Fridayland is going to celebrate the Red, White and Blue in a big way as the community prepares for the Fourth of July.
The festivities open the night before, Thursday, July 3, as the OKCPHIL presents its annual Red, White & BOOM concert and fireworks at Scissortail Park, beginning at 8:30 p.m.
By Rose Lane Editor
The mayor of the newly-minted NBA champions OKC Thunder’s hometown, David Holt, topped OKC FRIDAY’s independent poll of community and business leaders.
This isn’t Holt’s first time at No. 1. In 2023 he led over Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, with Anoatubby taking the first slot last year.
A fixture in the top three, Thunder chairman Clay Bennett secured second place this year.
1. David Holt is Oklahoma City’s biggest cheerleader, leading the push for a special a six-year, one-cent sales tax extension to fund a new arena, which was approved by voters. He told OKC residents that we had to become a Big League City in order to keep the Thunder here. He is also the dean of the Oklahoma City University School of Law.
2. In addition to owning the Thunder, Clay Bennett is the CEO of Dorchester Capital, a diversified, private investment company.
3 U.S. Representative Tom Cole is the U.S. representative for Oklahoma’s 4th congressional district, serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party.
4. Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby saw the opening of the OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark this spring, which is promoted as a world-class destination.
5. Tricia Everest is the Oklahoma secretary of public safety, the founder of Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center, and founding chair of ReMerge which diverts mothers from prison and empowers them to build healthy foundations for their families.
See POWERFUL, Page 2
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week
Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and whatever is needed to enjoy the performance.
“Next season we have a fabulous lineup of concerts,” Mickelthwate said. “But events like Red, White & BOOM! allow us to celebrate the birth of our nation while coming
Red, White & BOOM! is a family friendly event allowing guests to experience an evening of patriotic music, family fun and fireworks. “The atmosphere for ‘Red, White & BOOM!’ is electrifying,” said Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate, OKCPHIL music director. “The patriotic music, the cheering crowd, the fireworks. It’s an exciting evening of music and magic celebrating our nation’s independence.”
See FOURTH, Page 7
be held by the refs! Her family is Barbe and Randy von Netzer.
Email Dog of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
1. DAVID HOLT Mayor Oklahoma City
2. CLAY BENNETT OKC Thunder Chairman, CEO, Dorchester Capital
3. TOM COLE U.S. Representative 4th District
4. BILL ANOATUBBY Governor Chickasaw Nation
5. TRICIA EVEREST Attorney, Secretary of Public Safety
DAVID RAINBOLT Executive Chairman BancFirst Corp.
JAMES LANKFORD
Senator State Of Oklahoma
Most Powerful Top 20
Sooners.
House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015.
6. David Rainbolt, the executive chairman of BancFirst, tirelessly promotes OKC nationwide
7. U.S. Senator James Lankford has served as United States senator from Oklahoma, a seat he has held since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, he represented Oklahoma’s 5th congressional district in the U.S.
8. Harold Hamm is known for pioneering fracking shale oil and estimated to be one of the wealthiest men in the world. He is the founder and chairman of Continental Oil.
10. Gov. Kevin Stitt is serving his second term as Oklahoma’s chief executive.
11. Thunder General Manager Sam Presti just led the team to an NBA championship.
13. Sue Ann Arnall, president of the Arnall Family Foundation, is focused on criminal justice reform and lower ing the incarceration rate impacting the poor and people of color.
Court Clerk, Rick Warren, presides over the largest, and busiest, Court Clerk’s office in the state.
20. Christy Gaylord Everest is a board member of Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and pledged a $7.5 million gift to benefit cancer care and research. From Page 1
9. Gentner Drummond is the attorney general of Oklahoma. The rancher, banker, politician and pilot flew in the Gulf War campaign.
12. Larry Nichols is the co-founder of Devon Energy with his father, John Nichols. He is a former chairman of both the American Petroleum Institute and the American Exploration & Production Council.
14. Cindy Byrd, CPA, is Oklahoma’s 13th state auditor and inspector and the first woman elected to serve as the taxpayer’s watchdog.
15. Rick Warren, Oklahoma County
16. David Green is the founder of Hobby Lobby, a chain of arts and crafts stores. He funded the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.
17. Barry Switzer is the former football coach of the Dallas Cowboys and the University of Oklahoma
18. Vicki Behenna is the district attorney of Oklahoma County.
19. Markwayne Mullin has served as the junior United States senator from Oklahoma since 2023.
CINDY
RICK WARREN Court Clerk Oklahoma County
DAVID GREEN Founder, CEO Hobby Lobby
BARRY SWITZER
MARKWAYNE MULLIN
CHRISTY GAYLORD
STEPHANIE BICE
Representative 5th District
BILL G. LANCE JR. Secretary of Commerce Chickasaw Nation
Most Powerful Oklahomans
SUNNY CEARLEY
MARK BEFFORT CEO Newmark Robinson Park CHRISTY
KARI WATKINS
CRAIG FREEMAN City Manager Oklahoma City
DAVID GRIFFIN Chairman Griffin Communications
DAVID HARLOW
GEORGE KAISER
CYNDI MUNSON Minority Leader Oklahoma House
JOSEPH HARROZ JR. President University of Oklahoma
CATHY KEATING Former OK First Lady,
MATT PINNELL Lt. Governor State of Oklahoma
DAN BOREN Secretary of Commerce Chickasaw Nation
TOMMIE JOHNSON, III Sheriff Oklahoma County
MARK DAIGNEAULT Head Coach OKC Thunder
SARAH ROBERTS VP of Programs Inasmuch Foundation
JANE JAYROE GAMBLE Author, Speaker Former Miss America
VALERIE NAIFEH Owner Naifeh Fine Jewelry
CHRISTIAN KEESEE Chair., Kirkpatrick Bank Founder., OK Contemporary
TERESA ROSE Executive Director Communities Foundation
TOM McDANIEL President American Fidelity Found.
LEE ALLAN SMITH CEO Oklahoma Events
CLAYTON TAYLOR Lobbyist The Taylor Group
MAUTRA STALEY JONES President OKC Community College
RUSSELL PERRY Perry Publishing & Broadcasting Co.
ROBERT A. FUNK JR President Express Employment Int.
ED MARTIN Chairman Ackerman-McQueen
RAND ELLIOTT Architect Elliott & Associates
MARK STONECIPHER OKC City Councilman Ward 8
JILL CASTILLA President, Citizens Bank of Edmond For more, see Page 11.
OKC rising: A city with vision
By Mark Stonecipher City Councilman, Ward 8
Oklahoma City’s economy is growing and that’s worth celebrating. From a booming new innovation district to other emerging and diverse industries, OKC is shaping a bright future by supporting local business, embracing modernization, and investing in people.
We are a city that leads with intention. In 2028, Oklahoma City will take the global stage as host of Olympic softball and canoe slalom events - a milestone that highlights our expanding national presence,
alongside the Thunder’s historic run to the NBA Finals.
It’s a moment of civic pride that reflects how strong we are. Now among the 20 largest cities in America and one of the fastest-growing, OKC is proving that growth can be both ambitious and thoughtful.
With each step forward, from downtown development to cultural investment, the city is creating opportunity while honoring its roots. Celebrating OKC means recognizing this progress and the people driving it.
Our momentum is real, and the best is yet to come. Thunder Up!
Habitat’s bold vision for Cornerstone Creek, affordable housing in central Oklahoma
About four years ago, after a long and frustrating journey due to the high cost of available land, I discovered 160 acres of farmland for sale in far northwest Oklahoma City. Today, a vibrant new affordable-housing community, Cornerstone Creek, is thriving as Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s (COHFH) newest and most expansive development to date.
At COHFH, we have a bold vision for the future of Cornerstone Creek. Our multi-year development plan includes constructing 450 homes, as well as developing green spaces into three parks with workout stations and a gazebo. Neighborhood children can also benefit by attending Piedmont, Oklahoma’s excellent schools.
When we first began building affordable houses in 1990, it was hard to imagine what the future held for our modest Christian-housing ministry.
Yet, we held steadfast to our mission to build homes, communities and hope in Central Oklahoma – reinforced by the belief that everyone deserves a decent place to call home. Today, over 35 years later, we just celebrated our 1,130th home dedication yesterday in Cornerstone Creek. We have volunteers willing to swing hammers and partners that have stepped up to assist us in fulfilling our long-term vision for our new development. We have also raised funds and installed the infrastructure needed to build the 91 homes designated as part of Phase I. We are now working
on raising the money required for the infrastructure installation for Phase II’s 210 future homes.
Habitat needs to raise $3.7 million for Phase II, and I’m asking you to partner with us and help build a better tomorrow by supporting Cornerstone Creek. Every little bit helps! Please visit our website and donate online at cohfh.org/?form=COHFH_ GENERAL, use our Habitat Donor QR Code, or call us at (405) 232-4828.
Blessings, Ann Felton Gilliland
Chair/CEO
Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity
ANN FELTON GILLILAND
CALENDAR
SUMMER FUN
July 2 • Free Summer Movie
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for a movie on the Myriad Botanical Gardens’ Devon Lawn beginning at 7 pm with the movie Night at the Museum (2006PG) beginning at 9 pm. Food Trucks include: Let’s Do Greek, Tacos El Paso, Monkey Food Truck, Kona Ice and Oklahoma Kettle Corn.
July 3 • Red, White & Boom! Join the OKCPHIL and Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate Wednesday, July 3, at 8:30 pm for a FREE concert at Scissortail Park in downtown OKC. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and the whole family to enjoy a lovely evening outside with beautiful, inspiring music, followed by fireworks. Additional details about concert programming and parking at scissortailpark.org.
THIS WEEKEND
June 2729 • Oklahoma Pridefest
The Oklahoma Pride Alliance will be hosting its annual festival June 2729 in Downtown Oklahoma City at Scissortail Park. This will be the fifth time the organization has hosted the 2SLGBTQIA+ event in Downtown Oklahoma City. Visit okprideal
July 26 • National Day of the Cowboy Celebrate the classic Western icon, the cowboy, at the National Cowboy & Western Her
itage Museum’s commemoration of National Day of the Cowboy. Honor cowboy culture and pioneering heritage while embracing your inner cowboy/girl. Dress up in your Western duds and enjoy a presentation from Cowboy Cook Kent Rollins. Enjoy familyfriendly activities, and crafts while exploring Prosperity Junc ti on and Liichokoshkomo’. Running from 10 am to 2 pm on July 26. Ac ti vi ti es include mini barrel racing, giant horseshoes, a cra ft making a pool noodle stick horse for your own rodeo, facepainting, caricature art, a mechanical bull and more. Visit na ti onalcowboymuseum.org for information.
liance.org/pridefest20 25 for event details and hours.
June 28 • River Festival
Every year OKC Celebrates a day of rafting, rowing, kayaking and dragon boat racing at Oklahoma City’s Stars & Stripes River Festival. It’s a full day of family fun that includes RIVERSPORT adventures – surfing, rafting, climbing, tubing and more – plus great food, yard games and racing on the Oklahoma River. Racing includes the USRowing Central Masters Regional Championships and RIVERSPORT Rafting League Championships in the morning, PaddleFest Dragon Boat Festival in the afternoon and RIVERSPORT Rowing League and Dragon Boat League Championships during OG&E NightSprints. Racing begins at 8am
and continues into the evening, and it all wraps up with fireworks Saturday night. The festival is free; parking is $10. Visit riversportokc.org for event details.
Through June 30 •
This is OKC Photo Exhibit It’s time to THUNDER UP! Stop by the Art Gallery in the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory visitor lobby to experience our newest exhibit “THIS IS OKC” featuring photos from Oklahoma City Thunder photographer Jimmy Do. This exhibit showcases how every step of the Thunder postseason has been marked by the overwhelming support of the community. Whether it’s painting windows or rallying at the park, Oklahoma City isn’t just watching the journey— they’re part of it.
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
I Melt with You
When I was in seventh grade, the two coolest girls in my middle school were Susie Cherry and Kristi Tewell. They were older women. They were eighth graders. They were both pretty, smart, quick witted and fun. In a sea of adolescent insecurity, they exuded a confidence that was magnetic.
Susie and Kristi were best friends that were hilarious together. Whether you were roller skating, hanging out at a high school football game, or learning to tango at cotillion, they were right in the middle of the action.
Kristi and I carpooled some because she lived in Oak Tree and I lived across the street in Sorghum Mill Estates. Susie and her brother Rob Cherry lived closer to town. At some point in the fall of 1982, Susie Cherry stole my heart.
