansion projects and acquisitions have increased Williams’ energy output by 42%, but its emissions intensity has decreased by 24%.

Engineering

CEC

OKC, Norman, Tulsa and Duncan

Services at CEC are vast, ranging from engineering to inspection, construction, surveying, 3D visualization and water distribution. Alongside a robust project portfolio, CEC is also committed to giving back through its corporate giving program, CEC Civil Servants, which assists more than 50 nonprofits annually.

With a people-first culture, employee-owned Garver offers engineering, planning and environmental services, focusing on aviation, transportation, wastewater services, construction engineering and more. Garver has 61 offices in 21 states, employing more than 1,400 people, and has achieved Zweig Group Best Firm to Work For Legacy Status.

Olsson

OKC and Tulsa

Harboring a rich history of success, engineering behemoth Olsson prioritizes collaboration, flexibility and adding value to its community. Nationally recognized for its work, Olsson is ranked No. 7 on BD+C’s 2025 list of America’s top data center engineering firms, and works to help create a better quality of life for all people it serves.

Wallace Design Collective

OKC and Tulsa

With a dynamic group of experts in engineering, landscape architecture and surveying, Wallace Design Collective tackles a bevy of projects in industries including entertainment, transportation, hospitality and retail. Wallace, which has offices in eight cities, operates with a simple purpose: make lives better.

CEC, Norman, Tulsa and Duncan

Wallace Design Collective, OKC and Tulsa

Garver, OKC, Tulsa and Norman

Tulsa

Entertainment

BOK Center

The 19,199-seat BOK Center aims to grow Tulsa’s economic and community infrastructure for years to come, hosting more than 50 events each year and acting as “home ice” for the Tulsa Oilers. Additionally, the venue has been named Arena of the Year by the International Entertainment Buyers Association twice.

Celebrity Attractions

Tulsa

Founded in 1983, Celebrity Attractions brings world-class Broadway performances and more to Tulsa, providing family-friendly entertainment and cultural enrichment. Alongside hosting the touring Broadway debut of The Outsiders this October, Celebrity Attraction’s upcoming shows include The Notebook, Mamma Mia! and The Wiz

Choctaw Casino Resort Durant Durant

AAA Four Diamond hotel and resort Choctaw Casino Resort

Durant boasts 7,400 slot machines, over 100 table games and a state-of-the-art poker room. Other amenities include a movie theater, ample restaurants and bars, a spa and two pools. Upcoming live entertainment includes Scotty McCreery and Kansas.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC

Opened in 1937 as the Municipal Auditorium, the Civic Center Music Hall has become OKC’s hub for Broadway shows, concerts, graduations and festivals. The venue is managed by the Civic Center Foundation, with the mission to provide culturally rich performing arts experiences to the community.

Osage Casino Hotel

Tulsa

Blending high-end hotel accommodations, world-class dining, numerous gaming options and entertainment at the Skyline Event Center, Osage Casino Hotel acts as an entertainment haven in the heart of Tulsa. Amenities include 1,600+ electronic games, available 24 hours a day, plus five restaurants, and uniquely designed hotel rooms that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Osage Nation.

River Spirit Casino Resort Tulsa

Offering its guests 3,000 high-tech electronic games, numerous poker tables, luxurious hotel rooms, a salon and spa, a resort-style pool and a 2,500+ seat showroom, River Spirit Casino Resort is a little slice of paradise in Tulsa. As an active community partner, River Spirit also aims to provide a positive economic impact to Tulsa and the surrounding areas.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Tulsa

With world-class golf, lodging, dining and gaming, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa offers more than 2,600 electronic games, 36 table games and a state-of-the-art poker room. Entertainment options also abound at the Hard Rock, with multiple performing arts venues including Hard Rock Live, which seats 2,700.

Oklahoma City Thunder OKC

The Oklahoma City Thunder – the nation’s reigning NBA champ – is more than just a successful basketball team. Its philanthropic arm, the Thunder Community Foundation, aims to positively impact the youth of OKC through a variety of programs and initiatives including its Reading Challenge and Book Bus.

Paycom Center OKC

Established in 2002, the Paycom Center is a 581,000-square-foot venue with 15,341 seats, and home to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Oklahoma City Blue basketball teams. Alongside sporting events, the Paycom Center has hosted some of music’s biggest acts, from Bon Jovi and Billy Joel to Olivia Rodrigo and Lady Gaga.

River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa

Osage Casino, Tulsa

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Tulsa

Tulsa’s hub for all things entertainment, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center operates with the mission to bring arts education and access to all Tulsans. Through the Kennedy Center’s Any Given Child program, the TPAC offers a free theatrical performance to every kindergartener in the Tulsa Public Schools system.

Food/Beverage/ Convenience Industry

Bama Companies

Tulsa

Oklahoma Beef Council OKC

The Oklahoma Beef Council’s mission is to strengthen the beef demand in the domestic and global marketplace, working directly for farming and ranching families. Alongside its advocacy, the OBC offers a bevy of educational resources, including recipes, cooking tips and advice on ethically raising beef.

Oklahoma Pork Council OKC

A producer-led organization that represents the interests of all pork producers in the state, the Oklahoma Pork Council is dedicated to the well-being of its animals, its people, its communities and its land. A major economic driver in Oklahoma, the pork industry at large employs over 23,000 Oklahomans.

A global food manufacturer with headquarters in Tulsa, Bama brings decades of experience, culinary expertise, and market research to its myriad clients. With employee well-being as a top priority, Bama works diligently to foster continuing education opportunities, creating well-rounded, healthy lives for its team members.

Ben E. Keith Company

OKC and Tulsa

Delivering quality since 1906, food and alcoholic beverage distributor Ben E. Keith offers a wide range of fresh produce, meats, dairy and dry goods, along with logistics and supply solutions to help clients operate with efficiency. Other provided services include a culinary research team, digital marketing and restaurant management.

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores

Statewide

Convenience store company Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores has grown from its humble beginnings in 1964, now harboring more than 600 locations in 42 states. Love’s employs more than 40,000 people and provides a safe space to buy gas and grab a meal, with an additional 430 truck service centers.

QuikTrip Statewide

Convenience store chain QuikTrip is privately held, and has more than 1,000 stores in 17 states, employing 31,000+ people. A staunch advocate for community investment, Quiktrip donates five percent of net profits to charitable organizations, with focus areas including at-risk youth, veterans and community safety.

Healthcare

Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma Tulsa

The largest orthopedic practice of fellowship-trained orthopedic/sports medicine experts in northeastern Oklahoma, Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma specializes in everything from stress fractures to joint replacement and minimally invasive surgeries. AOO also offers urgent care services including CT scans and MRIs.

Ascension St. John Health System

Tulsa

With seven hospitals and more than 80 healthcare clinics and facilities, Ascension St. John Health System employs nearly 4,500 people. St. John, which harbors the region’s largest surgical robotic fleet, was also named an American College of Surgeons verified Level 1 Trauma Center in 2025.

Dean McGee Eye Institute OKC

Providing eye care for the entire family, Dean McGee Eye Institute excels in everything from general optometry to glaucoma care, laser vision correction and ocular prosthetics. The institute, which invests heavily in medical research and clinical trials, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose and Throat Tulsa

Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat diseases, Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose and Throat is staffed with compassionate physicians who tailor treatment plans to each patient. The largest ENT clinic in eastern Oklahoma, EOENT also handles cochlear implants and head/neck cancer treatment.

INTEGRIS Health OKC

The state’s largest not-for-profit and Oklahoma-owned healthcare system, INTEGRIS Health values integrity, compassion, accountability, excellence and respect. Passionate about giving back to the community, INTEGRIS offers free clinical services, screenings and educational programs, works with juvenile offenders and organizes activities for senior citizens.

Mercy Health OKC

Founded in 1986, Mercy Hospital has grown to include a large network of hospitals, clinics and urgent care centers, offering primary care, orthopedics, neurology and more. With a vision to pioneer a new model of care, Mercy’s core values include dignity, justice and stewardship.

Norman Regional Health System Moore/Norman

Norman Regional Health System offers a bevy of hospitals, urgent care centers and specialty care clinics. With regional and national recognition, Norman Regional was also the first facility in the OKC metro to receive Chest Pain Accreditation with PCI from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.

Oklahoma State University Medical Center Tulsa

One of the nation’s largest osteopathic teaching facilities, Oklahoma State University Medical Center offers more than 14 residency and fellowship programs and trains nearly 300 residents annually. Care offerings range from cardiovascular medicine to respiratory services, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, surgery and wound care.

Bama Companies, Tulsa

Offering the most advanced, patient-specific treatment options for bone and joint pain, the Orthopaedic Center tackles issues ranging from tendonitis to total joint replacements. The team operates with a common goal: empower the patient with the services and education that will assist them in returning to their highest level of function.

OU Health OKC and Tulsa

Home to the state’s largest and most comprehensive specialty and subspecialty practice, OU Health aims to be a partner in innovative care and treatment. The health system, which sees nearly 1 million patients each year in its varied hospitals and specialty clinics, also harbors the state’s only comprehensive pediatric heart transplant program.

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center OKC

As the state’s only NCI-Designated Cancer Center, OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care close to home. Dedicated to innovation, Stephenson harbors 250+ ongoing original biomedical research projects and is one of 32 U.S. cancer centers achieving Lead Academic Participating Sites (LAPS) status.

Saint Francis Health System

Tulsa

Locally trusted and nationally proven, Saint Francis Health System is comprised of worldclass specialty hospitals and clinics, and is eastern Oklahoma’s largest private employer. This year, Saint Francis Hospital earned Level I Trauma Center verification from the American College of Surgeons, making it a standard-setter for trauma care in the region.

SSM Health St. Anthony

OKC

Offering a nationally certified stroke center and cutting-edge robotic-assisted surgery, SSM Health St. Anthony is a pioneer in the healthcare industry. Opened this September, the state-of-the-art Crohn’s & Colitis Center is led by lauded gastroenterologist and inflammatory bowel disease specialist Dr. Tauseef Ali.

Tulsa ER & Hospital

Tulsa

Providing patients with concierge-level emergency services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Tulsa ER & Hospital focuses on expert care, total convenience and comprehensive capabilities. The hospital, opened in 2019, specializes in a bevy of clinical services, alongside imaging, lab work and pediatric care.

Higher Education

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah

With over 80 degree programs to choose from, Northeastern State University also hosts international students from 38 countries while working to build upon its Native Cherokee heritage. Committed to increasing accessibility in education, NSU grants some form of financial aid to 94% of its beginning undergraduate students.

