Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Oklahoma for 2023. The state's cultural richness, historical significance, and diverse contributions across industries make it a distinctive part of the United States. Tulsa, in particular, became known as the ‘Oil Capital of the World’ as the discovery of oil in the early 20th century led to an oil boom, and the state has remained a significant player in the energy sector since. As the industry and economy continue to thrive, many women in Oklahoma have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields as business leaders, contributing to the economic vitality and development of the state. From pioneering CEOs driving innovation in healthcare and philanthropy to those invested in education and community development, the accomplished leaders on this year’s list exemplify resilience and ingenuity. Their influence extends far beyond corporate boardrooms, serving as inspirational figures for future generations of women seeking success in business and beyond.
The distinguished leaders on this year's list were carefully chosen through a thorough analysis of hundreds of nominations, considering their accomplished professional milestones, demonstrated domain expertise, and career longevity. Among the awardees, Amy Avitabile, Senior Director of E3 Airborne Warning & Control System Programs at Boeing, stands out with extensive experience as a military and commercial aircraft engineer and program manager in the aviation and aerospace industry. Additionally, Krista Roberts, the Chief Executive Officer of St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, is acknowledged as one of Oklahoma's most admired CEOs. Furthermore, Katie McKnight, a Partner in EY's Seattle office, brings 15 years of diverse industry experience and is nationally recognized as a top mentor and training facilitator.
We commend these individuals for their commitment to the organizations they serve. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Oklahoma for 2023.
3. Katie McKnight
Partner, EY
As a Partner in EY’s Seattle office, Katie McKnight has 15 years of experience serving clients across diverse industries including SaaS, leasing, oil and gas, retail service companies, and agriculture operations. She has served clients of varying sizes, including Fortune 500 companies, international conglomerates, small family-owned businesses, and start-ups. She has worked with both privately-owned companies and SEC registrants and assisted companies with equity offerings. EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people, and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform, and operate.
Prior to this role, she served the firm for three years in New York City as a resident in their National Professional Practice group. This role focused on technical accounting research, monitoring standard-setting, and technical publication writing. Her industry experience is primarily focused on all aspects of oil and gas. Her experience gives her a unique perspective to support her clients, blending her technical knowledge and deep industry background and network with her proven ability to lead clients and teams through complex and challenging experiences to deliver high-quality, on-time results. McKnight earned an MS and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Oklahoma State University.
She regularly speaks at industry events including AICPA conferences, NAPAC, API, and others.
She also has led numerous people initiatives including scheduling, recruiting, and mentorship, and has been recognized as a top mentor and top training facilitator nationally. Outside of work, she is passionate about volunteering her time with the United Way of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University School of Accounting Advisory Board, and as a Board Member for the Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County, and Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma, among other organizations. In October 2014, she was named one of IonOK's 30 Under 30 Next Gen award recipients for her work both professionally and within the community. In October 2020, she was named one of Oklahoma State University's Spears School of Business Outstanding Young Alumni.
4. Linda Arredondo
Chief Information Officer & Executive Vice President, Express Employment Professionals
Linda Arredondo is the Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President of Express Employment Professionals. As CIO, Arredondo leads Express through an IT transformation, implementing integration tools to help current systems work better together while determining an Enterprise Architecture Strategy to modernize and transform technology delivery, system-wide. She plays an instrumental role in ensuring their data is secure, systems are efficient and processes are fully supported from a technical standpoint. With an impressive and diverse career in information technology spanning 20 years, Arredondo previously worked at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation as director of information technology and CIO, as well as with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation as the Chief Technology Officer.
Most recently, Arredondo served as the director of research and executive advisor within the CIO Practice at Info-Tech Research Group, where she served as a trusted counselor to IT and business executives in diverse industries around the globe. This role offered Arredondo the opportunity to leverage her diverse IT experience and business acumen to provide innovative perspectives and solutions that alleviated the top IT challenges that impact the holistic success of the business.
A technologist first and a servant leader at heart, Arredondo's professional expertise will allow her to utilize her knowledge to help Express further reach its goal of putting a million people to work and doing good in the communities we serve. "Within the communities I have visited, Express' positive reputation and culture of caring are consistently demonstrated, not only through connecting people with jobs but also through the company's acts of social responsibility”, she says. Collectively, Arredondo's experience allows her to strategically help Express identify opportunities for improvement as related to growth and connection to franchisees, client companies, and associates. Her background lends itself to handling new and exciting opportunities in both staffing and franchising as the company dives into a new decade and beyond. "By renewing our commitment to providing world-class customer service, I hope to empower the Express IT team to clear pathways to drive innovation through technology to achieve greatness”, Arredondo said.