I had moved to Edmond that summer from Alva. I was tall, smart, red headed, and enthusiastic about show choir. Fortunately, I was also good at sports. I walked with confidence, but inside I felt awkward and insecure, worrying too much about pimples, pubes, and Polo shirts.
Susie Cherry was like a bolt of lightning. She commanded every room she entered. She was the most fun, the first to dance, the quickest to laugh.
I remember one
night being dropped off by my parents at a junior high party. I was so nervous walking up to the door. Susie came outside, grabbed my hand, and led me into the party. She walked me through a crowd of faces that I recognized but barely knew. And, yet I felt completely at ease. I was on top of the world holding hands with Susie Cherry.
Susie Cherry Vespers and Kristine Tewell Bates would go on to be best friends through high school, serve as maids of honor at each other’s weddings, have kids the same age, and share their lives as best friends. Susie would join the Theta house at OU and become pledge sisters and life-long friends with some of my favorite friends from Heritage Hall like Julie Oaks Affolder, Jayne Wheeler Clarke, MaryAnne Nelson Jackson, and Mindy McGalliard
As Susie and Chad Vespers raised their kids Jack Vesper and Kate Vesper, they became close friends with my sister-in-law Stacy McDaniel, Kelly Moody, and Mindy Baze, forming a travel group with their hus-
bands and sharing children’s birthdays and family trips.
Every one of the people I mention shared far more time with Susie than I did. As did so many more friends and family from across the community. Yet, when I heard that Susie died this past weekend, I was devastated. She was the one who always lived life to the fullest, the brightest light, the leader of the pack. Why her? Why now?
Grief is weird. I was driving up the Broadway extension this week when the eighties song I Melt with You from Modern English came on. It hit me hard. I started crying. Then I started laughing thinking of the hundreds of times in the past 40 years that I have heard that song and immediately thought of walking through that junior high party holding hands with Susie Cherry. Different decades, different cities. Same feeling, same girl. We all change the lives around us, sometimes without even knowing it, by offering a smile, a kind word, an open heart, and even a hand to hold. Susie certainly changed mine.
“I’ll stop the world and melt with you. You’ve seen the difference and it’s getting better all the time. There’s nothing you and I won’t do. I’ll stop the world and melt with you.”
OKC
partners with Nickelodeon, Paramount+
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is partnering with Nickelodeon and Paramount+ to celebrate beloved Latina heroine Dora in the milestone 25th anniversary of the franchise. Beginning Friday, June 27 and continuing through Sunday, July 6, the Oklahoma City Zoo will feature interactive activities for kids and families inspired by the new live-action movie Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado
This one-of-a-kind learning adventure encourages kids and families to participate in a special treasure hunt featuring the OKC Zoo’s Cat Forest habitat and its feline fam-
ily. Using the clues located throughout the Cat Forest habitat, children and families will complete their Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado branded treasure map activity sheets while learning about wildlife and wild places, and characters from the Dora franchise in the process. Both the activity sheet and clues are available in English and Spanish. Completed activity sheets can be turned in at the Zoo’s Guest Service office, located in the entry plaza, for a prize from the Dora treasure box! Participation in this activity is free with Zoo admission.
“We’re very excited to include this new Dora the Explorer experi-
ence to the OKC Zoo,” said OKC Zoo’s Chief Marketing Officer, Greg Heanue. This interactive treasure hunt is a great new way to help deliver on our mission of connecting guests with wildlife and wild places and inspire conservation action.”
Wildlife fans will be in awe of seeing and learning more about the big and small cats in the Zoo’s care including African lion, bobcat, caracal, cheetah, clouded leopard, critically endangered Sumatran tiger, fishing cat, jaguar, mountain lion, and ocelot. On Saturday, July 5, the Zoo is celebrating International Cat Day as part of its Animal Aware-
ness Day series with a morning of “cat”tastic activities planned from 9:30 am to noon including this Dora Sol Dorado activity. To learn more about Cat Day, follow the Zoo’s socials at @okczoo.
In this original feature-length live-action family movie, Dora, Diego and their new friends, Naiya and Sonny, trek through perilous dangers of the Amazonian Jungle in search of the ancient treasure of Sol Dorado to keep this powerful treasure out of enemy hands. The brandnew movie Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado premieres July 2 on Nickelodeon and streams the same day on Paramount+.
City, Thunder ink four agreements
The Oklahoma City Council approved four agreements that will retain the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA basketball team in OKC through at least 2053.
The agreements are as follows:
• Arena Use License Agreement.
• New Arena Food and Beverage Agreement.
• Amended Facility Management Agreement.
• Preferential Rights Agreement.
“Becoming a big league city has changed us forever, as the last few weeks have reminded us,” Mayor David Holt said. “Since 2022, we have worked as a community to secure our long-term status as a big league city. This agreement represents the culmination of that work.
“I thank the team ownership and staff, the council, the city staff and ultimately the voters and residents for their work to bring about this day. Now, we know officially that our relationship with the Thunder is secure
through at least 2053.”
Arena Use License Agreement
The Arena Use License Agreement is between The City of Oklahoma City, SMG/ASM Global and the Thunder.
This 25-year agreement includes the opportunity for five three-year additional renewals. The 25-year period begins when the Thunder moves into the new Paycom Center in the summer of 2028.
The NBA must approve the Arena Use License Agreement before it takes effect.
If the team leaves OKC in the first five years of moving into the new Paycom Center, the Thunder is to pay the city $1 billion. If they leave in years 610, they pay the city $850 million. The scale continues for 25 years.
The Thunder is to pay the City of Oklahoma City $58,000 per game to use the building. These payments increase by 3% for years 2-5, with annual increases after year five not to exceed 3% of the Consumer Price Index.
The city is responsible for maintaining the building and operating the new Paycom Center. The team will retain control of the building's naming rights.
The Thunder has the option to operate the new Paycom Center when the agreement with SMG/ASM Global ends, provided the team and the city can agree on terms.
New Arena Food and Beverage Agreement
The New Arena Food and Beverage Agreement is between the City of Oklahoma City, SMG/ASM Global and the Thunder. It simplifies financial terms for revenue sharing (compared to the past agreement) and updates the terms for local vendor concession revenue sharing. It also requires the operator and the team to agree on the concessionaire. The agreement begins when the new Paycom Center opens.
One percent of gross concession sales will be allocated to a repair or replacement fund for food and beverage
equipment.
Amended Facility Management Agreement
This renewal agreement is between the City and SMG/ASM Global and extends through the first five years of the new Paycom Center's opening. Preferential Rights Agreement
This agreement is between the City of OKC and the Thunder.
The Thunder ownership will have exclusive rights to purchase the existing Paycom Center property within five years of the new arena's opening. If the team does not purchase the site within the first two years of the new Paycom Center's opening, it will reimburse the City for 50% of the cost to maintain the current center.
If the Thunder takes this option, the existing arena must be demolished within 12 months of purchasing the property. Demolition costs paid by the Thunder ownership will be credited against the property's fair market value purchase price.
Mike Quick named to Dean’s List at Lincoln
Mike Quick, of Oklahoma City, was recently named to the Dean's List of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, for the spring 2025 semester.
The Lincoln University of Missouri Dean's List comprises full-time undergraduate students earning a minimum term GPA of 3.00, excluding grades in courses that do not carry credit toward graduation.
FOURTH
From Page 1
together as a community and family. We feel the love from Oklahoma City, and we give it right back! We hope to see everyone July 3 at Scissortail Park!”
The Quail Creek Homeowners Association is also hosting a fireworks display on July 3 for its members. Blankets and personal chairs are permitted but no outside food or beverages are allowed. On July 4, the annual Quail Creek Parade departs from the Quail Creek Golf and Country
Lincoln University of Missouri is a historically Black, 1890 landgrant, public university that provides excellent educational opportunities to a diverse population within a nurturing, student-centered environment. Lincoln is known for its innovative undergraduate and graduate programs in
at 9:30 a.m. and ends at Quail Creek Park. Music and family fun follow.
Decorate anything from your dog to your truck. Arrive at the Club parking lot before 9 a.m. for judging and lineup.
In Nichols Hills, the parade leaves from the intersection of Huntington and Camden Way at 9 a.m. and winds through the neighborhood with the Nichols Hills Fire Department and Uncle Sam leading the way. Decorated bikes, cars, etc., are also welcomed.
Following the parade, the Nichols Hills Band is to play at
agriculture, business administration, criminal justice, elementary education, nursing, guidance and counseling, and natural science. Located in Jefferson City, Missouri, Lincoln University was founded in 1866 by the men of the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantries and their white officers for the benefit of freed
African Americans. The university boasts an exciting residential life and a full slate of NCAA Division II athletics.
Kite Park and there is to be fun and games.
OPINION OPINION O O UR UR S S TAND TAND
“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 (quoting Jesus).
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” – Edmund Burke paraphrase, 1767. If you want it in the paper, it’s advertising. If you don’t want it in the paper, it’s news.” – Ancient Chinese Proverb
“Without, or with, offense to friends or foes, We sketch your world exactly as it goes.” – Byron, 1818.
“Every violation of truth is a stab at the health of human society.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1878.
“We must always stand – alone if necessary – as the conscience of this community.” – J. Leland Gourley, 1959.
Thunder’s NBA championship propels OKC
By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
Residents of Oklahoma City are on cloud nine after our beloved OKC Thunder captured their first-ever NBA championship last Sunday night with a thrilling 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in front of a raucous capacity crowd at Paycom Center. The Thunder dominated the NBA in the 2024-25 campaign with one of the best statistical seasons in league history, highlighted by a 68-14 record in the
regular season, which is the seventh-best record in history. Including the playoffs, OKC is one of just three other teams –including Golden State (2015-16 season, 88 wins) and Chicago (9596, 87, and 96-97, 84) –to win 84 or more games in a season. Superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander garnered just about every individual award possible, including NBA Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP and, for good measure, was the league’s scoring
champion.
The Thunder’s rise to the top has propelled Oklahoma City into the national conscientiousness and is the culmination of nearly four decades of MAPS projects. Fans from all over the country, along with national broadcasters from ESPN and TNT, descend on our city from October through June and provide the kind of publicity that Mayor David Holt and city leaders can’t buy.
Holt, in his second term as mayor, served as the biggest cheerleader for the most recent MAPS project headlined by a brand new arena for the Thunder along with an ambitious all-purpose stadium/sports entertainment complex south of the current
Paycom Center.
Earlier this month, Holt was elected president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors for a 1year term at its convention in Tampa, Fla. The mayor, who garnered the top spot in this week’s Most Powerful Oklahomans list, serves as dean of the Oklahoma City University Law School.
His wife Rachel, also on our Most Powerful list, does her part in public service as president and CEO at United Way of Central Oklahoma.
Holt stands on the shoulders of past mayors in passing along the MAPS legacy.
Mayor Ron Norrick oversaw the original projects starting in 1993, which included the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, Chesa-
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Dear Suggestion: It’s never too late to make a change. Begin with fuel. For more energy, fewer cravings, and steadier focus, start with a 1% change. That’s what Dr Kevin White of Prime Health Associates recommends. He says, “Eat protein first in the morning before anything sweet hits your
peake Energy Arena (originally the Ford Center), the Bricktown Canal and many others.
Downtown fell into disrepair and essentially turned into a ghost town following the oil bust of the late 1980s.
Norrick saw the potential of the dilapidated area, which included a number of empty warehouses, and proposed a sales taxfunded initiative to put OKC on the national map on our way to becoming a “Big League City.”
In addition to the arena and new ballpark for our triple-A affiliate baseball team, the city created the Bricktown Canal modeled after the San Antonio Riverwalk.
The original MAPS also provided muchneeded improvements
plate.” It’s not about perfection. It’s about shifting the balance, one small step at a time.
Scramble two eggs instead of grabbing cereal or oatmeal. Have a Greek yogurt instead of a muffin. Add nut butter to your toast instead of jam. Throw in a protein shake. These are the kinds of tiny tweaks that build better metabolic health. Protein is essential for an older body just as it is for an athlete or businessman. (Check out Dr. White’s tips on LinkedIn weekly on Prime Health Associates.)
to the OKC Fairgrounds, which now attracts horse shows and other events throughout the year, and Fairgrounds Arena.
MAPS 4, the city’s newest round of projects, paved the way for construction of the newly-opened OG&E Coliseum to replace the old arena.
Succeeding mayors –Kirk Humphreys and Mick Cornett – also put their imprint on OKC’s renaissance.
Cornett led a group of city leaders in making a presentation to the NBA to host the displaced New Orleans Hornets following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Oklahoma City became the franchise’s home for the 2005-06 and the 06-07 seasons, which started us on our NBA journey.