Oklahoma City Community College

OKC

Oklahoma City Community College believes student accessibility isn’t enough – as earning a certificate or degree is what changes lives. Providing dozens of degree and certification programs, OCCC’s offerings are designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce, ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed.

Oklahoma City University

OKC

A private institution that offers 70+ undergraduate and 20+ graduate degrees, Oklahoma City University also boasts an 11:1 student/teacher ratio. OKCU, which consistently ranks as a top-tier institution by U.S. News & World Report, also excels in athletics, with more than 70 NAIA national championships.

Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Goodwell

Rooted in progress through knowledge, OPSU is dedicated to student learning, resource optimization, graduate production and life-long learning. With a 17:1 student/ teacher ratio and $15 million awarded in scholarships annually, Panhandle is also the first and only public Hispanic Serving Institution designated in the state.

Oklahoma State University Stillwater

With 300+ dynamic undergraduate degrees and minors, plus 200+ masters and Ph.D. programs, it’s clear why Oklahoma State University was ranked No. 1 for Best Value and Best Academics in Oklahoma by Niche in 2024. A five-campus system, OSU supports more than 35,000 students annually while still holding a 20:1 student/teacher ratio.

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

Tulsa

Educating and training tomorrow’s leaders, OSU-CHS fosters the success of future osteopathic physicians, scientists and other healthcare professionals. The university operates with an emphasis on providing healthcare for rural and underserved areas of Oklahoma, while remaining actively engaged on the frontiers of medical research.

Oklahoma State University-Tulsa Tulsa

OSU’s urban-serving, metropolitan branch campus in downtown Tulsa, OSU-Tulsa provides world-class education to meet the dynamic needs of today’s students. Helping to educate the professional workforce and advance their careers, OSU-Tulsa offers flexible schedules and online learning options tailored to each student.

Oklahoma City Community College, OKC

Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell

The Orthopaedic Center, Tulsa

Rogers State University Claremore

For almost 100 years, RSU has operated with the same mission: ensure student success. The university does just that with its degrees that meet the needs of Oklahoma’s top 10 fastest growing industries, alongside its academic enrichment programs like the President’s Leadership Class, lectureships and studies-at-large.

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa

Offering dual credit programs, continuing education, university transfer paths, professional certificates and more, TCC guides its students to success every step of the way. With accessibility in mind, nearly 70% of graduating students complete TCC debtfree, and 27% of incoming freshmen attend free via the Tulsa Achieves program.

University of Central Oklahoma Edmond

One of the region’s top public universities, the University of Central Oklahoma empowers its students from day one. With seven academic colleges – business; education; fine arts; liberal arts; math and science; forensic science; and graduate studies – UCO is committed to helping its students thrive in a complex world.

University of Oklahoma

Norman

Founded 17 years before statehood, the University of Oklahoma operates with a mission to provide the best possible educational experience for its students. Touting 170 academic programs and over $416 million in research expenditures, OU also offers a rich campus life with 400+ organizations, myriad student events and remarkable athletic programs.

University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Chickasha

The state’s only public liberal arts college, USAO was recently ranked No. 7 on Great Value College’s “100 Most Affordable Small Colleges West of the Mississippi.” Alongside a robust program of majors and minors, USAO also offers micro-credentials, as well as study abroad and research opportunities.

University of Tulsa

Tulsa

With the most National Merit scholars per capita of any university in the nation, TU is a top 100 private research university and boasts a 97% job placement rate for graduates. Ranked the No. 1 university in Oklahoma by WalletHub.com, TU has an average class size of 13, with 150+ student organizations.

Human Resources and Staffing Agency

Express Employment Professionals Statewide

Founded in 1983, Express Employment Professionals has grown to become a leading staffing agency in the U.S. Specializing in matching job seekers with the best jobs for their skillsets, Express recently won the Best of Staffing: Client Satisfaction Diamond Award and offers tailored workforce solutions for virtually every industry.

Key Personnel OKC and Tulsa

Key Personnel is a fully certified, woman-owned business founded in 1978, that offers staffing solutions for both job seekers and employers alike. Key Personnel successfully services a variety of area businesses in the administrative, financial, industrial, legal, medical and technical fields.

Robert Half

OKC and Tulsa

Robert Half helps its clients do their best work yet – whether they are looking for a top-quality job or skilled candidates. Robert Half has ranked No. 1 on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms for seven years running and has 2+ million contract and permanent job placements.

Insurance

American Fidelity Assurance

OKC

Serving the public, healthcare, education and automotive industries, American Fidelity Assurance aims to help businesses by being an extension of their HR departments. The company offers diverse strategies, a wide selection of benefits and services, professional enrollment and benefits education.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma Statewide

Presenting Oklahoma with an extensive statewide network of healthcare professionals – from doctors to hospitals and pharmacies — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma brings a local touch to health insurance services. BCBS is also the largest provider of health benefits in Oklahoma, serving more than 850,000 members.

CommunityCare Tulsa

CommunityCare, owned by Ascension St. John and Saint Francis Health System, offers high quality healthcare coverage and personalized, compassionate services for an excellent value. Plans are tailored to suit both individuals and families, with additional 24/7 online care and telemedicine options.

Delta Dental Statewide

Serving more than 90 million Americans, Delta Dental supplies high-quality, lowcost dental insurance for both groups and individuals. The company is also heavily involved in philanthropic efforts, investing more than $2.3 billion to improve the oral and overall health of communities around the country.

INSURICA Statewide

Employing over 800 people in the U.S., insurance and risk management company

INSURICA has placed over $1 billion in annual premiums for its clients. Company values include integrity, innovation and purpose, and INSURICA’s services range from claims management to employee benefits.

American Fidelity Assurance, OKC

State Farm

Statewide

State Farm, providing insurance and financial service products on more than 91 million policies, believes its success is built on a foundation of shared values, which include quality service, integrity, and financial strength. State Farm also supports safety, education and community development programs across the country.

Law Firm

Barrow & Grimm

Tulsa

Offering a comprehensive range of services in the labor and employment law field, Barrow & Grimm was established in 1976 and is known for its premium practices in commercial law, civil litigation, construction and surety law, estate planning and more. Of the firm’s 30 attorneys, 15 have been named as AV Preeminent Lawyers nationally.

Conner & Winters

OKC and Tulsa

Established in 1933, Conner & Winters operates with a steadfast commitment to client satisfaction, and is responsible for growth across major industries such as banking and finance, oil and gas, corporate securities, and healthcare. Practice areas range from white collar defense to employee benefits and business reorganization after bankruptcy.

Chubbuck Duncan & Robey, P.C.

OKC

The premier Oklahoma firm for defense litigation, Chubbuck Duncan & Robey excels in practice areas including insurance defense, products liability, tribal law and more. The firm boasts senior partners who are featured in Super Lawyers annually, and the team works collaboratively to deliver favorable outcomes for clients.

Hammons, Hurst and Associates

OKC

A leader in employment law, Hammons, Hurst and Associates handles cases for clients who have been subjected to sexual harassment, disability discrimination, unpaid overtime and more. The firm’s namesake attorneys, Mark Hammons and Amber Hurst, are consistently recognized nationally for their work.

The Handley Law Center

El Reno

Specializing in cases surrounding personal injury, criminal defense, divorce and family law, The Handley Law Center consistently reaches positive verdicts and settlements for its numerous clients. The firm brings a client-first mentality, a diligent team effort, and decades of litigation experience to the table.

Jones Gotcher

Tulsa

Tackling cases in civil litigation, construction, family law and estate planning, Jones Gotcher is client-focused and results-driven. As a midsized firm, Jones Gotcher combines large-scale resources with one-on-one attention to detail. The firm and its attorneys have been nationally recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, U.S. News and World Report and more.

Latham Keele Lehman Ratcliff Carter & Clarke P.C.

OKC and Tulsa

Providing skilled and effective counsel to Fortune 100 companies, small businesses and individuals for over 25 years, Latham Keele Lehman consistently delivers successful verdicts, settlements and appeals in over 300 jury trials. Practice areas range from corporate services to medical malpractice defense, workers’ comp and real estate.

McIntyre Law

OKC

With over half a billion in compensation won for its clients, McIntyre Law excels in personal injury cases including car accidents, motorcycle and truck crashes, as well as class action lawsuits. The team at McIntyre Law brings 90+ years of legal experience to each case, utilizing an expert team of specialists and medical professionals.

Smith Barkett Law Firm

Tulsa

A leading law firm for serious injury and wrongful death cases, Smith Barkett offers a combined 130+ years of experience, with millions already won for clients. Combining tangible results, extensive trial experience and a laid-back atmosphere, Smith Barkett is committed to each client’s success through unwavering perseverance.

White & Weddle, P.C.

OKC

Cases tackled at White & Weddle include wrongful death, bad faith insurance, education law, class action, dangerous products and workplace injury. Combining meticulous research and personalized attention, the team at White & Weddle’s attorneys serve all 77 Oklahoma counties and are contingent fee attorneys, meaning they work on personal injury cases without pay until justice is achieved.

Manufacturing and Industrial Supply

AAON

Tulsa

Manufacturing commercial and industrial HVAC solutions, AAON produces a bevy of products, including rooftop units, air-source heat pumps, condensing units, split systems, geothermal heat pumps and more. Aiming to make a global impact, AAON boasts over 2 million square feet of space in five facilities across the country.

Airgas

Statewide

A leading supplier of industrial, specialty and medical gasses, Airgas helps more than 1 million customers advance their business performance and reach their full potential. Founded in 1982, Airgas now touts an extensive supply chain network with more than 1,400 locations nationwide.

Aquestia

Tulsa

Manufacturing holistic hydraulic control solutions, Aquestia operates with a singular mission: create a world where water is managed efficiently for every person, application and need. With three established brands, A.R.I., DOROT, and OCV, Aquestia aims to optimize hydraulic systems for future generations.

Latham Keele Lehman Ratcliff Carter & Clarke P.C., OKC and Tulsa

AAON, Tulsa

Brainerd Chemical Company, Inc.

Tulsa

Leading the way in chemical manufacturing and distribution for people, communities and the planet, Brainerd Chemical Company operates with core values including innovation, integrity and passion. Founded in 1959, Brainerd serves the animal health, mining, oil and gas, and janitorial industries, among others.

Delco Electric, Inc. OKC

Commercial electrical service provider Delco Electric offers services ranging from electrical valve engineering to service calls, energy saving solutions, and design-build assistance. Founded in 1979, the company has grown from a team of two to a team of 150+, cultivating a reputation for excellent service along the way.

