Red Andrews Dinner At left: Jonna Kirschner, Frank Barry and Red Andrews Dinner Chairman Mary Pointer. Mrs. Santa, Heavenly Nenaikita and Santa. For more photos, see Pages 14 & 15.
OKC FRIDAY Vol. 53 No. 35 • One Section • 16 pages January 3, 2020
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 46 years
OKCITYAN OF THE YEAR Debby Hampton has dedicated herself to making lives better By Rose Lane Editor
DEBBY HAMPTON President and CEO United Way of Central Oklahoma
Former OKCityans of the Year 2019, Bob Ross, President and CEO Inasmuch Foundation 2018, Kari Watkins, Executive Director, OKC National Memorial and Museum 2017-David Holt, District 30, State Senator 2016-David Rainbolt, CEO, BancFirst Corporation 2015-Judy Love, Philanthropist, Volunteer, Love’s Travel Stops 2014-Dick Sias, Oilman, Vitner, Philanthropist 2013-Robert Henry, President, Oklahoma City University 2012-Carl Edwards, Chairman, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce 2011-Mary Fallin, Oklahoma Governor 2010-Mick Cornett, Mayor, OKC 2009-Clay Bennett, CEO, Dorchester Capital; Owner, Oklahoma City Thunder 2008-Michael Anderson, President, CEO, Presbyterian Health Foundation 2007-Marty Grubbs, Senior Pastor, Crossings Community Church 2007-Lee Allan Smith, Man of the
Decade, Oklahoma Events 2006-Luke Corbett, CEO, Kerr-McGee 2005-Tom McDaniel, President, OCU 2004-Burns Hargis, BOK, Chamber Chairman 2003-Christy Everest, The Oklahoman 2002-Larry Nichols, CEO, Devon Energy 2001-Ed Farrell, President, ONG 2000-Dave Bialis, VP, Cox Communications 1999-Marvin Crawford, OKC School Superintendent 1998-Kara Gae Wilson, Metro Tech Superintendent 1997-Dave Lopez, Oklahoma Pres., SBC 1996-Chas Van Ryselberg, President, Chamber 1995-Bruce Buchanan, CEO, Mercy Hospital 1994-Drew Roy, Oklahoma President, SBC 1993-Barry Herr, Gen. Mgr., General Motors plant 1992-Stan Hupfeld, CEO. Integris Medical AND J.B. Ellis, Oklahoma Pres., SBC
Oklahoma is a better place thanks to United Way of Central Oklahoma President and CEO Debby Hampton, who is OKC FRIDAY’s 2019 Cityan of the Year. “Debby believes it is our responsibility to give back to those needing a hand up,” her husband of 32 years, Michael said. “She lives it both personally and professionally.” Born in Lubbock, Texas, Debby was the third child of a German mom and Minnesotan father. Her parents met in Germany while he was in the service. Thus, she spent most summers in Germany. Debby went to college at East Central University and graduated from the University of Oklahoma. Her first job after graduation was as a mental health case manager. “She loved working with the clients at Community Counseling Center,” Michael said. Next, Debby went to work for the American Red Cross as the volunteer coordinator and rose to the position of CEO. “She would probably tell you that what she loved most about the Red Cross was the people, including the board, the volunteers and the staff,” Michael said. “But, most of all, she loved the individuals they served.” While at the Red Cross, Debby was involved in many disaster
responses, including the May 3, 1999 tornadoes, the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11. “Debby had never dreamed she would be one the few paid staff that had worked both the OKC bombing, as well as 9/11,” Michael said. She taught and lectured throughout her Red Cross career in areas of responding to disasters of mass destruction. “She became friends with multiple individuals directly impacted by these disasters and continues to keep in touch with them, today,” her husband said. Debby went on to serve as president and chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits for four years. She joined the United Way of Central Oklahoma as president and chief executive officer in 2010. During Debby’s tenure at United Way, over $203.5 million has been raised to support disaster relief and programs of nonprofit partner agencies providing health and human services in central Oklahoma. “At the United Way, she would tell you it is the best job and she is so fortunate to have the ability to work with an influential board and strong nonprofits to better our community,” Michael said. Center for Nonprofits President and CEO Marnie Taylor said that See HAMPTON, Page 2
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week Cindy Lou is Gail and Rita Sloop's emotional support dog. She is a three-year-old Yorkiepoo and ready to travel. Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
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