Congratulations to all of the Most Powerful Oklahoman nominees!
q MICHAEL ANDERSON
Exec. Director, OKC Museum of Art
q MO ANDERSON
Co-Owner, Keller Williams Realty
q BILL ANOATUBBY
Governor, Chickasaw Nation
q JOHN ARMITAGE
CEO, Oklahoma Blood Institute
q SUE ANN ARNALL
Arnall Family Foundation
q GARY BATTON
Chief, Choctaw Nation
q MARK BEFFORT
CEO, Newmark Robinson Park
q VICKI BEHENNA
Oklahoma County District Attorney
q CLAY BENNETT
Chairman, OKC Thunder
q STEPHANIE BICE
5th District Congresswoman
q DAN BOREN
Secr. of Commerce, Chickasaw Nation
q PHIL G. BUSEY SR.
Chairman, Delaware Resources
q MICHAEL BYRNES
2028 Olympic Events Lead
q CINDY BYRD
State Auditor and Inspector
q RACHEL CANNON
Actor, Founder, Rock Paper Cannon
q BILL CAMERON
CEO, American Fidelity
q JILL CASTILLA
Pres. & CEO, Citizens Bank
q SUNNY CEARLEY
President, CEO, Allied Arts
q COLEMAN CLARK
President, BC Clark
q TOM COLE
U.S. Representative, District 4
q MARK DAIGNEAULT
Head Coach, OKC Thunder
q NICK DELL’OSSO
Pres., CEO, Expand Energy
q GENTNER DRUMMOND
Oklahoma Attorney General
q WILLIAM DURRETT
Sr. Chairman, American Fidelity
q STACY DYKSTRA
CEO, Regional Food Bank
q RAND ELLIOTT
Architect
q KENNETH EVANS
Pres., Oklahoma City University
q CHRISTY GAYLORD EVEREST
Philanthropist, Community Leader
q TRICIA EVEREST
Secretary of Public Safety
q BUTCH FREEMAN
OK County Treasurer
q CRAIG FREEMAN
Oklahoma City Manager
q CHIP FUDGE
Chair., Claims Management Resources
q DOUG FULLER
Pres., CEO, Quail Creek Bank
q ROBERT A. FUNK
Civic Leader
q ROBERT A. FUNK JR
President, Express Employment Inter.
q JANE JAYROE GAMBLE
Author, Speaker
q KIM GARRETT
Founder, CVO, Palomar
q CLAY GASPAR
Pres., CEO, Devon Energy
q CHRISTY GILLENWATER
Pres. & CEO, Greater OKC Chamber
q ANN FELTON GILLILAND
Chairman, CEO, Habitat for Humanity
q DAVID GREEN
Founder & CEO, Hobby Lobby
q DAVID GRIFFIN
Pres., CEO, Griffin Communications
q FRED HALL
CEO, Hall Capital
q HAROLD HAMM
Exec. Chairman, Continental Resources
q NATHANIEL HARDING
Managing Partner, Cortado Ventures
q DAVID HARLOW
Pres.,CEO, BancFirst Corp.
q JOSEPH HARROZ JR.
Pres., University of Oklahoma
q BRENT HART
Executive Director, OKC PHIL
q JIM HESS
q
President, Oklahoma State University
JOE HODGES
Pres., SSM Health, St. Anthony Hosp.
q DAVID HOLT
Mayor of Oklahoma City
q RACHEL HOLT
Pres. CEO, United Way Central OK
q CHUCK HOSKIN, JR.
Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation
q GRANT HUMPHREYS
President, Humphreys Capital
q DR. JUDITH JAMES
Exec. VP, Chief Medical Officer, OMRF
q TOMMIE JOHNSON III
OK County Sheriff
q MAUTRA STALEY JONES
q
President, OCCC
GEORGE KAISER
Chairman, BOK Financial
q CATHY KEATING
Former OK First Lady, Comm. Volun.
q FRANK KEATING
Former OK Governor, Author
CHRISTIAN KEESEE
q
Chairman, Kirkpatrick Foundation
q JULIA KIRT
OK Senate District 30
q BILL G. LANCE, JR.
Chickasaw Nation Secretary of State
q TODD LAMB
President, Univ. of Central Oklahoma
q JAMES LANKFORD
U.S. Senator
DWIGHT LAWSON
q
Exec. Director, CEO, OKC Zoo
q JODI LEWIS
President & CEO, Leadership OK
ED MARTIN
q
Chairman, Ackerman-McQueen
q MATT PINNELL
Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor
q STEVE MASON
Developer
q BRIAN MAUGHAN
Oklahoma County Commissioner
q LANCE McDANIEL
Producer, Film Maker
q TOM McDANIEL
American Fidelity Foundation
q TIM McLAUGHLIN
OKC Energy, Fields & Futures
q ALEXANDER MICKELTHWATE
Music Director, OKC Philharmonic
q NICOLE MILLER
State Representative, District 82
q MARKWAYNE MULLIN
U.S. Senator
q CYNDI MUNSON
Minority Leader, OK House
q VALERIE NAIFEH
Owner, Naifeh Fine Jewelry
q NIKKI NICE
State Senator, District 48
q LARRY NICHOLS
Chairman Emeritus, Devon Energy
q POLLY NICHOLS
Philanthropist, Community Leader
q RUSSELL PERRY
Perry Publishing & Broadcasting Co.
q MARY BLANKENSHIP POINTER
Mary Blankenship Pointer Consulting
q SAM PRESTI
General Manager, OKC Thunder
q SALVADOR ONTIVEROS
Pres., CEO Latino, Comm. Develop.
q SARAH RAHHAL
CEO, Sunbeam Family Services
q DAVID RAINBOLT
Exec. Chrm., BancFirst Corp
q GEORGE RECORDS
Founder of Midland Group
q ERIC ROBERTS
State Representative District 83
q SARAH ROBERTS
VP of Programs, Inasmuch Foundation
q PAT ROONEY
Exec. Chairman, First National Bank of OK
q TERESA ROSE
Exec. Dir., Communities Found. of OK
q ROBERT ‘BOB’ ROSS
Pres., CEO, Inasmuch Foundation
q TODD RUSS
Oklahoma State Treasurer
q JOHN SLAY
President, BancFirst
q LEE ALLAN SMITH
CEO, Oklahoma Events
q JEFF STARLING
Secretary of Energy, Environment
q LARRY STEIN
OK County Assessor
q KEVIN STITT
Governor of Oklahoma
q MARK STONECIPHER
Oklahoma City Councilman
q BARRY SWITZER
Former OU Football Coach
q LEE SYMCOX
CEO, First Fidelity Bank
q CLAYTON TAYLOR
The Taylor Group
q MARNIE TAYLOR
Pres., CEO, Center for Nonprofits
q SEAN TRAUSCHKE
Chairman, CEO, OGE Energy
q MIKE TURPEN
Attorney
q RICK WARREN
OK County Court Clerk
q KARI WATKINS
Pres., CEO, OKC National Memorial
q ANDY WEYRICH, PhD
President, CEO, OMRF
q SHANE WHARTON
President, Love’s Travel Stops
Key to Home takes a “housing first” approach, addressing basic needs up front while offering wraparound support services like case management, mental health care, and addiction recovery.
Oklahoma City’s Key to Home: A blueprint for solving homelessness
By Sarah Roberts Vice President of Programs Inasmuch Foundation
Homelessness is a growing crisis across the U.S., but Oklahoma City is proving that real progress is possible. Through the Key to Home Partnership, launched in 2023, more than 391 chronically unhoused individuals have been housed and the city has seen a 43% drop in concurrent chronic and unsheltered homelessness.
This success isn’t by chance. It’s the result of a powerful public-private collaboration involving over 50 organizations united by a shared mission: to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.
Key to Home works by blending public funding with private philanthropy to overcome barriers that too often leave people stuck—like security deposits, pet fees, and utility debt. This combined effort helps create not just housing, but lasting stability.
The initiative takes a “housing first” approach, addressing basic needs up front while offering wraparound support services like case management, mental health care, and addiction recovery. Behind the scenes, a dedicated city team coordinates strategy, while service providers, people with lived experience, and stakeholders meet weekly to refine and act on plans. Enhanced data systems allow the team to track outcomes in real time, ensuring accountability and smart resource use.
As Oklahoma City continues to grow and evolve, Key to Home shows how public-private partnerships can tackle even the toughest challenges. Whether in education, public health, or workforce development, the model proves what’s possible when government, nonprofits, and philanthropy unite.
Discover how the lessons from Key to Home can inspire broader change across our city at bit.ly/keyto-home-lessons.
Diversion Hub’s success leads to expansion
By Sue Ann Arnall President Arnall Family Foundation
The Oklahoma County Diversion Hub recently celebrated opening its second location in Canadian County, Oklahoma. Its ongoing success is setting a new standard in public safety and gaining the attention of judges and changemakers in the criminal legal system who are asking to bring this successful model into their districts. Diversion Hub also expanded Cleveland County with plans to expand throughout Oklahoma in the near future.
Diversion Hub helps people thrive through unique, individually tailored, service offerings, including case management, justice navigation, employment navigation, and other life-stabilizing resources. Through its first five years of operation in Oklahoma County, it has served over 12,000 people and contributed to lowering the jail population by nearly half. Since Diversion Hub began operations, prison admissions from Oklahoma County have also decreased 40 percent.
Incarceration is expensive, and the consequential costs to taxpayers include more kids in foster care, higher poverty within the family and higher crime rates for children of the incarcerated. On average, families of incarcerated people spend $4,000 per year on loved ones who are behind bars.
Their focus on stability, selfsufficiency, and safety does not just get people out of jail – it keeps them out of jail. The recidivism rate for people who participate in Diversion Hub programs is considerably lower
than the average in Oklahoma County.
Diversion Hub stops the cycle of incarceration while addressing some of our state’s most important and urgent needs. Their programs support workforce development, housing, mental health services, addiction treatment, and more. In Oklahoma when we invest in helping people, we see the returns in our communities. Expanding Diversion Hub’s success is a smart investment for our communities and our future.
RACHEL CANNON Actor, Founder Rock, Paper, Cannon PAT ROONEY President First National Bank
DWIGHT LAWSON Executive Dr., CEO OK Zoological Society
PHILIP BUSEY, SR. Chairman Delaware Resources
DR. ANDY WYRICH
Sue Ann Arnall at the celebration of the newly opened Canadian County Diversion Hub office.
Celebrating the Economy
OKC Chamber projects strong growth for city
OKC unemployment rate is lowest among all U.S. metro areas with populations over 1 million
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
The 2025 Greater Oklaho -
ma City Outlook released by the Greater Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce forecasts a positive Oklahoma City metro nonfarm job growth for 2025. The report predicts the baseline job forecast scenario growing by 2.5% or adding nearly 18,200 jobs.
“So far, through the first four months of the year (January-April,) Oklahoma City is tracking at a slightly slower pace of 1.2% growth over the same time last year,” said Eric Long, research economist for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “While this is still a strong growth number, national conditions have temporarily dampened economic activity.”
For 2025, the Economic Outlook Report said the largest expected jobs gains are expected in other services (5.1%), education and healthcare (5.0%), construction (4.3%), mining/oil and gas (4.1%), leisure & hospitality (2.5%), trade, transportation, & utilities (2.2%), government (1.4%), information (1.1%), finance (0.9%), professional and
business services (0.8%), and manufacturing (0.7%).
Long said Oklahoma City has experienced 45 consecutive months of unemployment under 4%.
In 2024, the annual average unemployment of 3.2% was the seventh lowest annual rate experienced by OKC since 1990,” he said.
“Currently the unemployment rate for the Oklahoma City Metro is 2.3% which is the lowest among all metros with over 1 million population.
“Both real GDP and real personal income grew mod -
estly in 2024 as Oklahoma approaches $250 billion in personal income in 2025,” he said. “Inflation in the state fell back to trend at 1.7% in 2024 and is expected to hold through 2025 and 2026.
“The Oklahoma City office space vacancy rate of 9.6% is outperforming the nation which sits at approximately 14%,” he continued, “while inflation in the state fell back to trend at 1.7% in 2024 and is expected to hold through 2025 and 2026.”
The report said the Oklahoma City economy continues to diversify. Lightcast, a leading national workforce and demographic analysis firm, indicates the Oklahoma City MSA or metro has the 27th most industry diversity of the 387 metros in the United States.
“This means that employment is distributed more evenly between the 11 industry clusters to the typical metro,” said Long. “A region with high diversity can signal economic stability and can more easily withstand economic pressures, while the region with low diversity can signal economic instability.