Ditch Witch Perry

Ditch Witch excels in the manufacture of underground construction equipment, producing directional drills, vacuum excavators, trenchers, plows and skid steers attachments. The company also harbors ‘Ditch Witch University,’ a training program that helps crews around the country better understand the equipment they’ll be using.

EIS

Statewide

A leading distributor of process materials, production supplies and engineered fabrication, EIS – or Engineered and Industrial Solutions – employs over 900 people with 25 facilities across North America and the Caribbean. Values at EIS include integrity, accountability, teamwork and customer-driven service.

Hilti

OKC and Tulsa

Hilti, founded in 1941, is a leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of products for the construction, building maintenance and energy sectors. Products range from construction chemicals to power tools and fasteners. The mission at Hilti is simple: make construction work safer, more productive and more sustainable.

Kimray, Inc.

OKC

Excelling in the manufacture of oil and gas control equipment, Kimray has been locally owned and operated since its founding in 1948. Clients who work with Kimray receive field support, quality products, forwardthinking solutions, a strategic distribution network, in-person training and access to online resources.

Locke Supply Co.

Statewide

An employee-owned plumbing, electrical and HVAC distributor based in OKC, Locke Supply Co. offers over 200 locations to its clients. Locke Supply services commercial contractors from start to finish, with project take-off services including lighting, gear, floor boxes, cable trays and project management.

Matrix Service Co.

Tulsa

Matrix Service Co. provides engineering, infrastructure, fabrication, construction and maintenance services to a variety of markets, including oil and gas, power, mining and mineral. Founded in 1984, Matrix is committed to safety, positive client relationships, community involvement and stewardship.

ONE Mesa

Tulsa

ONE Mesa provides corrosion control with three brands: MESA Products & Services; Bass Engineering; and Hansen Drilling. The goal? Protect a variety of assets from rust through cathodic protection materials. ONE MESA also owns MESAU, an industry training program on a mission to better prepare the world’s asset protectors.

Sigma Stretch Corp.

Tulsa

The manufacturer of innovative, high-quality and environmentally responsible stretch film solutions, Sigma Stretch Corp.’s mission is to produce reliable products at affordable rates. Founded in 1993 with a singular plant, Sigma Stretch now boasts 700 million pounds of annual production capacity.

Webco Industries

Sand Springs

A pioneer in the manufacture and distribution of steel tubing, Webco’s mission is to continuously build on its strengths and create a vibrant community for the ages. In 2024, Webco opened the brand-new F.W. Weber Leadership Campus, a 72,000-square-foot facility that also houses the Webco TechCenter.

Zeeco

Broken Arrow

Designing and manufacturing advanced combustion and environmental solutions, Zeeco has steadily become an industry leader since its founding in 1979. With products that are designed to reduce emissions, optimize processing industries and maximize operating efficiency, Zeeco is also committed to meeting global environmental compliance requirements.

Miscellaneous

Alert360

Tulsa

Alert360 is a home and business security provider equipped with 24/7 monitoring services. Offering seamless system integration products, advanced analytics, remote health monitoring and local service teams, Alert360 serves thousands of customers coast-to-coast and operates a TMA 5 Diamond center in Tulsa.

Hobby Lobby

Statewide

Coldwell Banker Statewide

A global presence in real estate, Coldwell Banker has offices in 45 countries with over 100,000 total agents. With $243+ billion in overall sales volume, Coldwell Banker was rated No. 1 on customer loyalty by Quester Real Estate, and has donated nearly $2 million to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Keller Williams Realty Statewide

With a vision to be the real estate company of choice for agents and their customers, Keller Williams believes they work for their clients, not the other way around. In April 2025, Keller Williams was ranked the No. 1 real estate franchise in the U.S. by agent count, transaction sides and sales volume by T3 Sixty, a leading residential real estate analyst firm.

Founded in 1970 as a $600 start-up, Hobby Lobby has grown to become the largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer in the world, offering home decor, tableware, art supplies and more. The company’s corporate headquarters in OKC includes 12 million+ square feet of manufacturing, distribution and office buildings.

Oklahoma State University Foundation Stillwater

Helping to support the mission of OSU and make a transformational impact, the OSU Foundation acts as the private fundraising organizer for the university. With a mission to unite donor passions with university priorities, the foundation values authenticity, partnership, integrity and intentionality.

Real Estate

Chinowth & Cohen Realtors

OKC and Tulsa

The largest independent real estate company in the state, Chinowth & Cohen Realtors has grown from a 25-associate firm to a conglomerate of 15 offices and 700 associates. Committed to building an all-inclusive tool belt of real estate-related services, leadership at C&C has created an umbrella of companies, including Elite Title Services and Top Corner Marketing.

McGraw Realtors Statewide

Striving to make real estate simple for its clients, McGraw Realtors touts 800+ associates in 19 offices across Oklahoma and Arkansas. Driven by a culture of commitment, loyalty and tenacity, McGraw works diligently to recruit, train and invest in agents while utilizing best-in-class technology and a vast network of industry professionals.

Technology

InterWorks

Tulsa

Tech consultancy InterWorks provides IT and data strategies, solutions and support to its clients in a vast array of industries. Armed with problem-solvers, tinkerers and collaborators, InterWorks believes people are its greatest assets, fostering an employeefirst culture with partners including Zoom, Sigma and Mimecast.

Paycom

OKC

A cloud-based human resource and payroll software provider, Paycom also offers services in talent acquisition and management. In a study conducted by Forrester Consulting in 2023, it found that Paycom’s software lowered payroll labor by 90% and saved HR and accounting teams over 2,600 hours annually.

Alert360, Tulsa

Engineering the best place to work

Tourism/ Recreation

Discover Durant

Durant

A division of the Durant Tourism Economic Development Authority, Discover Durant introduces visitors to the City of Magnolias and the Gateway to Lake Texoma. Producing varied resources on dining, entertainment, lodging and shopping, Discover Durant is a major economic driver for the city.

Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation

Statewide

Promoting state parks, local businesses, cities and regions, monthly entertainment and more, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation aims to drive domestic and international visitation through marketing and outreach. The tourism industry — Oklahoma’s third largest — employs nearly 97,000 people with a payroll of $2.6 billion.

Poteau Chamber of Commerce

Poteau

Visit Oklahoma City

OKC

The destination marketing organization for our state’s capital, Visit Oklahoma City is responsible for promoting OKC as a premier location for leisure, business and convention travel. Supporting economic growth, Visit OKC aims to attract leisure visitors, lucrative conventions and other events through strategic marketing and partnerships.

Visit Ponca City

Ponca City

Acting as the city’s central hub for business advocacy, tourism and community development, the Poteau Chamber of Commerce offers residents and tourists literature, business information and attraction recommendations. Helping to foster economic growth are chamber-led, collaborative projects like the Poteau Balloon Festival.

Visit Bartlesville

Bartlesville

The City of Bartleville’s official tourism initiative, Visit Bartlesville promotes a bevy of city-centric attractions, including the Frank Phillips Home and Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. Encouraging residents and tourists to explore the city’s vibrant culture, Visit Bartlesville also maintains a bustling community calendar.

Visit Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow

Visit Broken Arrow highlights the many experiences available in the city, from the Rose District to nature trails, dining, museums and other local shops. Encouraging residents and travelers to explore and patronize the city’s businesses, Visit Broken Arrow is the city’s official tourism initiative.

Visit Claremore

Claremore

Curating helpful resources for dining, lodging, events and historic sites, Visit Claremore bolsters the city’s economic growth through travel and event marketing. Supporting local businesses through inventive promotion, Visit Claremore acts as the city’s official tourism and visitor development organization.

Visit Ponca City highlights cultural attractions, historic sites and recreational offerings through innovative marketing. The entity also bolsters the local economy by attracting visitors to landmarks including the Pioneer Woman Museum and the Marland Mansion, simultaneously facilitating community events and other tourism services.

Visit Tulsa

Tulsa

Housed within the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Visit Tulsa has a singular mission: promote Tulsa as the premier destination for tourism and conventions. Blending event bidding, strategic marketing and partnerships, Visit Tulsa enhances the city’s economic vitality by increasing tourism-related revenue.

Transportation

Melton Truck Lines

Tulsa

A premier over-the-road flatbed trucking company, Melton Truck Lines has been in business for 70 years and harbors 1,486 tractors, 2,400 trailers, and 5,000+ satisfied customers. With a 98% on-time delivery rate, Melton houses truck terminals and cargo protection facilities in Oklahoma, Alabama and Texas.

Tribal Enterprise

Cherokee Nation

Catoosa

The economic engine of the Cherokee Nation — which harbors more than 450,000 tribal citizens — Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) operates hundreds of diverse enterprises across industries including construction, aerospace, hospitality and information technology. With a mission to create sustainable growth and support community development, CNB provides business solutions, government contracting and commercial services.

Chickasaw Nation

Ada

The business arm of the Chickasaw Nation, Chickasaw Nation Industries (CNI), manages a diverse portfolio across sectors including defense contracting, construction, manufacturing and technology. Driving economic growth for the tribe and the state, CNI creates jobs, supports tribal programs and generates sustainable revenue.

Choctaw Nation

Durant

The Choctaw Nation’s business portfolio deals in everything from construction to hospitality, government contracting and technology. The businesses provide services and solutions to tribal and non-tribal Oklahomans alike, with a joint mission to foster economic growth and produce long-term financial resources for the Nation.

Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Shawnee

Citizen Potawatomi Nation Enterprises (CPNE), the business division of the Nation, operates in areas including construction, hospitality and government services. Delivering innovative solutions to public and private clients, CPNE focuses on creating employment opportunities, expanding tribal resources and supporting the prosperity of the Nation.

Muscogee Nation

Okmulgee

With a mission to foster, promote and develop the foreign and domestic commerce of the Muscogee Nation, the Muscogee Nation’s Department of Commerce emphasizes job creation, expanding tribal assets, and advancing the long-term financial well-being of its citizens, working in government contracting, logistics, technology and more.

Osage Nation

Pawhuska

The Osage Nation’s various business enterprises span the energy, government, construction, hospitality and technology industries, among others. The Osage Nation leverages these myriad enterprises to create more jobs, strengthen tribal resources, drive development, fund healthcare and education initiatives, and secure long-term prosperity for its citizens.