A graduate of St. Gregory's University with an undergraduate degree in business administration, summa cum laude, Linda’s approach to education is rooted in the philosophy that lifelong learning is a valuable and meaningful endeavor. Professionally, she's an active member of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO) and is a 2018 graduate of their Leadership Native Oklahoma program. Giving back to the community, she currently serves as secretary on the Board of Directors for The Kwek Society and treasurer on the Board of Directors for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Tribal Chapter - Shkodedeajek.
5. Elizabeth Carson
Senior Vice President, Family Wealth Director, Portfolio Management Director, & Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Elizabeth Carson is a Senior Vice President, Portfolio Management Director, and Financial Advisor with Carson Roberds Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Elizabeth focuses on financial planning and comprehensive portfolio management for business owners, professionals, and families.
Building upon her background in accounting, Elizabeth began her career in the financial services industry in 1997 as a financial advisor with BOSC, and in 2004 she joined Morgan Stanley. Elizabeth has attained several advanced professional certifications, including Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
She is also a Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM), an elite designation awarded jointly by the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers and Columbia University in New York City. As a CPM, Elizabeth has deep knowledge of fundamental security analysis and portfolio management. In 2017, Elizabeth attained the Alternative Investment Director title which denotes her experience incorporating alternative investments in client portfolios. She helps clients build portfolios emphasizing capital growth and preservation through asset allocation, diversification, risk management, and tax mitigation. In 2020, Elizabeth attained her Family Wealth Director Designation. Fewer than 4% of Financial Advisors have completed this rigorous certification program. The training enables her the better assist ultra-high-net-worth families with their broad and unique wealth management needs.
Elizabeth is a member of the Tulsa Financial Planning Association, the University of Tulsa’s Friends of Finance, and the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers. Outside of work, Elizabeth is an active volunteer with Dress for Success Tulsa. Elizabeth enjoys running, yoga, and skiing. She enjoys traveling and spending time at the lake with her family. She has 2 small granddaughters who hold a special place in her heart.
6. Dr. Sonja Hughes
Chief Executive Officer, Aetna Better Health in Oklahoma, Aetna
Sonja Hughes is the Chief Executive Officer of Aetna Better Health in Oklahoma at Aetna. Dr. Hughes is a highly talented leader who has championed health plan operations for Aetna and served Oklahomans in her clinical practice as a board-certified physician. She oversees Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma and its programs to improve the health of people in under-resourced, local communities. She has been serving as vice president of strategy and service excellence at Aetna, leading the organization’s national support for clinical quality initiatives across its businesses and overseeing compliance with state regulatory requirements.
Prior to joining Aetna, Hughes served as the executive medical director of clinical operations and quality improvement for the Federal Employee Program within the Health Care Service Corporation. She also served as medical director and Certified HEDIS Compliance Auditor at Attest Health Care Advisors and as the associate director of clinical operations for OU Physicians. Hughes also practiced as an OB/GYN physician and women’s health specialist at INTEGRIS Health, Norman Regional Hospital, and W. W. Hastings Indian Hospital.
Hughes earned a doctor of medicine degree from Meharry Medical College, a master’s degree in health care administration from Trinity University, and an undergraduate degree in biological sciences from Oklahoma State University. She resides in Oklahoma City with her husband and daughter.
8. Liz Rodriguez
Managing Partner, Verizon Business
Liz Rodriguez is the Managing Partner at Verizon Business, she leads a world-class team of sales professionals who deliver outstanding and innovative business solutions that support their technology evolution and change the way businesses connect. With over a decade of experience in the industry, she has developed and implemented strategies to acquire new businesses, provide ongoing coaching and development to her team, and manage and track their performance and financial goals. Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications, operates the world's most connected public IP network and uses its industry-leading global network capabilities to offer large business and government customers an unmatched combination of security, reliability, and speed. The company integrates advanced IP communications and information technology (IT) products and services to deliver leading enterprise solutions including managed services, security, mobility, collaboration, and professional services. These solutions power innovation and enable the company's customers to do business better.
Rodriguez first got her start in 2003 as an operations manager at Okc Thrift Federal Credit Union. From there, she went on to Command Center, before eventually rising to district manager at Verizon, her most recent position prior to joining Verizon Business. Rodriguez graduated from Western Oklahoma State College with an undergraduate degree in business management.
10. Stephania Grober
President, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas
As president of Oklahoma’s only statewide customer-owned health insurer in Oklahoma, Stephania Grober leads the overall direction of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, including operations, sales and account management, network operations, health care management, medical policy, and external affairs. Under her leadership, BCBSOK connects more than 800,000 Oklahomans with health insurance options.