“The aerospace industry, with approximately 45,000 employed in the Greater Oklahoma City region, is one key example of how the regional economy continues to diversify,” he added.
“An updated Greater Oklahoma City Aerospace Industry Assessment report will be released soon.”
Long says the first-year economic impact of the new OKANA Resort along the Oklahoma River in downtown Oklahoma City is projected at $97 million and over the next decade is expected to exceed $1 billion.
“The one-time construction phase of OKANA supported 1,404 jobs annually, generating $80.7 million in payroll,” he said. “In its first year of operation, OKANA is projected to support 800 direct and indirect jobs, contributing $23.1 million in payroll and $98 million in economic activity. Over 10 years, the combined impact of the resort and visitor spending is projected to reach $1.3 billion, supporting 985 jobs and a $320.6 million in payroll.”
Long said the new 750,000 square-foot arena in downtown Oklahoma City is expected to have a con -
struction impact that may generate more than $1.3 billion during the construction period and support more than 10,000 jobs.
The arena is expected to be completed as early as the 2028-29 basketball season. Demolition of the existing site, previously known as the Cox Convention Center and Myriad Convention Center, is underway and expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
The report stated that in January 2025, “The Greater Oklahoma City Partnership reported 95 companies currently considering relocating or expanding in the region. Of those companies, three out of five are in manufacturing.
“This reinforces what we are seeing nationally where companies are reshoring operations to improve supply chain logistics and move to lower cost markets. Aerospace and distribution projects continue to have strong interest in OKC,” the report continued. “The number of office projects continue to be in decline due to structural changes in how and where people work.”
ERIC LONG Research Economist Greater OKC Chamber
To find a best-fit college, Casady’s college counselors encourage families to consider their student’s passions and where they can best explore them.
Casady helps students find their best-fit college
Casady School’s College Counseling Program begins in ninth grade; each Cyclone is assigned a college counselor, who partners with the student and their family throughout their high school career to discern the student’s best-fit college.
Casady’s College Counseling team includes Amanda Kisselle, the director of college counseling; Amy McQuade, the associate director of college counseling, performing and visual arts liaison, and registrar; and Josh Bottomly, the associate director of college counseling, athletic liaison for college athletics, an Upper Division English instructor, and an author.
What is a best-fit college and how does Casady go about finding the best fit for each Cyclone?
Casady’s college counselors encourage families to consider their student’s passions and where they can best explore them. The college counselors also consider how each student will learn best and which institutions can support them, while also taking into account preferences like distance from home, ability to pay, and admissibility.
Through a comprehensive series of self-reflection exercises, strength and personality exploration, career interest research, individual conversations with students and parents, workshops, and guest speakers, the College Counseling team works with each family to identify colleges where the student can thrive.
The results speak for themselves.
The 86 seniors in Casady’s Class of 2025 will attend 47 different colleges in 24 states across the country.
● 67% will matriculate out of state
● 94% were admitted to a top choice college
● 366 acceptances to 148 different colleges
● 14 students will participate in seven different intercollegiate sports
In just the last five years, Casady graduates have matriculated to more than 125 colleges around the world. Just this year, the Class of 2025 is adding 14 new colleges to that list, which is, perhaps, the primary indicator that each Cyclone is finding their best-fit college. These institutions will be a place where they can explore new surroundings, learn from skilled faculty members in their chosen field, and continue growing into young adults living out Casady’s Portrait of a Graduate as they honor, learn, engage, innovate, serve, and thrive.
Casady’s mission to develop excellence, confidence, and integrity in students and prepare them with the skills and knowledge that serve as the foundation for success is evident in each of the members of the 2025 senior class as they embark on their journey. College selections include Brown University, Duke University, Northwestern University, Pomona College, UCLA, University of Michigan, University of Virginia, Vanderbilt, Washington University in St Louis, and Wellesley.
MILESTONES IN THE MAKING: Original architecture
Architecture is a public endeavor that involves many and can touch generations.
As stakeholders, most people want to know what’s coming their way. Given FRIDAY’s uniquely engaged and loyal audience, it makes sense to share the news here.
Of Rand Elliott Architects’ current projects, The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park will be among the first to surface.
Tall Grass Stage - Architecture by Rand Elliott Architects; Construction by Lingo Construction.
The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park
Our client, The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park, will be Oklahoma's first dedicated 62-acre sculpture park.
“The Uncommon Collective” is the capital campaign committee working together to achieve the $72 million goal to build the park. The committee includes community leaders from across central Oklahoma.
“Located along historic Route 66, Oklahoma’s first dedicated sculpture park will attract guests nationwide, benefiting our state and region.”
-- Melissa Pepper, executive director
The park architecture is inspired by central Oklahoma’s natural environment, dominated by the Cross
Timbers. The ancient forest of uniquely dense, irregularly shaped trees was long deemed as all but impenetrable.
It was on a horseback expedition to the frontier lands of Indian Territory that the writer, Washington Irving, famously encountered the Cross Timbers. His description of it as the “Iron Forest” is indelible.
Rand Elliott Architects projects include four sculptural structures inspired by the open lands and the wild landscape of the Cross Timbers.
•The Tall Grass Stage: An amphitheater spiked with towering oilfield pipes made vibrant green, symbolic of new Spring prairie grass. The pipes are an homage to Oklahoma’s history in the oil business.
•The Eagle’s Nest: A 64-foot-tall sculptural tower inspired by habitat that still exists in the area, particularly around Lake Arcadia.
•The Cross Timbers Camp: A welcome center, restaurant and entertainment venue.
•The Horseshoe Pavilion: A transformative addition to the property’s original Arabian Horsebarn. An artistic centerpiece of rusted steel features horse-shoe-shaped cutouts of rusted steel. An open structure with built-in grills and fire pits invites cookouts and gatherings.
CFCU breaks ground on new branch
Communication Federal Credit Union, one of Oklahoma’s largest credit unions, broke ground for a new location, to better serve the Deer Creek/Edmond market. The branch is to be located at 16209 Ironstone Drive, near the southeast corner of Portland and NW 164th Street.
“We’re excited about the new branch in the Deer Creek area because the location we’ve chosen along Highway 74 will enable us to better serve the financial needs of our existing members and provide convenient services to reach more people in Deer Creek, Edmond, and Oklahoma City,” said Larry Shropshire, Communication Federal Credit Union president/CEO.
“Communication Federal Credit Union prides itself on being a part of the neighborhoods where
we have branches. Our business is taking care of people by going beyond just serving their financial needs.”
The new branch location is to feature a modern service-oriented design to assist with retail and digital banking needs, a multilane drive-thru, drive-up ATM and safe deposit boxes.
Communication Federal expects the branch to be operational in the first quarter of 2026.
The location serves the goal to upgrade member experience and provides more options for member interaction, as one of 22 current retail access points across Oklahoma and Kansas.
The architect for the project is The McKinney Partnership of Norman and the general contractor is Miller-Tippens Construction of Oklahoma City.
The Tall Grass Stage, designed by Rand Elliott Architects.
Antique Mall is an institution
In the summer of 1989, the May Antique Mall was established and six months later Bill and Denny McConnell, antique lovers and long-time collectors, had the good fortune to be hired as managers.
On a hand shake and an oral agreement with the owner, they agreed that after two years, if successful in building the business, they could buy the business and lease the building. They were so successful that eight years later they spotted the perfect building just a half-mile away, to purchase, renovate and establish 23rd Street Antique Mall.
Built in 1949, the old Adairs Tropical Cafeteria was quite deteriorated but the McConnells recognized it would be a great location for an antique mall. It laid vacant for several years with roof leaks, broken windows and overgrown parking lots. With the help of their sons and a host of friends, they rescued the building and spent several months totally renovating it inside and out. They raised it to the same level of quality as the antique merchandise their dealers now showcase in this beautiful 11,000square-foot gallery.
Denny grew up just a few blocks south from their building. In fact, the McConnells now live just six blocks away - so Denny has lived her entire life within just one square mile from their present location. As far as Bill is concerned, he has the “perfect” job.
For 35 years, everyone who enters 23rd Street Antique Mall is greeted by the McConnells and many customers have become regulars and friends. The McConnells love living, working and worshiping in their Inner-City community. It's rewarding to help make their little corner of the world a brighter and better place.
For 35 years, everyone who enters 23rd Street Antique Mall is greeted by the McConnells and many customers have become regulars and friends.
Christ the King students live out their faith through service
Each summer, Christ the King Catholic School’s junior high students step beyond the classroom to put their faith into action through the Knights in Service program. This week-long tradition offers students a chance to connect with the broader Oklahoma City community and serve those in need in meaningful and lasting ways. This year, the students partnered with several organizations, including the Gospels of Life Discipleship House (GOLD), WINGS (a special needs community), the Infant Crisis Center, Catholic Charities of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Women’s Shelter. By rotating through these organizations, students were exposed to a wide range of social issues and service opportunities, each designed to stretch their perspec-
tives and nurture compassion.
Their tasks ranged from doing outdoor yard work to beautify spaces for residents, to assembling hygiene kits for women and children, and packaging diapers for families in crisis. Each job, whether big or small, gave students a direct way to support the people these organizations serve.
One particularly moving moment came
during the students' visit to the GOLD House, where they were invited to pray with a resident who was nearing the end of her life. The students later learned that she passed away that same evening, making their prayers among her final memories. It was a powerful reminder of the dignity and grace in accompanying others during their most vulnerable moments.
The heart of Knights
OMRF honors PHF, board members, scientists
At its recent spring board meeting, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation honored the Presbyterian Health Foundation and recognized several directors for tenures of service.
OMRF presented a special award to PHF President Rick McCune for the foundation’s role in supporting science at OMRF and in Oklahoma. Over the past decade, PHF has awarded 223 grants totaling more than $16 million to OMRF for research and essential scientific equipment.
“PHF funding has catalyzed some of our labs’ most significant biomedical breakthroughs,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “This partnership has benefited people around the world. That’s something all Oklahomans can take pride in.”
OMRF recognized the following Directors from Fridayland for their tenures on the foundation’s Board: Harrison Levy, 30 years; William Hawley, 20 years; Rainey Williams, 15 years, Judy Hatfield, 10 years.
Also during the meeting, Kimbra Scott was introduced as OMRF’s newest Board member.
Scott, of Vian, serves as executive director of the Port of Muskogee, a port on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Naviga-
tion System that links Oklahoma to global markets. She also serves on a maritime advisory committee for the U.S. Department of Transportation. Additionally, eight OMRF scientists were recognized for scientific achievements, including Lorin Olson, Ph.D., who was named the foundation’s Lloyd Noble Chair in Cardiovascular Research. Olson’s research focuses on wound repair and regenerative medicine. He also serves as
scientific director of the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research.
“The board’s recognition of these eight scientists reflects not only a respect for their knowledge and skills, but also confidence in how each one leads their lab,” said Courtney Griffin, Ph.D., the foundation’s vice president of research. “All of them have many years of discoveries remaining, and that gives us great confidence in OMRF’s future.”
in Service lies in helping students live out the Corporal Works of Mercy, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and more. These acts are not only central to Catholic teaching but also help students grow in empathy, faith and community. By stepping into the lives of others, Christ the King students are learning what it truly means to be the hands and feet of Christ.
During OMRF's spring Board meeting held last month, Presbyterian Health Foundation President Rick McCune, center, receives an award signifying appreciation from Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., OMRF's executive vice president and chief medical officer, and OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D.
Court the Petition for Letters of Administration, Appointment of Personal Representative and Determination of Heirs. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that said Petition is set for hearing on the 14 day of July, 2025, at 9:00 o’clock a.m., before the undersigned Judge at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice thereof be given by mail to the heirs at law of decedent at least 10 days prior to the above hearing date and Notice by publication given as required by law.
NOTICE OF THIS ORDER IS
HEREBY GIVEN to all heirs of Floyd Cable, deceased, of said hearing, when and where all persons interested may appear and contest the same. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 5 day of June, 2025.