Seminole Nation

Wewoka

The Seminole Nation’s business enterprises operate in the gaming, hospitality, construction and government contracting sectors, among others. With a mission to create jobs, fund programming and support economic growth, these businesses directly benefit the Seminole Nation, ensuring the preservation of tribal culture.

OU Health, OKC and Tulsa

A Very Merry Guide

The holidays are here, paired nicely with Oklahoma cheer. We offer a rundown of local happenings, plus holiday etiquette advice, cocktail recipes and other goodies that will surely help your season shine.

By Mary Willa Allen

MAKING SPIRITS

BRIGHT

Hosting the family? Attending a holiday gathering with pals? Alone at home and bored? These cocktails are just the ticket.

NOVEMBER 28–JANUARY 3

UPGRADED EGGNOG 1 Egg 1 oz. Heavy cream .5 oz. Maple syrup .25 oz. ........................ St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram 1.5 oz. Paul Beau VS Cognac Freshly grated nutmeg, to garnish

2 oz. Spiced rum 2 bar spoons Cranberry preserve 1 oz. Lime juice .5 oz Vanilla orgeat

CINNAMON SPICE & EVERYTHING NICE

1.5 oz. Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch

1 oz. Kahlua Coffee Liqueur 1.5 oz. ................................... Espresso 1.5 oz. Milk of choice 1 oz. Simple syrup Cinnamon, as garnish THE HOLIDAY COCKTAIL 1.5 oz. Grapefruit Vodka .5 oz. Aperol .75 oz. Simple syrup .5 oz. Fresh lemon juice A BERRY WHITE CHRISTMAS

AVOIDING FESTIVE FAUX PAS

The holiday season is a time for coming together with friends and family ... and extended family you haven’t seen in years, plus acquaintances, friends of friends and some total strangers. During all that social time, you’re bound to make a misstep or two, unless you consult our behavioral Naughty and Nice lists, of course!

THE NAUGHTY LIST:

Overstaying your welcome. If you’re lucky enough to attend a holiday gathering hosted by someone else, make sure you’re not lingering in the living room while the hosts are getting ready for bed or are cleaning up around you.

Overserving yourself. While the holidays are a time to indulge, make sure you aren’t making a fool of yourself or making others uncomfortable with your tipsy behavior. And don’t get behind the wheel!

Stepping into conversational minefields. Yes, the world is bonkers and people have big opinions. Leave the passionate political diatribes for another time ... or just ditch them altogether.

Trapping someone under the mistletoe. Consent, people, consent!

THE NICE LIST:

Bringing something to the gathering, even if it’s small. A bottle of wine, flowers (already in a vase) or a dessert go a long way.

Celebrating, not interrogating. Some people dread coming to holiday events because of invasive personal questions. Make sure you’re striking the right balance.

Sticking to the Secret Santa budget. A spend limit is set in place to ensure everyone feels like they’re on equal footing; don’t disrespect the system!

RSVPing, every time. People work hard to plan out their holiday events; make sure to reciprocate that courtesy by RSVPing, whether you can go or not.

THE GREAT TREE DEBATE

As of December 2023, 77% of Americans displaying a Christmas tree are opting for an artificial one, according to a survey from the American Christmas Tree Association. While you may have an impassioned tree stance or don’t mind either way, we offer some unbiased pros and cons for real and artificial Christmas trees.

Real tree pros:

• Smells like Christmas. You can put pine air fresheners in your fake tree, sure, but nothing beats the real deal.

• Eco-friendly. Most trees purchased at farms can be recycled into mulch.

• Like a snowflake. That is to say, it’s totally unique to your household — no two are the same.

• Supports the local economy. If you’re buying a real tree, you’re likely supporting a local farm.

Real tree cons:

• High maintenance. If you tend to kill house plants, sticking to a watering schedule and cleaning up pine needles 24/7 may not be for you. You’ll also need to figure out how to get the tree into your space and haul it out when the holidays are over.

• Not baby- or pet-friendly. That’s not to say you can’t have a real tree with babies and pets, but it may be more of a liability with them present.

• Offers a short lifespan. Once a tree dries out, it can’t be salvaged.

• Not great for the allergy-prone. Mold and pollen can be found hiding within those pine needles and bark. Beware!

Artificial tree pros:

• Low-maintenance. No shedding pine needles, no watering schedule, easy put-up and take-down. Ta-da!

• Budget-friendly. If you invest in a quality tree, it will last you for years to come. That means one purchase leads to tons of memories.

• Offers design control. Maybe you want a multi-colored tree, one that comes pre-decorated, or has fake snow atop. Artificial trees offer it all!

• No allergens in sight. A fake tree is ideal for those who struggle with seasonal allergies.

Artificial tree cons:

• No delicious pine scent. Guess you’ll have to burn a candle instead!

• Not-so-eco-friendly. Most artificial trees have plastics that aren’t recyclable or are shipped from overseas, adding to your carbon footprint.

• Requires storage space. If you’re limited on storage in your home, a clunky fake tree may be a pain to store.

BEAUTIFUL DISPLAYS

Lighting displays are an integral part of the holidays. Thank goodness Oklahoma’s got quite a few!

Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights Through Dec. 21

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, Bartlesville

Botanic Garden of Lights Through Dec. 28

Tulsa Botanic Garden

Midwest City Holiday Lights Spectacular Through Dec. 28

Joe B. Barnes Regional Park

Ardmore Festival of Lights Through Dec. 30

Regional Park, Ardmore Festival of Angels Through Dec. 30

Various locations, Ponca City

Fantasy Land of Lights Through Dec. 30

Johnstone Park, Bartlesville

Chickasha Festival of Light Through Dec. 31

Shannon Springs Park, Chickasha

Christmas in the Park Through Dec. 31

Ackley Park, Elk City

Crystal Christmas Through Dec. 31

Crystal Beach Park, Woodward

Edmond’s Electric Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll Through Jan. 1

Mitch Park, Edmond

Rhema Christmas Lights Through Jan. 1

Rhema Bible Church, Broken Arrow

SIT BACK & BE AMAZED

If you’re wanting to catch a holiday performance, we’ve got you covered.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Dec 3, 30

BOK Center, Tulsa; Paycom Center, OKC (respectively)

Garden of Lights Through Jan 1

Honor Heights Park, Muskogee

Holiday in the Park Through Jan. 1

Elmer Thomas Park, Lawton

Philbrook Festival Through Jan. 3

Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker

Dec. 4-21

Ok Shakes’ Blackbox Theater, OKC

American Theatre Company presents: A Christmas Carol Dec. 4-23

Tulsa PAC

OKC

Philharmonic presents: A Very Merry Pops

Dec. 5-6

Civic Center Music Hall, OKC

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Dec. 5-14

Broken Arrow Community Playhouse

Oklahoma Youth Arts Foundation presents: Edmond’s Nutcracker

Dec. 6-7

Rose State Performing Arts Center, Midwest City

OKC Zoo Safari Lights Through Jan. 4

Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

Bixby’s Winter Wonderland Through Jan. 4

Charley Young Event Park, Bixby

Canterbury Voices presents: Handel’s Messiah

Dec. 7

Civic Center Music Hall, OKC

Tulsa Ballet presents: The Nutcracker

Dec. 7-21

Tulsa PAC

Festival Bell Ringers and the Tulsa Carolers

Dec. 10

Tulsa PAC

Signature Symphony presents: Christmas in Tulsa

Dec. 12

TCC Van Trease PACE, Tulsa

Pollard Theatre presents: A Territorial Christmas Carol Through Dec. 21

Pollard Theatre, Guthrie

Oklahoma City Ballet presents: The Nutcracker

Dec. 14-23

Civic Center Music Hall, OKC

Lyric’s A Christmas Carol Through Dec. 28

Lyric at the Plaza

Philbrook Festival, Tulsa; photo courtesy Philbrook

TAKE TO THE ICE

Whether you’re ultra-coordinated or just wanna have some fun, ice rinks await.

Ice on the Plaza Through Dec. 31

323 E. Grand Ave., Ponca City

Arvest Winterfest Through Jan. 6 BOK Center, Tulsa

Christmas in the Ville Through Jan. 4

201 S.W. Keeler Ave., Bartlesville

Holidays on Ice Through Jan. 4

301 S. Independence Ave, Enid

Yukon Ice Rink Through Jan. 4

500 W. Vandament Ave., Yukon

Crest on Ice Through Jan. 4

2550 Mt. Williams Dr., Norman

Bixby’s Winter Wonderland Through Jan. 4

Charley Young Event Park, Bixby

BA Ice Rink Through Jan. 5

418 S. Main St., Broken Arrow

Edmond Ice Rink Through Feb. 1

Mitch Park, Edmond

Devon Ice Rink Through Feb. 1

Myriad Botanical Gardens, OKC

THIS OR THAT: Festive Edition

Real tree or fake tree?

Eggnog or hot cocoa?

White lights or colorful lights?

New age holiday music or the classics?

Beach Christmas or white Christmas?

Wrapping 100 gifts or untangling 100 feet of lights?

Giving gifts or receiving gifts?

Ugly sweater or fancy and festive outfit?

Sleigh ride or ice skating?

COME TOGETHER

Enjoy the holidays at community events galore.

The Nutcracker Festival

Dec. 5-6

Expo Square, Tulsa

Christkindlmarkt

Dec. 5-7

GAST Center, Tulsa

Saints Santa Run

Dec. 6

535 N.W. Ninth St., Oklahoma City

Tulsa Christmas Parade

Dec. 13

Downtown

OKC Community Chanukah Festival

Dec. 14-22

Scissortail Park

Merry Mitchmas 5K & 10K

Dec. 20

Mitch Park, Edmond

Santa’s Ozark Mountain Village Through Dec 20

Har-Ber Village Museum, Grove

Holiday in the Ark Through Dec. 22

Endangered Ark Foundation, Hugo

The Polar Express Train Rides Through Dec. 28

Oklahoma Railway Museum, OKC

Depot Green Christmas Train Through Dec. 28

205 Elgin St., Muskogee

Red Earth Treefest Through Dec. 31

BancFirst Tower, Oklahoma City

Arvest Winterfest Through Jan. 6

Downtown Tulsa

Downtown in December Through Feb. 2

Downtown Oklahoma City

Arvest Winterfest, Tulsa; photo by Phil Clarkin

in December, OKC; photo by Heartland Video Production

From Guatemala, With Love

Blending Latin American roots with Oklahoma twists, Cafe Kacao serves up dishes as delicious and lively as its atmosphere.

If you’ve never enjoyed a Latin American brunch in an old tire shop, you’re missing out.