Stephania’s career with BCBSOK spans more than 25 years, and she previously served as BCBSOK’s vice president of plan operations. She has also held various sales and marketing roles, including account consultant, account executive, large group marketing manager, senior director of large group sales and account management, and vice president of Sales and Marketing. Stephania earned a master’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma City University after receiving an undergraduate degree in marketing and finance with a minor in accounting from Oklahoma State University. She is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa and Leadership Oklahoma.
Stephania currently serves on the boards of Family & Children’s Services, Tulsa Area United Way, Tulsa Community Foundation, and the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides access to preventive health services across the state. Her community involvement also includes serving on the Meals-on-Wheels of Metro Tulsa capital campaign cabinet and the governing board of the Oklahoma Arts Council — a three-year appointment by Governor Stitt. In addition, Stephania has served on the Tulsa Area United Way campaign cabinet and community investment committee; chaired the 2020 and 2021 TAUW Women United; co-chaired the Hearts for Hearing Stories of Hope committee; and served as chair, along with her husband, for the 2020 Parent Child Center Toyland Ball.
11. Rachel Lane, PhD, RD
Executive Director, Canopy Healthtech
Rachel Lane is the founding executive director for Canopy Healthtech. She draws on her own experiences as a clinician, basic scientist, and entrepreneur to help academic innovators make the leap from thinker to doer. Dr. Lane is a senior staff member at the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma. Canopy Healthtech works with Oklahoma universities to accelerate the translation of virtual health technology inventions into viable commercial products by providing educational resources, non-dilutive, competitive funds, and expert mentorship.
She has a track record of success in founding and leading organizations, including the Oklahoma Association for Women in Science Affiliate Group, which she established to promote the professional success of women in STEM. Lane has the clinical, research, and entrepreneurship experience to facilitate seamless collaboration between academic labs, healthcare systems, and industry to transform Oklahoma research into virtual health companies that will create jobs and increase equitable healthcare access across the state.
Lane first got her start in 2008 as a clinical dietitian at Kindred Healthcare, working closely with clinicians to provide evidence-based nutrition to acute care patients. From there, she went on to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, before eventually rising to CEO at BIO Alabama, her most recent position prior to joining Canopy Healthtech. She earned her Doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
View the complete list of awardees
12. Belinda Higgs Hyppolite
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion & Chief Diversity Officer, University of Oklahoma
Belinda Higgs Hyppolite was selected as Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Oklahoma in January 2020. Hyppolite has worked as a professional in higher education for 26 years. Under her leadership at OU, Hyppolite is helping to build the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and leading work related to the University's new strategic plan, placing special emphasis on Pillar IV, Becoming a Place of Belonging and Emotional Growth for All Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni. The University has received four national awards, including the City of Tulsa Chamber of Commerce Mosaic Inclusive Workplace award in 2020 and the NASPA Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice, and Related award in the fall of 2020. Most recently, OU received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award (HEED) in Fall 2021, and the INSIGHT Into Diversity 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM award.
Hyppolite also supports the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Persons with disabilities are an integral part of the rich diversity at OU. The ADRC works collaboratively with campus partners to ensure OU can meet the campus community's needs while working intentionally to create an inclusive educational environment.
Before her time at OU, Hyppolite served as the assistant vice president at the University of Central Florida, in Orlando, Florida, before coming to OU. She has served in a variety of leadership roles and responsibilities. Hyppolite started in student affairs, working on retention efforts for at-risk students and working with the residential students within housing and residential life, and served as an adjunct professor. Hyppolite has supported and advocated for several student populations such as fraternity and sorority students, multicultural, low-income, first-generation, foster care, religious and non-religious, DACA, and Temporary Protective Status (TPS), and Undocumented students. She also advocated for students in fraternity and sorority organizations, multicultural organizations, and students in foster care and Trio designated students. She has facilitated teaching circles to help promote inclusive classroom spaces and serves as a mentor to many. She supports and confronts social justice issues plaguing student, faculty, and staff success.
Dr. Higgs Hyppolite holds two undergraduate degrees in psychology and speech pathology, two master's degrees in counseling education and human resources, and a Doctorate of Education, specializing in Professional Leadership, Inquiry, and Transformation. One of her favorite quotes by Michelle Obama is, "There is no magic to achievement. It is really about hard work, choices, and persistence."
13. Stephanie Cliff
Senior Vice President, HUB International
Stephanie Cliff is the Senior Vice President of HUB International. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited (Hub) is a leading full-service global insurance broker providing property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment, and risk management products and services. From offices located throughout North America, Hub's vast network of specialists provides peace of mind on what matters most by protecting clients through unrelenting advocacy and tailored insurance solutions.