LYDIA Y. GREEN
THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By: /s/illegible signature Deputy (SEAL)
/s/Redmond P. Kemether, OBA#10872
patibility and that unless you answer the petition filed by the petitioner in said Court on or before the 9 day of June, 2025, said Petition will be taken as true and judgement granting to the petitioner a Dissolution of Marriage, annulling, canceling, setting aside and holding for naught the marriage contract with you and for other relief and orders rendered according to the prayer thereof. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 9 day of June, 2025. /s/ Guadalupe Arrieta Petitioner SUBSCRIBER AND SWORN to before me this 9 day of June, 2025. Notary: /s/Adriana Solano (SEAL) My commission expires: 12-17-2025 Commission Number: 21016249
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 27, 2025)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2025-1445
June 27, 2025; Friday, July 4, 2025)
IN AND FOR THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CASE NO: PB-2025-730
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE ) OF ) Paul James Mustiful, Jr., Deceased )
There having been filed with this Court the Petition for Letters of Administration, Appointment of Personal Representative and Determination of Heirs. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that said Petition is set for hearing on the 10 day of July, 2025, at 2:00 o’clock p.m., before the undersigned Judge at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice thereof be given by mail to the heirs at law of decedent at least 10 days prior to the above hearing date and Notice by publication given as required by law. NOTICE OF THIS ORDER IS HEREBY GIVEN to all heirs of Paul James Mustiful, Jr., deceased, of said hearing, when and where all persons interested may appear and contest the same. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 5 day of June, 2025.
MARTHA F. OAKES THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By: /s/illegible signature Deputy (SEAL)
/s/Redmond P. Kemether, OBA#10872 Attorney for Petitioner 500 N. Walker, Ste. I Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 235-7639
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 27, 2025; Friday, July 4, 2025)
IN AND FOR THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CASE NO: PB-2025-731
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE ) OF ) Floyd Cable, Deceased )
NOTICE OF HEARING PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, DEVISEES AND LEGATEES AND ISSUANCE OF LETTERS TESTAMENTARY
NOTICE OF HEARING PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, DEVISEES AND LEGATEES AND ISSUANCE OF LETTERS TESTAMENTARY
There having been filed with this
Attorney for Petitioner 500 N. Walker, Ste. I Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 235-7639
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 27, 2025; Friday, July 4, 2025; Friday, July 11, 2025)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Case No. FD-2025-339
In Re the Marriage of: ) Clarence Jones, ) Petitioner, ) -and- ) Misty Munnerlyn, ) Respondent. )
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: Misty Munnerlyn You are hereby notified that the Petitioner has sued you for Dissolution of Marriage. You must answer the Petition on or before the 25 day of July, 2025 or the Petition will be taken as true, and a divorce and other relief sought will be granted to the Petitioner. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL this 11 day of June, 2025. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/J. Pulley (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 27, 2025; Friday, July 4, 2025; Friday, July 11, 2025)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Case No. FD-2025-673
IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: Guadalupe Arrieta, ) Petitioner, ) and ) Cesar Pedro Arrieta, ) Respondent. )
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: TO THE ABOVE NAMED RESPON-
DENT: Cesar Pedro Arrieta
GREETINGS: You will take notice that you have been sued in the above names Court by the above petitioner, for a Dissolution of Marriage on the grounds of incom-
In Re: The Name of: ) Mallorie Rae Lane )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Mallorie Rae Lane has petitioned to change his/her name to Mallorie Rae Lane Paul. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 10 day of July, 2025, before Judge Andrews at 1:30 o’clock in courtroom 359 at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Jamie Houston By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 27, 2025)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2025-1486
In the Matter of the Application ) of Merlin Suyapa Bautista Mejia ) as next of friend of (child) ) Christopher Joshua Bautista ) to Change Her/His Name ) NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Merlin Suyapa Bautista Mejia, as next of friend of Christopher Joshua Bautista has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Christopher Joshua Bautista to (b) Christopher Joshua Bautista Bautista; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Dishman of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 10 day of July, 2025 at 10:00 o’clock a.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/illegible signature Deputy (SEAL) CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT LPXLP
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 27, 2025; Friday, July 4, 2025) OKLAHOMA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LAWS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
In accordance with Title 37, Section 522 and Title 37A, Section
nAme chAnge
City of NiChols hills
Locally-owned Business Directory
Debbie South Metro First Realty @ Lake Hefner 3232 W Britton Rd, 277 Oklahoma City, OK.73120 (405) 706-9077
Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ
Junior’s Supper Club
2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com
Boutique One
7636 N. Western Wilshire Village Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 888-9822 boutiqueone.store
The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com
Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square
The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.com
23rd Street Antiques 3023 NW 23rd. (405) 947-3800 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Antiques23.com
Coyle Law Firm 125 Park Ave. No.100 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 583-3909 coylelaw.com
Gulfport Seafood Market 8016 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-3468 Gulfportseafoods.com
Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahoma city.com
Naifeh Fine Jewelry 6471 Avondale Dr,. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com
Retirement Investment Advisors 2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 theretirementpath.com
Thrifty Pharmacy 10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 thriftypharmacyedmond.com
BancFirst 6200 Waterford Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 270-1622 Bancfirst.bank
First National Bank of Oklahoma 10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 fnbok.com
CK & Co. 6429 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 843-7636 ckandcompany.com
Quail Creek Bank 12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank
Covenant Brothers 5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com
Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com
Cindi Shelby, Stylist Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose 333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste. F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138
Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126
All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 Northwest 63 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com
Papa Dios 10712 N May, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-2255 papadiosokc.com
First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com
Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com
First Source Real Estate
Residential Sales 12020 N. Penn Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
Michael Biddinger Real Estate Commercial Sales, Management 12020 N. Pennsylvania Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335
Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org
Steam It Klean It LLC Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com
Krista Anne’s Boutique 7602 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 310-5500
Paul Seikel Pearls Oyster Bar 5641 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-8008 pearlsokc.com
Basey's Roofing Gary Basey 2700 S. May Ave. Okla City, OK 73109 (405)755-8717 baseysroofingjs@gmail.com
Niroula Law 511 Couch Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 496-9250 niroulalaw.com
OKC FRIDAY P.O. Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 755-3311 okcfriday.com
Strebel Creek Vineyard & Gift Shop 11521 North MacArthur Blvd. Okla. City, OK 73162 (405) 720-7779 Fri. 1-5 pm, Sat. 10-5 pm, Sun. 2-5 pm FB. Strebel Creek
Navigating Medicare 2232 W. Hefner Road Suite A. Oklahoma City,
navigatingmedicare.com
business listings are only $25 a month. Email rose@ okcfriday.com for more information.
Sports Weekly
The Greens welcomes Seranno to racquet club staff
OKLAHOMA CITY FRIDAY
Publication No. (USPS 893-600)
PHONE 405-755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com
Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, P.O. Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $35. elsewhere in Oklahoma $45, elsewhere U.S. $45. Newsstand price $1.
Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, P.O. Box 20340, Okla. City, OK 73156.
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Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Isabella Seranno began her tennis journey at just eight years old.
As a freshman at Amarillo High School, she made history with the most match wins ever recorded on the girls’ team and helped lead the Sandies to a berth in the Texas state tournament.
After a standout junior career, Seranno competed for four years at the NCAA Division II level for the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
A steady presence in both singles and doubles, she was a driving force on the team, known for her competitive spirit and leadership.
In 2023, she was named an Academic All-District honoree, and just recently graduated in May 2025 with a bachelor's degree in English.
Further, in 2024, Seranno was the lead tennis coach at the Hartford Country Club in West Hartford, Connecticut, where she developed programs for players based on age, objectives and skill levels.
Coaching is Seranno’s true passion. She brings valuable experience working with juniors ages 5-18 and adults of all levels, according to Suzanne LaBelle, director of racquet sports and fitness at The Greens.
“Whether you’re picking up a racquet for the first time or fine-tuning your competitive edge, Isabella is committed to helping you grow your game, build confidence, and-most importantly, have fun on the court,” Labelle said.
“We’re thrilled to have her as part of our Racquet Family,” she added. “Help us give her a warm welcome!”
The club is planning to offer Lesson Specials with Coach Izzy during the month of July. Check out The Greens’ website at thegreenscc.com for more details on the specials and other activities.
OKC Parks home to 3 disc golf courses
Often swamped by newly trending sports such as pickleball and padel, disc golf still remains a popular activity for adults and children of all ages.
Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation departments maintains three different disc golf courses throughout the metro area.
The courses are free to play and open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
• Dolese Youth
Park, 5301 NW 50.
Features: 36 total holes on-site with three main layouts; Innova Discatcher baskets; established in 1994.
• Trosper Park, 2300 SE 29th.
Features: Longer course with half park style holes and half wooded holes; front 9 start out a bit easier and more open until crossing the creek on 10, where the holes become much more technical with heavy rough; two pin positions rotate throughout the year; established in 2022.
on a leash. (Dog owners must pick up after their dogs and remove pet waste from the park.)
• No glass containers.
• No littering.
Similar to regular golf, the goal of disc golf is to complete each hole in as few throws, or strokes, as possible.
• Will Rogers Park, 3400 NW 36.
Features: Shorter and more open course great for beginners and families; Innova Discatcher baskets; one of the oldest courses in the world and originally designed by Steady Ed in 1979.
Park rules include:
• No smoking or lighted tobacco.
• All dogs must be
The basic rules and lingo in disc golf are similar to those of traditional golf. In fact, both sports use similar terms like course, hole, par, bogey, and birdie.
Instead of using golf clubs and a golf ball, disc golfers use a flying golf disc to cross the hole. Each hole starts with a teeing area and is completed once the disc lands in the
“hole”, aka disc-catching target.
While disc golf can be played with just one disc, the discs are designed to fly with different characteristics. Different discs can be used to hook and curve around obstacles, roll on the ground, or fly over trees.
Disc golf is considered one of the few individual lifetime sports. It can be played from school age to golden age.
Compared to traditional golf, disc golf is a very inexpensive sport with discs ranging from $8 to $20 and most courses free to play, making it an inclusive sport.
Isabella Seranno recently joined the coaching staff at The Greens Racquet Club.
The OKC Parks and Recreation Department offers three disc golf courses that challenge players both physically and mentally.
ScissorTail Croquet Club hosts Oklahoma Championship
The ScissorTail Croquet Club hosted the annual ScissorTail Oklahoma Championship at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club in early June.
Players came from Houston and Tyler, Texas; Memphis, Tenn.; Naples, Fla.; and Seattle, Wash., attended with the ScissorTail Croquet Club members.
In addition to the stiff competition among the players in the championship and first flights, the weather offered its own challenges. Heavy rains each night along with steady rain on Saturday morning turned the lawns into a squishy, muddy bog, to the point that the Oklahoma Golf & Country Club staff squeegeed the turf to assist.
The play was slow
and usual strategies and plays were not possible.
The players slogged through it all like the seasoned competitors that they are. They were rewarded on Sunday morning for the semi-finals and finals with bright sunshine and courts that had dried off considerably. This meant that now they were playing on a different surface from the days before – faster, more competitive.
This tournament was a double elimination format beginning with the playoffs, so everyone came out of block.
There were 8 participants in each flight that had two chances to advance to the finals.
The competition was stiff!
Championship flight participants from
OCG&CC were Conner Helms, Scott Spradling, and Carl Archiniaco; from Houston, John Brown, George Peterkin, John Watson; from Tyler, Britt Ruby and from Seattle, WA, Tim Rapuano.
First flight players included from OCG&CC Suzanne Spradling; Gene Bryan from Memphis; Tish Peterkin, Georgia Carter, Lee Hamel, Donna Hamel and Nora Watson from Houston; and Ron Rapuano, who traveled from Naples.
First flight finalists were Tish Peterkin (Houston) and Gene Bryan (Memphis). Peterkin had worked her way through the playoffs to the finals with no losses. Bryan suffered one loss and had to play his way
through the consolation bracket. That meant that Bryan would have to beat Peterkin twice to win, which he did!
Both matches were nail-biters with heroic shots from each player.
Championship flight ended up in a similar situation. Britt Ruby
(Tyler) played his way through the playoffs to the finals with no losses. John Brown (Houston) had one loss and then fought his way to the finals through the consolation bracket.
So now he had to beat Britt twice to win. And he did! Both of their matches were exciting with incredible shots executed by both players.
Congratulations to John, Britt, Gene, and Tish and to all the participants who came to play! It was a most challenging and fun tournament.
Above, winners at the ScissorTail Oklahoma Championship croquet tournament include, from left to right, First flight runner-up Tish Peterkin and winner Gene Bryan; Championship flight winner John Brown and runnerup Britt Ruby
Right, players and supporters watch the action at the tournament hosted by the ScissorTail Croquet Club.
As Citizens Bank celebrates its 125th year, the organization remains focused not just on where the bank has been, but on where it’s going.
It’s more than transactions at Citizens Bank
Founded in 1901, Citizens Bank of Edmond has always stood for more than transactions — it’s been a catalyst for Main Street growth, a
champion for small businesses and a force for civic and economic leadership in Oklahoma. We are the oldest metro-Oklahoma City-
JILL CASTILLA President Citizens Bank
chartered bank still in operation—locally owned, privately held, and proudly independent.