At Café Kacao, located on 33rd and Classen in Oklahoma City, the stories are as spellbinding as the handmade tortillas and orange zest latte.

Get up at the crack of dawn and join the stomach-grumblers’ line outside the building, wrapped in a stunning bluegreen-purple floral mural. One Saturday morning, an unflappable café host braves the pelting rain and surging crowd. As he checks an iPad, lightning strikes nearby, illuminating tiny golden stars painted around his eye. He doesn’t flinch.

“I came from Houston,” one smiling man in a group of nine says.

“It’ll be about an hour,” says the host. The quiet understanding is, of course, that the wait will be worth it.

Inside, Café Kacao is a symphony of earthy cumin, zesty peppers and spicy tomato scents, blended with the rhythm of laughter and chatter.

Light bounces off shimmering soft salmon tile walls and crowded tables. Framed awards – including Yelp’s No. 1 Mother’s Day Brunch in the USA and Top 100 restaurants in the USA – line the walls.

“I make everything homemade like my

mother and grandmother used to do,” says founder Veronica Zelada. “Maybe that's the secret. And work, work, work. Very hard.”

Zelada orchestrates 12 kitchen workers. Each week, they cook 400 pounds of black beans, 600 pounds of potatoes and 150 pounds of tomatoes.

“It’s a lot of vegetables,” Zelada says.

She and her children, Alex, Ana and Luidgi, moved from Guatemala to Oklahoma City after stopping in California.

“Everything, all our belongings, were in that little Honda Civic,” recalls Luidgi Del Cid, her youngest son and the talent behind Café Kacao’s delectable coffees.

Zelada sold tamales from her car and borrowed from her uncle to open her first café in 2004. After selling the cafe three years later, she cooked simultaneously at Olive Garden and the Cheesecake Factory.

Still holding tight to her restaurant prayers, Zelada constantly scouted garage sales with Del Cid for discounted restaurant equipment.

“We were living in this apartment just full of equipment for years,” Del Cid says,

Café Kacao, an OKC Latin American restaurant, has breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes including the Motuleño Oaxaqueño (above). Photos courtesy Café Kacao

The huevos rancheros are a hit at Café Kacao – served with a fried corn tortilla, black beans, eggs, cheese, pico and guacamole.

“living right there on Classen behind the Asian supermarket.”

Del Cid nods toward a blue bar near Café Kacao’s entrance.

“People come in and say, ‘Hey, that’s where I got my tires changed,’” he says, pointing toward the former tire shop service bay.

Café Kacao launched in 2011 in a renovated yellow building once emblazoned with “Brothers Tire Shop.”

Cow & Cabbage

A combined specialty grocer and restaurant celebrating Oklahoma’s agricultural heritage, Cow and Cabbage on Tulsa’s Cherry Street aims to support local farmers and enhance food accessibility, all while serving up delectable dishes to hungry diners.

The grocer side of Cow and Cabbage provides everything from regionally raised meats to produce, dairy, eggs, soups, sauces, broths and butters.

On the restaurant side, both lunch and dinner menus offer visitors some savory goodness. For lunch, try the muffuletta, grilled veggie or chicken croissant sandwiches.

Zelada drove to work past the tire shop on Classen for four years until the morning she noticed it looked closed.

“Get over here,” she said in a call to Del Cid. “We need to go talk to the landlord.”

They shook for a lease deal on the spot.

Zelada, her uncle Tio Julio and Del Cid kicked in money.

Family members spent three hard weeks busting down, building up and painting over the shop. On January 26, 2011, Zelada and her children opened their café, generating $1,000 in sales.

The one dish you’ve gotta try? The huevos rancheros. The dish starts with a handmade fried corn tortilla, topped with black beans and two eggs. Add ranchero salsa, cheese and guacamole.

“It’s like a party on a plate,” says Del Cid.

And never, ever walk out of Café Kacao without sipping an indescribable orange zest latte.

For dinner, begin with a kale and beet salad, herb and cheese biscuits, or Johnny Cakes, made with gulf shrimp, sweet corn and peach salad. Next, enjoy entrees that range from beef stroganoff and chicken fried steak to the Cow and Cabbage burger or the grilled Cajun spice rubbed pork chop with creamy polenta and flash grilled okra.

Created by the culinary team that produced FarmBar and Il Seme — Lisa Becklund and Linda Ford — Cow & Cabbage also has a full bar and is open Tuesday-Saturday until 9 p.m.

Sonora Querida

If you’re a fan of blending cuisine styles and taking a few delicious culinary risks, Sonora Querida is the spot for you. Offering seafood platters, sushi, tacos and more, Sonora is nestled within OKC’s Brookside Plaza and offers quick-service dining done right.

Many items on Sonora’s menu are classics, but others you may have never tried before. For examples of the latter, try either the Toritos Govenador – peppers stuffed with shrimp, bacon and mozzarella cheese, or the Toasta Cachoriada – cooked shrimp ceviche, octopus, scallops and avocado.

It’s hard to name entrée highlights at Sonora when so many items shine, but a few to nosh include the quesabirria tacos, the chicken al pastor quesadillas, the torta sandwich or the Mixto taco, with batter-fried fish, pico de gallo, coleslaw and house dressing on a corn tortilla.

In case you forgot, Sonora also offers ample sushi variations, including the Sonora Roll, with beef, green pepper, cream cheese and cucumber, plus your choice of sauce. The menu fans out to include burritos, burgers and seafood iterations, too.

Opening at 9 a.m. daily, Sonora also presents a dynamic breakfast menu with items including omelets, breakfast burritos, French toast, pancakes and tamales.

SONYA COLBERG

Pictured here are the spicy chilaquiles verdes (top right) and the Cuban omelet (below left).

Founder Veronica Zelada, who moved from Guatemala in the early 2000s with her children, launched Café Kacao in 2011.

MARY WILLA ALLEN

Photo courtesy Sonora Querida

Photo courtesy Cow and Cabbage

Where & When

GREAT THINGS TO DO IN OKLAHOMA

EVENTS LISTED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK INDIVIDUAL WEBSITES FOR UPDATES.

IN TULSA Performances

A Christmas Carol Dec. 4-23 Tulsa PAC Written by Robert Odle and Richard Averill, this American Theater Company show is a real Tulsa tradition - created, designed and acted entirely by Tulsans! tulsapac.com

It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Dec. 5-14 Broken Arrow Community Playhouse This beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s-style radio broadcast. A small ensemble of actors and actresses tell the story of the idealistic George Bailey. bacptheatre.com

Tulsa Spotlight Theater presents: The Drunkard and the Olio Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27 Tulsa Spotlight Theater It began on Nov. 14, 1953, and has never stopped! That's how The Drunkard became America's longest-running play. More than 3,000 Tulsans have participated on or offstage. tulsaspotlighttheater. com

Tulsa Ballet presents: The Nutcracker Dec. 7-21 Tulsa PAC Tulsa’s holiday tradition returns! Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker includes nods to the original story, with a setting in 19th Century Germany, and special elements designed specifically for Tulsa including the beloved Golden Driller! tulsaballet.org

TPAC presents: Tulsa Festival Ringers and the Tulsa Carolers Dec. 10 Tulsa PAC Tulsa Festival Ringers Inc., Tulsa’s only auditioned community handbell ensemble, is a seasonal favorite! They will perform along with The Tulsa Carolers, Tulsa’s premiere Christmas caroling company. tulsapac.com

Signature Symphony presents: Christmas in Tulsa Dec. 12-13 TCC Van Trease

PACE The voices of the Tulsa Opera Signature Chorale and guest vocalist Andra Pantelimon, the 2025 Tulsa Sings! winner, join the Signature Symphony for cozy carols and holiday hoopla. You can join in too during the annual sing-along. signaturesymphony.org

Rob Schneider Dec. 27 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa See the comedian on his newest tour. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

Concerts

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Dec.

3 BOK Center Trans-Siberian

PERFORMANCE

Festivity on Stage

If you’re looking for a holiday-themed, on-the-stage event this month, Oklahoma is teeming.

In Tulsa, the PAC remains the hub for all things performing arts. Start the month with A Christmas Carol from the American Theater Company, running Dec. 4-23. Next up at the venue is Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker, returning as an audience favorite from Dec. 7-21. And if you aren’t quite satiated, the Tulsa Festival Ringers pair up with the Tulsa Carolers on Dec. 10 for a free performance in the Westby Pavilion. Other Tulsa goodies include It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, running Dec. 5-14 at the Broken Arrow Community Playhouse; Signature Symphony’s Christmas in Tulsa event at the TCC Van Trease PACE on Dec. 12-13; and comedian Rob Scheider on Dec. 27 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa.

In Oklahoma City, the Civic Center Music Hall is the place to be for holiday cheer. First is OKC Philharmonic’s A Very Merry Pops, running Dec. 5-6. Next up is Canterbury Voice’s presentation of Handel’s Messiah on Dec. 7, followed by Storyteller Theatre’s It’s A Wonderful Life on Dec. 12-21. Dance fans should swing back around the venue anytime between Dec. 12-23 for OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker. The venue closes out the year on Dec. 27 with Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, brought by OKC Broadway. Don’t forget to visit Lyric Theatre for A Christmas Carol through Dec. 28, as well as Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park for its Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker on Dec. 4-21.

Around the state, final can’t-miss shows include Tower of Power Christmas on Dec. 7 at Stillwater’s McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, as well as Pollard Theatre’s A Territorial Christmas Carol, through Dec. 21 in Guthrie.

Orchestra is bringing The Ghosts of Christmas Eve Tour to BOK Center. bokcenter.com

Styx Dec. 3 River Spirit Casino Resort See the rockers live for one night only. riverspirittulsa.com

Jefferson Starship Dec. 5 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Enjoy this arena rock band at Hard Rock. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

Third Eye Blind Dec. 9 Cain's Ballroom These titans of soft rock come to Cains Ballroom with the Paradox and Mingo Drive. cainsballroom.com

Billy Strings Dec. 10 BOK Center See the singer/ songwriter on tour for one night only. bokcenter.com

Dustin Lynch Dec. 12 Osage Casino Tulsa See the country singer at the Skyline Event Center this December. osagecasino.com

Blue Oyster Cult Dec. 12 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Enjoy this exciting rock performance for one night only. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

Peter Mayer Dec. 18 Cain's Ballroom Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Peter Mayer announces his annual Christmas tour for the holiday season 2025: A Stars and Promises Christmas –Harmony bokcenter.com

Wilson Phillips Dec. 19 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Wilson Phillips, an American pop vocal

group, comes to Tulsa this December. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

Hudson Westbrook Dec.