As we celebrate our 125th year, we remain focused not just on where we’ve been, but on where we’re going. Under the leadership of President & CEO Jill Castilla—an Army veteran, fourth-generation community banker, and American Banker’s “Community Banker of the Year”— Citizens has become a national model for community-driven innovation.
The bank has earned back-to-back recognition as “Best Team in Banking,” holds patents in financial technology, and ranks among the top small business lenders in Oklahoma. That commitment to business growth extends far beyond traditional banking. Through Vault 405, more than 500 businesses have found a place to start and thrive.
RISE has helped launch over two dozen storefronts since 2020, creating new opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs. And Heard on Hurd—our flagship monthly street festival—has hosted 96 events over 12 seasons, welcomed 2.4 million attendees, and generated more than $100 million in economic impact, supporting over 2,800 full-time jobs across the Greater OKC region.
At Citizens, legacy is not a finish line— it’s a foundation. We honor the families and institutions that built Oklahoma while helping the next generation lead it. The next 125 years start now.
Citizen of the Year Dinner honors Leo Portman
Scouting America Scissortail District of the Last Frontier Council honored Leo Portman during its 2025 Citizen of the Year Award Dinner. At left: Luke Green and Rev. Rex Arnold.
At left: Kathleen Seveson, Carolyn and Dean Higginbotham and Randy Moore. Scout speakers were Pierce Carsey of Troop 15 and Aidan Pemberton of Troop 6201.
Above: Linda Slawson. Kim and Chet Collier and honoree Leo Portman and his daughter Emily. At right: Rob Braver and Pat Rooney.
- Photos by Rose Lane
Celebrating Next Generation Young
professionals are stepping
KRYSTAL YOSEPH
Spark celebrates anniversary!
This June, The Social Order is celebrating the first anniversary of its two newest Spark locations, Chisholm Creek and Nichols Hills Plaza. For Founder Brian Bogert, the Nichols Hills location holds a special place in his life as it’s just down the street from where he grew up, and also adjacent to an early inspiration for the concept.
Having grown up in Fridayland, living in both Quail Creek and Nichols Hills, Brian has always felt a deep connection to the neighborhood. As a child, he was a regular at the Nichols Hills Drugstore lunch counter where he enjoyed his favorite treats, including crinkle fries and custard. These nostalgic childhood memories became his instant inspiration for The Social Order's original concept, a familyfriendly restaurant Spark, known now for their burgers, custard, crinkle fries, and more.
When envisioning Spark, Brian knew he wanted the brand to be rooted in the local Oklahoma City community, and from there the first location of Spark was established in Scissortail Park in 2021.
Since opening in the Plaza last summer, the Nichols Hills location has become a go-to destination, firmly nestled in the middle of the three locations. The anniversary not only marks a milestone for the concept, but also for the restaurant group, as it commemorates a moment of growth for The Social Order.
To celebrate, the Nichols Hill location will host a birthday party on Friday, June 27. The Friday festivities include the one-day-only special Birthday Cake waffle cone and live music by Spaghetti Eddie.
Full anniversary details will be highlighted on Spark’s social media channels @eatatspark.
Nostalgic childhood memories became Brian Bogert’s instant inspiration for The Social Order's original concept, a family-friendly restaurant Spark, known now for their burgers, custard, crinkle fries, and more.
Patricia Browne Award presented
Following the death of his wife, Patricia, Henry Browne established the Patricia Price Browne Prize in Biomedical Ethics and the Children’s Health Foundation Patricia Price Browne Distinguished Chair in Pediatrics in her honor for her tireless work for children. Above, the Browne family, from left: David Hooten, David Hooten, Jr., Whitney Hooten, Henry Browne, Henry Hooten and Matt Browne.
- Photos by Rose Lane
At right: Reshma Jagsi, M.D., D.Phil, is the recipient of the Patricia Price Browne Award in Biomedical Ethics. She is the Lawrence W. Davis professor and chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology and a senior faculty fellow in the Center for Ethics at Emory University. A physician scientist and bioethicist, she is nationally recognized for her work.
At right: Annie Bohanon, Willow and Jim Crice and Robert and Karen Browne.
Military plays a significant role in Rob’s success
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
Rob Allen says Oklahoma City is where his roots are. It’s where he’s chosen to raise a family and build a business.
“Oklahoma City offers the perfect mix of opportunity, values and community,” said Rob in a recent interview. “It’s a city where you can build something meaningful and raise a family in a place that still feels like home.”
Rob attended Westminster School and graduated from Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. Each step of his career has been rooted in service and leadership – first in the Army, then in corporate law and now in real estate.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry while still attending high school at Bishop McGuinness and spent 10 years in the military, serving two tours in Iraq while achieving the rank of captain.
“The Army instilled in me a lifelong commitment to standards, discipline, hard work and service,” he said, “principles that have shaped every step of my career.”
Among his many awards are three Army Commendation Medals, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. He is a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
“I joined the Military Order of the Purple Heart because I’m a recipient and believe in supporting institutions that honor service,” he said. “While I maintain membership, I’ve found deeper alignment and fulfillment through involvement in other veterans’ organization whose leadership and focus more closely reflect my values, including the National Guard Association of Oklahoma, the American Legion, the Military Officers Association of America, the U.S. Cavalry Association and the Association of the United States Army.
He is involved in veterans’ organizations both in government and nonprofit capacities.
“I serve on the Oklahoma Veterans Commission as a Governor-appointed Commissioner,” he said. “I’ve previously served as president of the Thunderbird Chapter of the Association of
the United States Army and as chairman of the Board for the Warriors for Freedom Foundation.”
“I join these organizations to show my support and stay connected to those who’ve served,” he added. “It’s important to me to remain engaged in the broader military community and continue honoring the values we shared in uniform.”
Rob earned his bachelor of arts from the University of Central Oklahoma and graduated magna cum laude with a juris doctorate from the Oklahoma City University School of Law. While at OCU, he was a member of the OCU Law Review, Holloway Inn of Court, and president of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honors Fraternity.
Rob is also a member of the St. Joseph’s Society and the Oklahoma Bar Association.
“After earning my law degree, I worked as in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 oil and gas company where I gained valuable experience supporting
complex business operation,” he said.
“In 2015, I brought those values into real estate and co-founded Sage Realty Partners. We built a strong local reputation focused on excellence, integrity and results.”
Today, Rob is CEO and managing broker of Sage Sotheby’s International Realty. He led Sage Realty Partners to be one of the top producing and fastest-growing independent real estate brokerages in the Oklahoma City metro before affiliating with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand in 2019.
“Not long after founding Sage Realty Partners, we were approached by Sotheby’s International Realty and ultimately launched the first and only affiliate in Oklahoma,” he said. “I found that our culture was closely aligned with theirs – especially in our shared commitment to be the best in our field. Since then, Sage Sotheby’s International Realty has grown into one of the region’s top luxury broker-
ROOTED IN SERVICE
ages, driven by a focus on leadership, accountability and service.
“I’m a standards-driven leader, and real estate allows me to create highperforming collaborative organizations built on a culture of excellence,” he said. “I enjoy helping people achieve their goals — whether that’s a family finding their perfect home or an agent growing into a top producer. Real estate is where leadership, service and strategy intersect.”
Rob has been married to his wife Jennifer for 11 years.
“We were introduced through a mutual friend shortly after I finished law school,” he said about Jennifer. “She’s been an incredible partner and the foundation of everything we’ve built.”
The couple has four children – three sons aged 14, 16 and 22, and a daughter who is 9. The Allen’s are parishioners of Christ the King Catholic Church and members of the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club.
YWCA offers hope for victims of domestic violence
By Lillie-Beth Brinkman
Special to OKC FRIDAY
On a recent Saturday, Angela Beatty was excited to get dressed up and celebrate all the things that YWCA Oklahoma City does to care for the community, as well the friends and supporters of the organization.
She was getting ready for the night’s 22nd annual Purple Sash Gala, which raises funds to help fulfill the YWCA’s mission of caring for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. She said the people who attend are focused on meeting the clients’ needs and advocating them that it’s nice to see them in a social setting. She also loves that it’s a chance for donors and members of the community to meet members of the team.
“It’s just an incredible time for the community to come together,” said Beatty, who is the YWCA’s vice president of programs and engagement. Purple Sash “is one of my favorite events, because we all get really fancy.”
Beatty said she grew up in a family for
whom public service was huge.
“Community engagement and involvement have always been a part of my life,” she said. “I couldn’t image doing something that wasn’t helping.”
Beatty started working at the YWCA 13 years ago as a community advocate. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Tulsa and a master’s degree in social work from the University Oklahoma. Prior to joining the YWCA, she was a child welfare specialist for several years and has also worked with children who had incarcerated parents, among other roles.
She realized that working at the YWCA was exactly what she wanted to do – helping women develop healthy relationships. She has always wanted to advocate for people she serves, and she has gotten to do that with “hundreds of survivors” through the YWCA. She has learned over the years that different systems – like law enforcement, social service providers and others – often fail the people who find them-
selves in a domestic violence situation.
She wants to improve those systems. A lack of understand ing about what coercion and control really mean for domestic violence victims contributes to the problems, Beatty said. It is difficult for survivors to break free because the abuse is often mental an they don’t realize that it’s happening until late.
“It’s so much more than physical. It really is all about controlling someone and using a menagerie of tactics to maintain that control,” Beatty said. “Offenders do things to make you doubt your own perception and reality. They make you question your own sanity.”
She equates that per ception with an ice sculpture – sculpted lit tle by little, by slowly chipping away the ice. The offender chips away a victim’s selfesteem slowly.
Beatty said she has made it her mission to help people understand. She sits on the state’s domestic violence fatality review and the child death review boards. She gives a lot of community presentations about the issues. She serves
on the Commission on the Status of Women and has served on multiple task forces. Meanwhile, she jumps at every opportunity she has to work directly with clients – often filling in when people are absent. In an interview she was quick to celebrate the stories of clients who have thrived after getting help for domestic violence as well as those at the YWCA who help them.
“I really appreciate and am grateful for the opportunity to get to spend my days elevating the stories of the people we serve,” Beatty said. “What we do is offer hope and create a pathway (for clients.”
Brandon Pasley, the YWCA’s VP of operations and compliance, and Angela Beatty, VP of programs and engagement.
From left are Luke, Will, Robby, Jennifer, Audrey and Rob Allen.
By Rose Lane Editor
Oklahoma City is truly a Big League City
Oklahoma City is truly thriving.
Rich Johnson is an attorney with McAfee & Taft and president of the Board of Trustees for the Oklahoma City Ballet. He said he feels fortunate to be living in OKC at this point in time.
“Our city is thriving –the Big League City moniker is applicable to so much more than our beloved Oklahoma City Thunder,” he said. “But the most exciting part of it all is that we are just getting started. I am happy to do my small part to make a difference in this city that I am so proud to call home!”
Rich also has served on event planning committees for St. Jude-Oklahoma and Science Museum Oklahoma. He is serving on the City of Nichols Hills Centennial Committee and Flag Design Sub-Committee.
Growing up in Perry, Rich said his parents worked very hard to provide for him and his sister, Merri. His mom, Kerri, was a school teacher, and his father, Rick, was with the Charles Machine Works, the parent company of Ditch Witch.
“Because of that I have been very blessed and consider myself lucky to be in a position to share those blessings with others,” he said. “We are all in this together and I believe that each of us has a duty to
share our time, treasure and talent to make this city a better, safer, happier, more accepting place for each and every human (and animal).”
After graduating from Perry High School, he spent eight years in Norman at the University of Oklahoma. He earned a degree in accounting and an MBA before continuing on to law school.
Rich joined McAfee & Taft in 2013.
“I am not sure what exactly made me want to be an attorney, but for just about as long as I can remember that was my career plan,” he said.
His legal practice spans a broad spectrum of the law including economic development financing and real estate, probate, non-profit law, tax, estate planning, and other general corporate matters.
“One of the best parts of my job is working with several clients that are also my friends. This makes celebrating their successes that much more rewarding,” Rich said.
Wife Lauren and Rich met on his first day at McAfee & Taft. She started a few months before Rich did.
Just over a year later, Lauren moved to Crowe & Dunlevy where she practices estate planning with her mom, Cynda Ottaway. Rich’s father-in-law, Larry, is also an attorney.
“A year or two later we were married and I am very
grateful to have the privilege of doing life with such a remarkable partner,” Rich said.
A role model is a person whose behavior in a certain role is imitated by others, Rich said.
“As a young child my role models were probably sports figures (Jerry Rice, Michael Jordan, Rickey Henderson) with countless hours spent imitating them – to no avail, as one thing my parents did not bless me with was any sort of athletic ability.” Rich said.
“Throughout life my parents have taught me many lessons (some several times) and constantly led by example and have been my everpresent role models.
“In my dozen plus years at McAfee & Taft one person I have very much admired is Frank Hill – he has set the example for giving back to this community that gives so much to us.”
Rich has a 19-yearold daughter who rises to the sophomore class at OU in the fall. She is currently an intern with Sunbeam Family Services through the Inasmuch Foundation Community Fellowship Program.
When she returns to campus in the fall, she is to be one of the university’s official student ambassadors with the Crimson Club.
“I am obviously very proud of her,” he said.
IN A POSITION TO SHARE
Rounding out the family are two cats, Leo and Jai Ja, and a Dalmatian, Allie, all adopted from the OK Humane Society.
“We love them big,” Rich said.
Homeless are our neighbors, they deserve a home
By Lillie-Beth Brinkman Special to OKC FRIDAY
While earning her master’s degree in social work, Meghan Mueller served as an intern at the Homeless Alliance more than 11 years ago and accidentally found the agency where she wanted to spend her career. At the time, she was one of about 15 employees at the Oklahoma City agency.
Today, she leads a team of about 160 to 170 employees in her role as president and CEO of the Homeless Alliance, with a mission to rally the community to end homelessness, according to its website.
Mueller became the second head of the agency in 2023, after the retirement of Dan Straughan, the organization’s founder.
She credited Straughan with having a “humongous impact” on her life, noting that when she was an intern she walked into his office with the idea of having an art show featuring art from the guests the Homeless Alliance served. His response?
“Sounds good. Let’s try it,” Mueller said. The Fresh stART show was born, with the artists receiving art sale proceeds. That show continues today. Mueller noted that
the freedom to innovate and be creative drew her into the organization, as did the resilience and creativity of her coworkers and the people they serve.
“That really hooked me as well,” Mueller said.
The Homeless Alliance has several programs to serve the homeless. It operates a resource campus with access to nonprofit and government agencies providing services including housing, health clinics, veterans services, budgeting and legal assistance.
The campus also includes Oklahoma City's only “low-barrier” Day Shelter and a Winter Shelter, meaning they have fewer access barriers. Finally, the Homeless Alliance operates four low-barrier employment programs – the Curbside Chronicle, Curbside Flowers, Sasquatch Shaved Ice and Curbside Apparel.
“Collaboration is a huge part of our organizational DNA,” Mueller said noting that the Homeless Alliance collaborates with dozens of community partners, government agencies and other area shelters and has staff members embedded at some of them. That model has served the alliance well for decades.
“Homelessness is a really big and com -
plex issue, and we recognize that no one agency can solve it alone,” she said. “We truly believe that we’re stronger together and there's just so much value in working together and leaning into our areas of expertise and relying on partners to help us.”
After Mueller graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Oklahoma, she taught for a couple of years before realizing that a career in educa -
tion wasn’t her passion. She later found social work, earning her master’s degree from OU.
“I couldn’t believe that it was a job,” Mueller said about social work. “It just felt so perfect for me.”
Since joining the alliance, she has worked in roles that include grant-writing, administration, program design and implementation. Her experience also includes advocacy, providing support to social workers
throughout the community, managing the citywide list of people experiencing homelessness and analyzing data to improve the system.
Mueller believes that housing is a basic human right and that all neighbors deserve the dignity of a place to call home, her biography notes. She wants people to know that people experiencing homelessness are people at their core.
“They're human beings. These are people’s moms, dads, sis -
HELPING
ters, brothers. These are people who really aren’t that different than you or me. They just are having a hard time,” she said.
“The more that we can do to really humanize the issue, the more we can create opportunities for neighbors to have positive interactions with each other.” Mueller lives in Oklahoma City and enjoys spending time with her husband Andy and their daughters Emma and Nora.
Nora, Meghan Mueller, Andy and Emma.
Richard and Lauren Ottaway Johnson
Next Generation of Most Powerful
For Vivid, hard work conquers everything
By Rose Lane Editor
Whether he’s in the courtroom, in the middle of a deal, or just out hiking Oklahoma trails, Vivid Niroula, founder of Niroula Law, tries to bring the same mindset: focus, grit and commitment.
“Oklahoma is full of resilient, hardworking people who take pride in building something of their own — whether it’s a business, a home, or a legacy,” he said. “That’s the spirit I try to reflect in my work every day.”
Vivid began his education in a Catholic school, which he said gave him an early foundation in discipline and curiosity. He took some classes at the University of Central Oklahoma before earning an associate’s degree in business from Oklahoma City Community College, a BBA and MBA from Cameron University in Lawton and a juris doctorate from the OU School of Law.
Spending over a decade in sales before founding Niroula Law in 2023, Vivid, 39, said he learned the importance of truly listening to people, understanding their needs and going the extra mile to serve them well.
“I’ve always believed that every person’s situation deserves individual attention — not a one-size-fits-all solution,” Vivid said.
“That belief, rooted in values like hard work, stewardship and integrity, is what led
me to start my own practice.”
Niroula Law focuses on business and real estate law, serving the needs of entrepreneurs, lenders, investors, real estate professionals and business owners.
“At my core, I’m a problem solver. A lot of people picture lawyers as suits arguing obscure legal points in courtrooms — but that’s not how I see it,” he said. “Legal issues rarely appear out of nowhere; they come from real life — business decisions, property disputes, broken promises, family dynamics, life transitions.
“I see the law as a tool to solve real problems for real people.”
Being an advocate fuels Vivid. “It’s my passion,” he said.
“There’s no greater honor than standing beside someone when they’re facing one of the hardest moments in their life and helping them find a way forward.
Whether you call it service, ambition or just a raw desire to protect and empower others, I see it as my mission.”
Building the firm involved everything from securing an office and setting up the right tech, to assembling a support team, managing marketing and most importantly, earning trust by delivering excellent work, consistently.
“It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding,” Vivid said.
Sam Walton, founder
of Walmart, is one of Vivid’s role models.
“His work ethic, humility and focus on serving others made a lasting impression on me. His book Made in America was transformative — it showed how staying true to your values, even while building something massive, can lead to real success.”
He is an active member of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, which supports access to justice and legal aid across the state. Vivid is also an active member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and the Oklahoma County Bar Association, both of which provide opportunities to give back
through pro bono work and community service initiatives.
While free time is rare, Vivid tries to make it count. Passionate about health and staying active, he is often in the gym doing kettlebell or weight training.
“I also train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a local OKC gym and sneak in a round of golf whenever my schedule allows,” Vivid said.
Traveling is another big part of his life.
“I love hiking and trekking — I’ve trekked the Himalayas, hiked Machu Picchu, camped in remote parts of Alaska, walked the ancient streets of Old City Jerusalem and explored
the trails around Mount Scott here at home in Oklahoma,” Vivid said. “I’m always excited to explore a new country through its landscapes and food culture.
Whether it’s exploring the world or staying grounded at home, I try to live life with intention, passion and curiosity.”
Although he didn’t take a straight path to get to law, he said he has built a career by showing up, solving problems and earning trust.
“The law isn’t just mundane work — it’s how I serve the people and businesses moving this state forward,” Vivid said. “Labor omnia vincit — as
PROBLEM SOLVER
reflected in our state motto — reminds me that hard work conquers all and that principle still guides everything I do.”
Family is important to him.
“I’m not married, yet, and my mom doesn’t let me forget it! She’s always asking when she’s finally going to get some grandkids, a gentle (but persistent) reminder of how much family means to us,” Vivid said. “I have two sisters who are both married — one lives in Denver, Colo., and the other in Key West, Fla. I try to visit my mom, my sisters, and all my nieces and nephews whenever I get the chance.”
It is an honor to serve families in need as a funeral director
By Rose Lane Editor
As a funeral director, Andrew Ousley has learned a lot about living in the present.
“(My career) has given me a prospective on life to enjoy people now and not later,” he said.
Andrew’s dad worked in a funeral home in high school and college in Lawton where the whole Ousley family was familiar with the folks who owned the operation.
“Growing up, they served all of my family, and I always thought they handled themselves so professionally but took care of people,” Andrew said. “I knew as a young kid that I would love to do this work one day.”
Andrew himself was born and raised in Oklahoma City. His dad was a Village police officer for 25 years and his mom is dentist in Quail Creek.
“I am an Oklahoman through and through,” he said.
While at Deer Creek High School, Andrew played lacrosse with the club team, the Oklahoma City Knights. Members of the team were from other high schools, but most of the games were at Casady School.
“Lacrosse was just growing here locally when I was in elementary school, since then it has exploded here in OKC and in Tulsa as well,” he said.
After going on recruiting visiting to Division 1 and Division 3 schools, Andrew made the decision to stay in Oklahoma and play lacrosse at the University of Oklahoma.
OU Lacrosse is a member of the MCLA, which is a club lacrosse governing body, similar to the NCAA.
He said this league is made up of all of the larger schools who do not have varsity lacrosse.
Because the NCAA Division 1 schools are so few and far between, athletes choose the MCLA as an alternative, giving lacrosse players more options to play high level, competitive lacrosse.
But, OU doesn’t have a mortuary program. Andrew said he instead studied advertising with the intent of going on to law school.
“After several tests and long hours, I put a hold on my law school dream and just needed something to do,” he said. “I found a cemetery position for hire at Rose Hill Burial Park and I took the leap into the industry.”
After two years, Andrew returned to the University of Central Oklahoma to earn a second bachelors degree in funeral service and received his funeral director and embalmers license in August, 2021.
bury, Texas.
He is a now a director at HahnCook/Street & Draper and is involved with a men’s lacrosse league that supports other people who love lacrosse, as well.
Serving people in another capacity, Andrew said he and his wife Taylor join counselors from all over the country to volunteer at El Tesoro De La Vida Grief Camp, a camp for kids who have lost an immediate loved one. It is a seven-day camp in Grand-
“As a funeral director, it is so meaningful to be able to just help kids be kids while they struggle on their grief journey,” Andrew said. “It is just like a normal summer camp with hiking, canoeing, archery, crafts, etc, just with other kids who have also lost someone so close to them.”
His father is Andrew’s role model.
“He has inspired me to be such a better person and to always work hard,” Andrew said. “He loves people so much and challenges people to
always be their very best.
“If I ever need advice, he has plenty for me — whether I like it or not. I look up to my dad so much.”
Living a life of service is at the forefront for Andrew.
“I would just say how important serving Oklahoma City is to me and it truly is an honor to serve families in their time of need,” he said.
His wife Taylor is a first grade teacher in the Deer Creek School District. They are expecting their first child in December.
Andrew and Taylor Ousley
While free time is rare for attorney Vivid Niroula, he loves to travel.
Next Generation of Most Powerful Oklahomans
New York transplant says passion for OKC is contagious
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
Tyler Tokarczyk grew up in North Tonawanda, N.Y., a suburb of Buffalo and Niagara Falls near the Canadian border. He earned a BA in Journalism from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. and then moved to Oklahoma City on a whim, “looking for a new experience.”
Today, Tyler is senior program officer for Inasmuch Foundation and this October he and his wife Ariel are to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.
“I moved to Oklahoma City after college only expecting to be in OKC for a few years,” he said. “But I’m still here 13 years later.
“I started as an intern at Inasmuch Foundation 13 years ago and now am a senior program officer,” he said. “I work closely with the Foundation’s education, workforce and journalism grantees. This includes helping them apply for Inasmuch Foundation grants, but also helping them navigate challenges, think strategically and facilitate partnerships.”
Tyler earned an MBA from the University of Oklahoma in 2019 and thinks of himself as “an empathetic person which led me to be a journalist and tell other people’s stories.”
“When I started as an intern at Inasmuch Foundation, I knew very little about grant making, but quickly became enthralled,” he said. “The ability to help advance the mission of organizations across the community is incredibly rewarding and continues to be my ‘why’.”
Tyler says the best thing about his job is the enthusiasm he sees for the community.
“The passion of our community, for our community, is conta -
gious and makes it easy to come to work every day,” he said.
“Just about every day I have a conversation with someone who is passionate about making OKC a better place,” he said. “Those conversations range from how to make OKC the best city in the world to raise a family, to what is the future of journalism, news and information, to the best practices for treatment and recovery, to pushing OKC to become the innovations and entrepreneurship hub of the midwest.”
Tyler is involved with many organizations in the city and is currently board chairman for ReMerge and the Oklahoma Media Center.
“I also serve on the boards of Oklahoma Public School Resource Center, The Verge OKC and the MAPS 4 Innovations District Subcommittee,” he said. “I wish I was able to plug and advocate for each of them (and many others) in this interview, but know I can’t fit it all in. Instead, I will encourage everyone to connect with a nonprofit addressing a cause you’re passionate about and give your time, talent, and or treasure.”
then makes it come true,” he said.