31 Cain's Ballroom Round out 2025 with performer Hudson Westbrook at Cain's Ballroom. cainsballroom. com

Art

Vincent Frimpong and Allison

Ward Dec. 5-20 Living Arts of Tulsa See works from two talented artists this month. livingarts.org

The State of Craft Dec. 5-Jan. 24 108 Contemporary 108 Contemporary is excited to present the biennial Oklahoma Members exhibition, The State of Craft 2025, juried by Pauline Verbeek. 108contemporary.org

Eduardo Sarabia: Ceiba

Sagrada Through Dec. 28

Philbrook Los Angeles-born, Mexico-based Eduardo Sarabia has become one of the better-known artistic voices of his generation for using materials and imagery associated with street culture, craft and folk history to draw connections between his personal story and the narrative of Mexico. philbrook.org

Earth Embodied Through Dec.

28 Philbrook New acquisitions by artists including Starr Hardridge, Kay WalkingStick and Emmi Whitehorse join old favorites such as Alexandre Hogue’s Mother Earth Laid Bare (1936) and Felice Schiavoni’s Madonna and Child

with the Young Saint John (1850) to explore the range of ways artists envision the concept of the earth embodied. philbrook.org

Sacred Land Through Dec.

31 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Enjoy a unique photographic exhibition and publication that captures the soul of Israel, both ancient and contemporary by legendary American photographer Ralph Gibson and producer Martin Cohen. philbrook.org

Temple Israel Songbook

Illustrations Through Dec.

31 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Ready for a trip down memory lane? Revisit the charm of Sunday school at Temple Israel with these delightful, vibrant illustrations by Tulsa native Carmelita Avery. Created in 1945, these pieces capture the playful spirit of the era. jewishmuseumtulsa.org

Wall Flowers: Patrick Gordon Paintings Through Jan.

3 Philbrook Philbrook Museum of Art presents Patrick Gordon’s first museum retrospective, which features over fifty paintings that span a career of more than fifty years. philbrook.org

Metamorphosis! Butterflies and Botanicals by Maria Sibylla Merian Through Jan.

3 Philbrook Before artist-scientist Maria Sibylla Merian, Europeans believed insects spontaneously generated from mud. Her revolutionary practices of observing

living insects and documenting their many life stages demonstrated that they were actually born from eggs and often changed form, or metamorphosized, many times through their life cycles. philbrook.

org

Interwoven: Cherokee, Muscogee & Yuchi

Baskets Through Feb.

8 Philbrook Learn about Tulsa’s interwoven history with the Muscogee (Creek), Yuchi and Cherokee people, who share the ancestral art of basketry. philbrook. org

Jordan Ann Craig: Do the Patterns Notice Me? Through Oct. 10 Philbrook In her paintings, Jordan Ann Craig shares an important belief: there is a pattern waiting to be noticed in even the smallest of moments if we are willing to look. philbrook.org

Slumgullion: The Venerate Outpost

Ongoing Philbrook Philbrook is proud to partner with award-winning artist Karl Unnasch to present Slumgullion, a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org

Sports

University of Tulsa

Football Dec. 5 H.A. Chapman Stadium TU plays at home once this month to finish up the season. tulsahurricane.com

Tulsa Oilers Hockey Dec. 5, 7, 11-12, 14, 20-21, 26 BOK Center The Oilers take the ice this month. bokcenter.com

Pride Invitational Dec. 11-14 Expo Square Enjoying this gymnastics competition that welcomes USAG and AAU competitors from across the U.S. exposquare.com

XFN 405 Dec. 12 River Spirit Casino Resort Enjoy professional MMA fighting at River Spirit. riverspirittulsa.com

Battle for the Belt Dec. 20-21 Expo Square The Tulsa Battle for the Belt is an annual wrestling tournament that attracts top wrestlers from Oklahoma and other states. exposquare.com

Tulsa Holiday Winter Circuit Dec. 27-30 Expo Square This equine event is can't-miss, and a great way to round out 2025. exposquare.com

Tulsa Shootout Dec. 29-Jan.

3 Expo Square The Tulsa Shootout is an indoor micro sprint car racing event held at the SageNet Center. tulsashootout.com

Community

First Friday Art Crawl Dec.

5 Downtown On the first Friday of every month, guests will be able to see a new exhibit opening and enjoy live music, a cash bar and snacks. humanities.utulsa.edu

The Nutcracker Festival Dec. 5-6

Photo by K. Talley Photography

LYRIC THEATRE OF OKLAHOMA

will seamlessly integrate a variety of holiday-themed activities, food and drink, live presentations featuring local performing arts groups, as well as a preeminent holiday marketplace. nutcrackerfestival.com

Tulsa Dog Training Club AKC

Agility Trials Dec. 5-7 Expo

Square Enjoy competitive events where a dog and handler navigate an obstacle course against the clock, hosted by the Tulsa Dog Training Club. exposquare.com

Christkindlmarkt Dec.

5-7 GAST Center For a unique and distinctly European holiday shopping experience head to the Christkindlmarkt presented by the German American Society of Tulsa— also known as GAST. gastulsa.org

Pickin' in the Park: Bluegrass Acoustic Jam Dec. 6 The Gathering Place Bluegrass enthusiasts and musicians are invited to Pickin' in the Park: Bluegrass Acoustic Jam at The Gathering Place in Tulsa. gatheringplace.org

Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Tours Dec.

6-7 Downtown Tulsa Take a fun and educational walking tour through downtown Tulsa and other historical local sites during Saturday Architecture Tours, hosted by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. tulsaarchitecture.org

Rudolph Run Dec. 13 Fleet Feet

Sports Broken Arrow Perfect for all ages and abilities, this winter holiday event features a 5K and a one-mile fun run or walk. Come dressed in your festive costume and enjoy the brisk winter air. travelok.com

Tulsa Toy Run Dec. 14 Tulsa Expo Square Thousands of bikers descend upon Tulsa Expo Square every winter just in time for the holidays. During the annual Tulsa Toy Run, bikers donate thousands of toys to help kids celebrate the holiday season. abateoftulsa.com

Botanic Garden of Lights Through Dec. 28 Tulsa Botanic Garden Add your wish to the Wishing Tree, take photos at the holiday selfie photo booth, grab a warm drink from the holiday bar and roast marshmallows over fire pits to make s'mores. tulsabotanic.org

Rhema Christmas Lights Through Jan. 1 Rhema Bible Church Join thousands of annual visitors at the Rhema Christmas Lights and witness over three million shimmering lights synchronized to Christmas music across 110 acres. rhemalights.org

Broken Arrow Ice Rink Through Jan. 5 418 S. Main St., Broken Arrow Skate under the festive twinkle lights at Broken Arrow's only outdoor skating rink. Bring your ice skates or rent them directly on-site and glide across the ice under the pavilion at the Rose District Plaza. baicerink.com

Charitable Events

HBA Tulsa Instillation Gala Dec.

5 Arvest Convention Center Join the Home Builders Association for an elegant evening celebrating the installation of the 2026 HBA president, Brian Rose. tulsahba.com

73rd Annual Christmas Luncheon and Fashion

Show Dec. 2 Renaissance Hotel Tulsa Come prepared to shop one of the largest silent auctions in town followed by a lovely lunch and fashion

show. southernusa.salvationarmy.org

Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award Gala Dec. 5 Tulsa City-County Central Library The Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award is an annual award given by the Tulsa Library Trust and Tulsa City-County Library to give formal recognition to internationally acclaimed authors. tulsalibrary.org

Art in the Park Holiday Festival Dec. 6 Guthrie

Green Enjoy Art Alliance Tulsa’s most prominent annual fundraising event, Art in the Park Holiday Festival. artstulsa.org

Sweets with Santa Dec. 6 Tulsa Zoo "Sweets with Santa" at the Tulsa Zoo is a family-friendly holiday event that includes meeting Santa, enjoying sweet snacks, and participating in animal-themed crafts and activities. tulsazoo.org

IN OKC Performances

Tommy Emmanuel Dec. 3 Civic Center Music Hall Guitar icon Tommy Emmanuel is no stranger to iconic stages, from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to London’s Royal Festival Hall and Paris’ L’Olympia. okcciviccenter.com

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Jane Austen's Christmas Cracker Dec. 4-21 2920 Paseo Enjoy some fresh winter air while taking in an amazing performance from the talented troupe of actors from the Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park perform Jane Austen's "Christmas Cracker." okshakes.org

Christmas with the Rat Pack Dec. 5 OCCC Visual & Performing Arts Center The concert will feature music by 1960s crooning legends Frank Sinatra, Sammy

Davis and Dean Martin. occc. ticketstage.net

OKC Phil presents: A Very Merry Pops Dec. 5-6 Civic Center Music Hall Whether it’s a family tradition or your first time, A Very Merry Pops is the perfect way to usher in the season. okcphil.org

Oklahoma Youth Arts Foundation presents: Edmond's Nutcracker Dec. 6-7 Rose State Performing Arts Center Join the OYAF for a magical performance of The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday tradition filled with enchanting music, dazzling costumes and captivating choreography. okcciviccenter.com

Canterbury Voices presents: Handel's Messiah Dec. 7 Civic Center Music Hall Experience the majesty of G.F. Handel’s Messiah like never before, as Canterbury Voices ignites the stage with this timeless masterpiece. canterburyokc.com

Storyteller Theatre OKC presents: It's a Wonderful Life Dec. 12-21 Civic Center Music Hall This beloved holiday classic tells the story of George Bailey as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Watch as his guardian angel steps in and shows George the people that he has helped throughout his life. storytellersokc.com

OKC Ballet presents: The Nutcracker Dec. 12-23 Civic Center Music Hall Return to the vivid Land of Sweets this holiday season with Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye's The Nutcracker, presented by Devon Energy and The Chickasaw Nation. okcballet.org

OKC Broadway presents: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Dec. 27 Civic Center Music Hall Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller

Winter Sports Heat Up

If you’re looking for a break from the holiday chaos, sporting events provide an adrenaline-fueled respite.

Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. okcbroadway. com

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents: Lyric's A Christmas Carol Through Dec. 28 Everyone’s favorite holiday tradition returns in Lyric’s 2025 edition of Charles Dickens’ magical tale. lyrictheatreokc.com

Adele Wolf's New Year's Eve

Follies Dec. 31 Civic Center Music Hall Ring in the New Year being dazzled by decadent showgirls and gravity-defying circus acts at this world-class, Vegas style revue! okcciviccenter.com

Concerts

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Dec. 7 Paycom Center Trans-Siberian Orchestra is bringing The Ghosts of Christmas Eve Tour to the Paycom Center. paycomcenter.com

Ole 60 Dec. 11 The Criterion Ole 60 is an emerging artist known for blending hip-hop with elements of Southern rock, creating a unique sound that resonates with diverse audiences. criterionokc.com

Treaty Oak Revival Dec. 19 Paycom Center Treaty Oak Revival is coming to Oklahoma City with special guests Gannon Fremin & CCREV! paycomcenter.com

Sullivan King Dec. 26 The Criterion Sullivan King is an innovative artist known for blending heavy metal with electronic dance music, creating a unique sound. criterionokc.com

Art

The Cowboy: An Immersive Journey December TBD National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum This one-of-a-kind experience combines videos, projections, art, sound, music and movies to tell the story of

In Tulsa, the Oilers take the ice at the BOK Center throughout the month. If you’d prefer to take a trip to Expo Square, try the Pride Invitational on Dec. 11-14; the Tulsa Holiday Winter Circuit on Dec. 27-30; or the Tulsa Shootout, one of the nation’s largest indoor micro-sprint car racing events, on Dec. 29-Jan. 3. Fans of mixed martial arts, kickboxing and wrestling should try the Extreme Fight Night, Dec. 12 at River Spirit Casino Resort, or the annual wrestling competition the Battle for the Belt, Dec. 20-21, at Expo Square.

the cowboy in the American West. nationalcowboymuseum.org

ArtNow 2025: Materials and Boundaries Through Feb. 16 Oklahoma Contemporary Organized by guest curator Alexa Goetzinger and guest curatorial assistant Virginia Sitzes, Materials and Boundaries is the 2025 edition of the Oklahoma Contemporary ArtNow biennial exhibition, highlighting new and recent art from a selection of artists active in the state. oklahomacontemporary.org

Paul Reed: A Retrospective Through April 12 OKCMOA This major retrospective, the first devoted to the artist, will present a survey of Paul Reed’s art and accomplishments from his early days as a graphic designer to his success as one of the founding artists of the Washington Color School in the 1960s. okcmoa.com

Jakian Parks: The Black Land Through June 1 Oklahoma Contemporary The Black Land envisions a pyramiding structure, layering the historical phases from Black captivity to contemporary Black equestrianism. oklahomacontemporary.org

Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty Ongoing OKCMOA Redesigned in collaboration with Chihuly Studio, Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty incorporates a unique design, featuring five decades of glass and painting and tells a comprehensive story of Chihuly’s groundbreaking career. okcmoa.com

Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Neufs for Oklahoma Autumn Ongoing Campbell Art Park/Oklahoma Contemporary Oklahoma Contemporary is honored to present Neufs for Oklahoma

Autumn, a basketball court installation commissioned as a public art iteration of the Neuf painting series by renowned artist Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds. oklahomacontemporary.org

Cynthia Daignault: Oklahoma Ongoing OKCMOA This exhibition features one painting, Oklahoma by Cynthia Daignault, as a tribute to the history of the Oklahoma City bombing from 1995. okcmoa.com

Sports

OKC Blue Basketball Dec. 4, 6, 11-12, 27, 29, 30 Paycom Center Enjoy games with the OKC Blue. paycomcenter.com

OKC Thunder Basketball Dec. 5, 17, 22, 25, 28, 29, 31 Paycom Center Enjoy games with the NBA champs, the OKC Thunder. paycomcenter.com

2025 NRHA Futurity Show Through Dec. 6 OKC Fair Park You won't want to miss this equine extravaganza. okcfairpark. com

Bedlam Basketball Doubleheader Dec. 13 Paycom Center Get ready for a can't-miss doubleheader as the men’s and women’s teams from OSU and OU face off in a high-stakes rivalry showdown! paycomcenter.com

In Oklahoma City, basketball reigns supreme with both OKC Thunder and OKC Blue games happening throughout the month at the Paycom Center. For more b-ball, return to the venue on Dec. 13 for the Bedlam Basketball Doubleheader, in which both the men’s and women’s teams at OU and OSU face off. Other exciting goodies in OKC include the NRHA Futurity Show at the OKC State Fair Park through Dec. 6 and the inaugural match of the city’s newest soccer team, the Certified Lions FC, on Dec. 20, also at the State Fair Park.

OKC BLUE BASKETBALL

Photo

Where & When | Entertainment

art gallery openings, wine tastings, live music and more. thepaseo.org

Saints Santa Run Dec. 6 1000 N. Lee Ave. Take a festive walk or run through the streets of downtown Oklahoma City at the annual Saints Santa Run. This event, part of Downtown in December, includes a 5K race, a one-mile fun run and a free Santa Claus Kids' Dash. downtownindecember.com

2nd Friday Norman Art Walk Dec. 12 Norman

Arts District The 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk, a monthly celebration of the arts in Norman, connects the downtown arts district with outlying galleries, performance halls and Campus Corner. 2ndfridaynorman.com

Second OHOF Saturdays Dec. 13 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Second Oklahoma Hall of Fame Saturdays invite families to learn about an Oklahoma Hall of Fame member with crafts and activities. oklahomahof.com

Buchanan's Vintage Flea Market Dec. 13-14 State Fair Park Enjoy a fun flea market event with goodies for the whole family. okcfleamarket.com

Merry Mitchmas 5k & 10k Dec. 20 Mitch Park, Edmond The course will be a scenic winter wonderland route through Mitch Park in Edmond. redcoyoterunning.com

The Polar Express Through Dec. 28 Oklahoma Railway Museum Get in the holiday spirit with a festive ride on The Polar Express. Board this Oklahoma City train to make holiday memories to last a lifetime. okcthepolarexpressride. com

Red Earth TreeFest Through Dec. 31 BancFirst Tower Celebrate

COMMUNITY

the holiday season by viewing Christmas trees created and decorated by Oklahoma Native Tribes. redearth.org

Sparkle Holiday Walk at Scissortail Park Through Jan. 4 Scissortail Park This holiday season, Oklahoma City's Scissortail Park will shine with festive cheer at the all-new SPARKLE Holiday Walk at Scissortail Park. scissortailpark.org

Edmond Ice Rink Through Feb. 1 Mitch Park, Edmond Enjoy holiday ice skating in Mitch Park at the Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink. edmondicerink.com

Lights on Broadway Through Jan. 30 Automobile Alley Get in the holiday spirit at the annual Lights on Broadway event in Oklahoma City's Automobile Alley. downtownindecember.com

Devon Ice Rink Through Feb. 1 Myriad Botanical Gardens Skate across 5,500 square feet of real ice and indulge in seasonal food and beverage offerings, while losing yourself in a magical, park-like atmosphere surrounded by glittering lights. myriadgardens. org

Charitable Events

Positive Tomorrows Gold

Star Luncheon Dec. 2 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Positive Tomorrows' Gold Star Luncheon is held each year on Giving Tuesday. Proceeds provide valuable operating support for our school. positivetomorrows.org

YWCA OKC's 18th Annual Women Who Care Share

Luncheon Dec. 3 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Join YWCA for the 18th Annual Women Who Care Share Luncheon. Hear an inspiring

A Jolly Good Time

You’ll be sure to have a packed schedule this month, with community events galore.

message of survival, resilience, and the strength it takes to heal, rebuild, and move forward after domestic violence. ywcaokc.org

Deck the Hall of Fame Dec.

13 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Enjoy winter-themed crafts and hands-on activities for the whole family. oklahomahof.com

THE STATE Performances

Tower of Power

Christmas Dec. 7 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater For more than 50 years Tower of Power has set the standard for funky horn bands. They first performed at The McKnight Center in 2022 to a sold-out audience, and now they’re back with their high-energy and soulful holiday concert. mcknightcenter.org

Pollard Theatre presents:

A Territorial Christmas Carol Through Dec. 21 120 W. Harrison Ave., Guthrie Watch this beloved adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic come to life on the Pollard stage in the heart of Guthrie. Bring the whole family to enjoy this festive holiday production. thepollard.org

Concerts

NeedtoBreathe Dec.

5 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Country band NeedtoBreathe comes to Durant with special guest, Bre Kennedy. choctawcasinos.com

Shane Smith & the Saints Dec. 6 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant See the band during their special event, the Ugly Sweater Christmas

In Tulsa, try the Nutcracker Festival on Dec. 5-6 at Expo Square, with holiday-themed activities, food and drink plus live presentations. Keep the festivity going with the Rudolph Run at Fleet Feet Sports Broken Arrow, where runners can enjoy a 5K or fun-run in costume. Tulsa Botanic’s Garden of Lights shines through Dec. 28; the Rhema Christmas Lights at Rhema Bible College concludes Jan. 1; and the Broken Arrow Ice Rink in the Rose District welcomes guests through Jan. 5. Non-holiday offerings include the Tulsa Dog Training Club AKC Agility Trials, Dec. 5-7 at Expo Square, and the Pickin’ in the Park: Bluegrass Acoustic Jam event, Dec. 6 at the Gathering Place.

Party. choctawcasinos.com

Cody Jinks Dec. 6 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville Country star Cody Jinks comes to Oklahoma. winstar. com

Miranda Lambert Dec.

26 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville One of country music's biggest stars comes to Thackerville. winstar. com

Nate Smith Dec. 31 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Wave goodbye to 2025 with crooner Nate Smith at Choctaw Casino. choctawcasinos.com

Community

Chocolate Festival Dec.

2 Frisco Ave., Clinton Taste test decadent chocolate creations at the annual Chocolate Festival held in Clinton. While shopping for holiday gifts, visitors are invited to make a pit stop at chocolate centers, featuring homemade chocolates in many forms, shapes and sizes. travelok.com

Christmas in the Park Dec.

4 Lee Park, Cordell This free event transforms Lee Park into a winter wonderland, complete with beautiful lights, vendor shopping and activities that inspire a holiday spirit. thecordellchamber.com

Minco Honey Festival Dec.