“For example, over the past 13 years I’ve seen MAPS projects like the Whitewater Center and Scissortail come to life and neighborhood districts like Plaza, Paseo and Midtown completely transform.
Tyler said he has been fortunate to live in Oklahoma City during a period of “amazing growth.”
“It’s special to live in a city that casts a vision for the future and
“And in just a few more years OKC will host Olympic events, open a new NBA arena, and welcome back professional soccer at a downtown stadium,” he added.
“It’s exciting to dream about what
ADVANCING THE MISSION
the next decade might bring to our city, while also understanding it’s an enormous responsibility for my generation of leaders to continue OKC’s momentum.”
Tyler and Ariel, who met 10 years ago through mutual friends at Teach for America, enjoy traveling with their young daughter Katherine who celebrated her first birthday this spring. Together they aspire to visit every Major League baseball stadium in America.
Krystal makes other people sparkle
By Lance McDaniel OKC FRIDAY Columnist
Krystal Yoseph is a connector. She connects businesses and people with media outlets that are looking for stories to tell.
She is a storyteller. She crafts messages, stories, and media plans that help define organizations, introduce new concepts, and relaunch existing businesses.
Krystal Yoseph is the founder and CEO of Konjo Concepts, an Oklahoma City based marketing, media and public relations consultancy that recently celebrated its seventh anniversary. She and her team provide a hands-on, strategic approach to every phase of the project cycle, from conception to execution to feedback to revision.
Krystal is a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma. She moved to Washington D.C. after graduation and launched her PR career working for luxury lifestyle publications, the National Restaurant Association, and ultimately a boutique public relations firm.
“Gaining my first job in PR and earning my keep at such a respected firm in Washington DC was incredible; I
worked with everything from local mom and pop shops to world-renowned celebrity chefs, specializing in hospitality PR for two years and directing that department for the agency,” she said.
When she returned home, she worked with PR guru Tracey Zeeck at Bumpershoot PR before launching her own business, Konjo Concepts.
Krystal established Konjo Concepts to help amplify and bolster small businesses and local organizations. Her current client list is proof that her approach is working.
It includes many of the most talked about local businesses: Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen OKC, Spark, Elisabetta, deadCenter Film Festival, and Bethany Children’s Health Center. Konjo helps those businesses succeed by ensuring that you hear about them and read about them, in the media outlets that you pay attention to most.
“Starting Konjo Concepts in 2018 in response to a layoff was by far the biggest accomplishment, second only to the effort it takes to run a PR firm through the pandemic and in an ever-changing industry and social scape as a solo practi-
tioner,” Krystal said.
Konjo means beautiful in Amharic, the national language of Ethiopia. Yoseph chose the name as a tribute to her father, an Ethiopian immigrant, because her goal is to leave a beauty mark on everything she touches.
“I celebrated seven years in business on January 2, 2025 and I’m proud to have built a firm on being a trusted consultant for a roster of incredible clients and reputation in being an advocate for the advancement of our city, its people and culture,” she said.
Krystal is successful at attracting attention to her clients because she is plugged into the community in a meaningful way and understands the pulse of the city. She serves on the board for Leadership OKC, Oklahoma Contemporary, Dress for Success, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. She chairs events like deadCenter’s Glitterball, promotes film premieres and major concerts, and leads communication efforts for the new Freedom Center.
Krystal said she is a proud Oklahoman.
“But, growing up was also fun for me as I was steeped in my Ethiopian culture and traditions on some
weekends and most of summer break when I’d visit my Dad. My Dad moved to Dallas when I was a kid and worked really hard to get the majority of his siblings to the United States. I think navigating the nuances, care and inclusion between both sides of my family really shaped me as an obser-
vant (and well-traveled!) child — qualities that have undoubtedly shaped me as an adult.”
She said her parents are her biggest cheerleaders.
“They spoil my dog Romeo even more than I do, and I’m so grateful to have their support as I forge ahead with my business,” Krystal said.
“My Mom worked at Bethany Children’s Health Center for nearly 40 years and I definitely got my entrepreneurial spirit from my Dad.
“They are still great friends to this day, and it’s a blessing that I get to share my life and experiences with them in the front row.”
Tyler Tokarczyk with wife Ariel and their daughter Katherine.
Krystal Yoseph
Caretaker Chats are included in general admission and a great way to learn more about the Zoo’s animals from the experts caring for them.
A wild summer starts at OKC Zoo!
The Oklahoma City Zoo offers an adventure like no other as you connect with the world’s wildlife!
Explore Expedition Africa, the Zoo’s latest and largest-ever expansion. This impressive undertaking shines a new spotlight on the Zoo’s African animal family, from the beloved pride of African lions and engaging herd of giraffes to the colony of naked mole rats and mobs of meerkats and dwarf mongooses.
The centerpiece of Expedition Africa is the renovated Love’s Pachyderm Building, home to reptiles, fish, and small mammals native to Africa. It’s also where guests will find a commemorative statue (coming this summer) of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” singer Gayla Peevey and Matilda, the Zoo’s first hippopotamus, purchased with donations from children across Oklahoma.
The OKC Zoo also boasts an exhibit unique to our great state, Oklahoma Trails. This naturalistic habitat features grizzly and black bears, bison, elk, and otter, plus 11
unique life zones, including the grassy Black Mesa and the rolling Ozark Highlands. Then trek to Sanctuary Asia, the Zoo’s nearly 7-acre sanctuary space for endangered animals from Asia, to see Asian elephants, red pandas and Komodo dragons, then enjoy a tasty bite at the Lotus Café.
But there’s more than just seeing wildlife from across the globe with the Zoo’s rides and animal encounters. Giraffe, lorikeet, and rhino feedings plus stingray touching experiences, making every visit more memorable. Caretaker Chats are included in general admission and a great way to learn more about the Zoo’s animals from the experts caring for them.
The best way to see the Zoo is as a ZOOfriends member. A ZOOfriends membership includes free general admission for a full year, in-park savings, and discounts on select special events tickets. The OKC Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m. Purchase tickets and plan your day at okczoo.org.
“Oklahoma!” opened in 1943, surely not without many reviews and edits.
Let Retirement Investment Advisors
shine a spotlight on your planning
The musical “Oklahoma!” opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre in 1943. Its success propelled our state to renewed exposure. Did you know that it was originally titled “Away We Go!?”
Okhistory.org reports that Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rogers had originally acquired “Green Grow the Lilacs” script for musical adaptation. After the preview production in Connecticut, Rogers and Hammerstein changed the name, added two more songs, including the title number and the show opened in New York with enormous success lasting over five years and with more than 2,200 performances. We can imagine the numerous reviews and edits that the musical must have endured. Each carefully crafted edit added another layer to elevate the production.
As with most things in life, a second look can provide clarity to
improve a score and reach the final goal. The plans we create for our future also need to be refined and retirement planning is no exception.
Planning for retirement can be complicated. If one factor is overlooked, there could be significant negative results. The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, of Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc., confidentially provide plans that are designed just for you, your circumstances, and your goals.
With offices in Oklahoma and Texas, we have a team of advisors to guide you through each step of your financial journey. We gladly offer complimentary “second look” consultations to ensure your retirement goals are in line and are on track.
We are excited to shine a spotlight on all stages of your retirement just as they did in the musical production of “Oklahoma!”
Celebrating Tourism
Sports-anchored entertainment district to include multipurpose stadium
Russell Westbrook is a lead in sports entertainment district
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
Populous, a global design firm recognized for its expertise in world class sports and entertainment venues, has been tapped as master architect for Oklahoma City’s new sports-anchored entertainment district located just south of the city’s Bricktown District. The project is led by Echo Investment Capitol (Echo), Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) and Robinson Park.
Populous has already been named to design the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium that is to anchor the new district. The design firm has a portfolio that includes the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.
“Populous brings world-renowned expertise and a deep understanding of how to design spaces that anchor community and catalyze growth,” said Christian Kanady, founding partner and CEO of Echo Investment Capital. “Their leadership in shaping both the stadium and the surrounding sport anchored entertainment district ensure a cohesive, transformative vision — one that reflets OKC’s momentum and connects our most vibrant districts in powerful new ways.”
NBA Superstar Russell Westbrook will serve as creative director for the project.
“We’re not just building a sports anchored entertainment district –we’re reimagining how a city comes together,” said Russell Westbrook, founder of RWE. “I’m personally bringing everything I’ve seen and experienced around the worlddesign, culture, energy – to help create something that’s never been done before in OKC.
“I’m proud to be a part of a vision that’s not just about building but about belonging. A place where people from every neighborhood feels seen, connected and inspired.”
The $71 million multipurpose stadium includes a United States Soccer
Federation (USSF)-approved pitch, seating for approximately 12,300 guests, locker rooms and suites. Construction on the stadium is expected to begin this fall with a projected opening in spring of 2027.
The stadium is to be home to a new minor-league soccer team and will be used for other events like high school football championships and outdoor concerts.
The MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium project is dedicating $41 million toward construction.
Oklahoma City voters approved the sales tax to fund MAPS 4 in a 2019 special election moving forward with a unique and ambitious plan to transform our community. In 2022, the OKC City Council voted to revise the MAPS 4 implementation plan, increasing the estimated revenue projected for MAPS 4 by $100 million to almost $1.1 billion. The temporary penny sales tax funding MAPS 4 began April 1, 2020, and ends in 2028.
MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary penny sales tax projected to raise $1.07 billion over eight years. More than 70 percent of MAPS 4 funding is dedicated to neighborhood and human needs. The rest is for quality of life and job-creating initiatives.
As the majority owner of OKC’s professional soccer club, Echo is driving the OKC for Soccer movement and is to operate the stadium, the future home to both women’s and men’s teams.
When the multipurpose stadium is completed downtown Oklahoma City will be home to the NBA Thunder basketball, OKC Comets AAA affiliate to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the new professional soccer club yet to be named.
Over time, Echo plans to develop the surrounding area into a sportscentered entertainment district. When the area develops, visitors can walk from restaurants, retail stores and residences to attend a wide variety of events and activities in the new entertainment district.
Dr. Mautra Jones to be inducted into Oklahoma Hall of Fame
Oklahoma City Community College President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones will be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame this fall. Oklahoma’s highest honor, this recognition celebrates Dr. Jones’ extraordinary leadership and contributions in education, service, and her unwavering dedication to the state of Oklahoma.
Raised in Ardmore, Dr. Jones has dedicated her life’s work to creating opportunities for Oklahomans at home and abroad. With her appointment as president of OCCC — the state’s fourth-largest institution of higher education — in 2022, she made Oklahoma history as both the first woman and first person of color to lead OCCC, and as the first and only African American woman to lead any institution of higher education in Oklahoma that is not an HBCU. Since stepping into the role, she has greatly impacted higher education policy and led the college into a new era of growth, national recognition, and student-focused innovation.
Under her leadership, OCCC has:
• Been named a top online college by Newsweek
• Awarded more than 17,000 micro-credentials in the past year alone.
• Held tuition flat for seven consecutive years — making it the most affordable college in Oklahoma.
• Earned a top 10 national ranking for its online psychology program (Forbes Advisor).
• Been designated a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, among many other notable achievements.
Dr. Jones’ professional impact extends far beyond OCCC. She previously provided executive leadership to higher education and nonprofit institutions, where she strengthened
both fundraising efforts and institutional strategy. Her leadership also is felt throughout the civic and business sectors. She currently serves on the boards of BancFirst and BancFirst Corp., Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Oklahoma Watch. She serves on the advisory board for OKC for Soccer. She is also a member of the Higher Learning Commission’s Credential Lab Advisory Board, as well as Rutgers University’s MSI Presidential Mentor program.
Dr. Jones is also active in Young President’s Organization (YPO), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Rotary Club 29.
Her transformational leadership has been recognized nationally by Forbes, Fortune and Black Enterprise, and she was recently named one of the “Top 10 Black Higher Education CEOs to Watch.”
“Being inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is deeply humbling,” said Dr. Jones. “It’s a full-circle moment — to be honored by the state that raised me, and to represent the communities and institutions that continue to shape my life’s work.”
Dr. Jones shares her journey with her husband, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones II, and their three children. Her ability to lead with purpose while remaining grounded in family and faith has made her a role model to students and professionals across the country.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Jones went on to receive her MBA from the University of Phoenix at San Diego and her doctorate from Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Peabody College.
The 2025 Oklahoma Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place on Nov. 13, at the Arvest Convention Center in Tulsa.