6 Minco High School Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Minco Honey Festival with pure Oklahoma honey. travelok.com

Lighted Christmas Parade, Fireworks & Laser Show Dec. 6 Downtown Kingfisher Bundle up, grab your camera and get into the holiday spirit this December with the annual Lighted Christmas Parade

and fireworks show in charming downtown Kingfisher. kingfisher. org

Shawnee Christmas Parade of Lights Dec. 11 Downtown Shawnee Enjoy one of Oklahoma's largest nighttime Christmas parades and watch as Main Street comes alive with lights. The Christmas Parade in Shawnee features decorative floats, music and tons of family fun. visitshawnee.com

Owasso Christmas Parade Dec. 13 Smith Farm MarketPlace, Owasso The whole community is invited to attend the Owasso Christmas Parade, featuring winter floats. See themed Christmas floats pass through the downtown area. cityofowasso. com

A Territorial Christmas Celebration Through Dec. 13 Historic Downtown District, Guthrie Historic authenticity meets holiday festivity during A Territorial Christmas Celebration in Guthrie, an annual tradition for over 35 years. travelok.com

Lights in the Flats Dec. 20 Cottonwood Flats, Guthrie This December, head to Guthrie for "Lights in the Flats." During the day of the holiday festival, browse the popup shops and try different treats from the food trucks on site. That night, watch as the festival becomes illuminated with twinkling lights. averymerryguthriechristmas.org

Santa's Ozark Mountain Village Through Dec. 20 Bring the whole family out to this event where buildings within Har-Ber Village will be decorated in Victorian style, with the ambiance of the late 1800s to early

In OKC, Downtown in December is in full swing with the Saints Santa Run — starting at 1000 N. Lee Ave. — on Dec. 6, alongside the Devon Ice Rink through Feb. 1 at Myriad Botanical Gardens. Venture over to the Oklahoma Railway Museum for The Polar Express train rides through Dec. 28, or peruse the gorgeous decor at BancFirst Tower during Red Earth TreeFest, through Dec. 31.

There are too many events to name around the state, but try the Minco Honey Festival, Dec. 6 at Minco High School; Lights on the Island, through Dec. 25 at Lake Wister State Park; the Chickasha Festival of Light, through Dec. 31 at Shannon Springs Park; or the Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights, also through Dec. 31 at Bartleville’s Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve.

1900s. travelok.com

Lights on the Island Through Dec. 25 Lake Wister State Park, Wister Lights On The Island at Lake Wister State Park features a spectacular light show with radiant colors for hundreds of visitors each holiday season. poteauchamber.com

Festival of Angels Through Dec. 30 Various locations, Ponca City Enjoy lighted displays, colorful exhibits and animated shows throughout Ponca City at Festival of Angels, the city's annual holiday lights celebration. visitponcacity.com

Festival of Lights Through Dec. 30 Regional Park, Ardmore See more than 150 animated displays during Ardmore's Festival of Lights at Regional Park this holiday season. travelok.com

Chickasha Festival of Light Through Dec. 31 Shannon Springs Park, Chickasha Recognized as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, the Chickasha Festival of Light features over 3.5 million twinkling lights in Shannon Springs Park. chickashafestivaloflight.org

Castle Christmas Through Dec. 31 Castle of Muskogee Experience one of the world's largest collections of holiday inflatables and Christmas lights during Castle Christmas hosted at the Castle of Muskogee. okcastle.com

Woolaroc Wondreland of Lights Through Dec. 31 Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve Visitors to this much-loved event are invited to ride a wagon or stroll the grounds to enjoy a spectacular display of more than 750,000 glistening lights decorating the grounds and facilities, creating an illuminating atmosphere of magical holiday wonder. woolaroc.org

Ringing in at Redbud Dec. 31 109 N. Main St., Owasso Celebrate the coming of the new year with Ringing In At Redbud in Owasso. This New Year's Eve bash will feature a dazzling evening of fun in Redbud Festival Park. travelok.com

Garden of Lights Through Jan. 1 Honor Heights Park, Muskogee Drive through Honor Heights Park and view 130 acres of trees, bushes and water areas decorated for the holiday season. muskogeeparks.com

Yukon Ice Rink Through Jan. 4 500 W. Vandament Ave., Yukon Part of Yukon's Christmas in the Park event, the Yukon Ice Rink welcomes skaters of all ages for the holiday season. yukonicerink. com

Holidays on Ice Through Jan. 4 301 S. Independence Ave., Enid Experience holiday magic at Holidays on Ice in Downtown Enid. Located in the Stride Bank Center’s parking lot, you will have the opportunity to skate under festive twinkle lights at this outdoor ice skating rink located near Enid's "Under Her Wings Was the Universe" sculpture. skateenid. com

DOWNTOWN IN DECEMBER

Photo courtesy Downtown OKC Partnership

Holiday Hits on Screen

Must-see movies hitting theaters this December include blockbusters, comedies, dramas and thrillers.

The end of the year is upon us and December gifts us with a multitude of new and interesting films to see. Before or after all the festivities for the month, make sure to carve out some time to catch one (or all) of these flicks.

For a horror thriller during these jolly times, check out Dust Bunny. After a monster living under the bed of an eightyear-old eats her entire family, a young girl decides to hire her next door neighbor — who happens to be a hitman — to kill it. The film stars Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale) as the hitman, along with newcomer Sophie Sloan, Sigourney Weaver (Alien) and David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil). The premise is wholly unique and has positive early reviews, so hopefully this family horror

film will prove a good time when it releases on Dec. 12.

If a comedy-drama is more your speed, don’t miss Is This Thing On? Directed by Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook), the plot follows Alex Nova, played by Will Arnett (Arrested Development) as he goes through a divorce with his wife. Along the way, he discovers a new hobby in standup comedy and learns about himself through the process of telling jokes about his life. Laura Dern (Jurassic Park), Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) and Cooper also star in what looks to be a bittersweet film about finding new passions while trying to move forward. It releases on Dec. 19.

For pure comedy with two loveable legends, make sure to see Anaconda. A meta-reboot of the 1997 original, this plot sees Doug (Paul Rudd, I Love You, Man) and Griff (Jack Black, School of Rock) deciding to remake the original Anaconda film. Of course, a real anaconda shows up during filming and everything becomes much, much worse.

The film-within-afilm aspect gives the remake a much needed change, and the two leads are sure to keep the laughs coming when this hits theaters on Christmas Day.

If you want a sports comedy-drama with some flare and anxiety, look no further than Marty Supreme. Inspired by real life table tennis champion Marty Reisman, the film is set in the 1950s

and follows Marty’s journey to become the greatest player in all of New York. Starring Timothee Chalamet (Dune) and directed by Josh Safdie (Uncut Gems), the outing looks to be a tense and fun experience, with hopefully better results than his brother Bennie Safdie’s film The Smashing Machine, also released this year. Marty Supreme releases on Christmas Day.

For a timely black comedy, check out No Other Choice from South Korean director Park Chan-wook (Oldboy). Based on the novel The Ax by Donald E. Westlake, the story follows a man who has been unemployed for an extended length of time. To help his chances at landing work, he decides the best option is to take out his competition. With extremely positive reviews and a sharp critique of the corporate rat race, the film likely has high potential for awards season. It releases in select theaters on Christmas Day, before a larger release in January.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Dust Bunny; photo courtesy Roadside Attractions

Lance Cheney, A.S.I.D. RICHARD NEEL INTERIORS

December Ad Watermark 1225043_Richard Neel (MP).indd 1 10/29/25 8:27 AM

BACON CHEESEBURGER topped with pepper jack and American cheeses and real bacon pieces; dressed with mustard, pickle, fried onions, lettuce and tomato.

Jodi Lewis

President and CEO of Leadership Oklahoma, Jodi Lewis spends her days overseeing statewide programs, fundraising efforts and community engagement initiatives. A Bristow native and Oklahoma State University graduate, Lewis has devoted herself to advancing nonprofits and fostering leadership across Oklahoma. We caught up with Lewis and got her thoughts on ...

... how Leadership Oklahoma’s mission is shaping the future of the state.

Leadership Oklahoma’s mission — to connect, inspire and support a dynamic network of leaders statewide — has profound implications for the future of Oklahoma’s communities and industries. When leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors and regions come together with a shared commitment to the state’s

well-being, the ripple effects are far-reaching. Our state has a rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives that make Oklahoma oneof-a-kind. Leadership Oklahoma helps leaders understand our unique communities and industries firsthand, breaking down silos and building empathy. This leads to more thoughtful policies and partnerships that honor the strengths of both urban centers and rural communities. When business, nonprofit, government, tribal and education leaders connect, they bring unique perspectives to shared challenges — whether it’s workforce development, healthcare access, or education reform. These collaborations often generate solutions that no single sector could develop alone.

A network of informed, connected leaders becomes a powerful voice for civic progress. Leadership Oklahoma alumni often take on roles as advocates, board members, mentors and public servants, deepening the bench of leadership across the state. Their influence encourages others to engage more deeply in community life.

... what continues to inspire her.

Working in the nonprofit sector offers a unique and enduring sense of purpose. What continues to inspire many people in this field is the opportunity to create tangible, lasting impact in communities, often with limited resources but limitless passion. Nonprofits often operate in challenging circumstances — tight budgets, shifting policies, community needs in flux. Yet, innovation thrives in this environment. The creativity and determination to “do more with less” is inspiring.

Adaptability is essential. Nonprofits must navigate changing funding

streams, evolving social issues and diverse stakeholder needs. Leaders learn to stay flexible, make tough calls with limited data, and pivot without losing sight of core values. The best results come when you elevate others — staff, volunteers, partners and especially the communities you serve. Leadership is less about having all the answers and more about listening, co-creating and making space for others to lead. Ultimately, the nonprofit sector teaches you that change is slow, hard and deeply worth it. Leadership here isn’t about being in front — it’s about walking alongside.

... advice for emerging leaders.

Start with listening. Before acting, take time to understand your community’s needs, hopes and challenges. Listen to people’s stories — especially those whose voices are often overlooked. Attend local events, volunteer and have genuine conversations. Let empathy and understanding shape your approach. Lead with purpose, not position. True leadership isn’t about titles or recognition — it’s about service. Clarify why you want to lead and what values guide you. When you lead with purpose, people are drawn to your authenticity. Meaningful impact rarely happens alone. Partner with others who share your vision but bring different strengths.

Nurture trust and collaboration — progress grows where relationships thrive. Stay grounded and keep learning. Seek mentors and feedback regularly. Reflect on both successes and failures — each offers lessons. Stay humble and adaptable as circumstances and communities evolve. While this may sound cliché, it’s often true: people remember how leaders make them feel. Be transparent, fair and accountable. Always show compassion even in tough decisions — leadership with heart inspires trust. Finally, empower others to lead. The most powerful leaders create more leaders.

Photo courtesy Leadership Oklahoma

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