A risk consultant with more than 17 years of experience, Stephanie Cliff specializes in construction, real estate, and manufacturing accounts and is currently the builder’s risk practice leader for Hub International Mid-America. Adept at reviewing insurance policies and contracts and managing relationships with clients, brokers, and carriers, Cliff says her motivation comes from “getting to see the inner workings of each company, the passion from the executive teams and simply playing a part, even though my job is ‘insurance’.” She adds that “the past year has reiterated how important it is to have a relationship built on trust with customers and underwriters. This market cycle has also enforced how imperative it is to have a niche since specialization differentiates the generalists from the targeted experts.”
In addition to her daily responsibilities, Cliff mentors professionals within Hub and is involved in networking events for women in business. She is a member of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), and was part of the Tulsa Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Tulsa 20 New Young Leaders fundraiser and served as co-chair of the American Heart Institute’s Tulsa Heart Walk. Before joining HUB International, Cliff was an advertising account executive at The Daily O'Collegian. Cliff graduated from Oklahoma State University with an undergraduate degree in journalism.
14. Cara Hair
Senior Vice President Corporate Services, Chief Legal and & Compliance Officer, Helmerich & Payne
Cara Hair has served as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Services, and Chief Legal and Compliance Officer of H&P since 2020. Hair is responsible for overseeing the legal and compliance departments, as well as human resources, organization development, communications, internal audit, and global security for H&P. Since 1920, H&P has been the industry's most trusted partner in US land, international, and offshore drilling productivity and reliability. Using cutting-edge rig technologies and drilling solutions; they're building upon a century of success while continuing to improve reliability, safety, and efficiency for their customers.
Hair joined H&P in 2006 as an attorney. She held successive positions within the legal department and was appointed vice president, general counsel, and chief compliance officer in 2015. During her tenure, Hair developed the company’s FCPA compliance program, and she helped develop the “H&P Way Fund,” which offers H&P employees financial assistance during unavoidable emergencies. Hair has also spearheaded the development of the communications and organization development departments at H&P. She is a current member of the Executive Leadership Team. Hair serves on the board of Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa, where she co-chairs the capital campaign, and serves on the board of Tulsa Area United Way. She graduated from Oklahoma State University, where she received an undergraduate degree in Human Environmental Sciences. Later, she received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma.
20. Lisa Crandall
Vice President of Payroll & HCM Operations, Heartland
Lisa Crandall is an operations executive with a diverse leadership background and experience leading through transition in fast-paced, high-change environments. Lisa's career began in network operations in the telecommunications industry over 20 years ago and since then she has led payroll, compensation & benefits, health & wellbeing, and HRIS departments. Currently, Lisa leads three US-based customer service centers and a product support center in India as VP of Payroll & HCM Operations for Heartland Payments, a Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) company.
Prior to joining Heartland, Lisa helped grow an HR operations department for Paycom Software, Inc (PAYC) and held many leadership positions spanning a 16-year career with Cox Communications. She graduated from Meinders School of Business Oklahoma City University with an MBA and holds an undergraduate degree in organizational leadership. She is a lifetime member of Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society and has held certifications in compensation and human resources from WorldatWork and SHRM, respectively. Lisa served as Oklahoma Chapter President for Women In Cable Telecommunications (WICT), served on the Board of Directors for Oklahoma Art Guild, and was a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, receiving a mentorship award.
24. Theresa Powell
Vice President for Operations, Langston University
Theresa Powell serves as the inaugural Vice President for Operations at Langston University, Oklahoma’s only HBCU. A student-centered higher education professional, Theresa joined the Langston University team in 2012. Prior to her appointment as vice president for operations in 2021, Theresa served for eight years as chief of staff within the Office of the President, leading and coordinating countless high-profile projects and priority initiatives from ideation to implementation. She continues to serve as an advisor and strategic liaison to the president, serving on the president’s cabinet for over ten years. As vice president, Theresa leads a unique and complex division encompassing strategic enrollment, admissions and recruitment, student financial aid, public relations, marketing and communications, alumni affairs, emergency and risk management, capital projects, facilities management, and vendor relations in grounds, custodial, and dining, among others. She is also responsible for governing board and legal counsel relations. Theresa is a skillful communicator who values collaboration and innovation. Her leadership is focused on building efficient processes to maximize resources all while providing exemplary service to institutional stakeholders. Among Theresa’s vast and varied accomplishments is the distinct honor of receiving the Unsung Hero Award from the Langston University student body in 2022.
Prior to joining Langston University, Theresa began her career at Ohio University where she demonstrated extraordinary commitment to supporting student success and the institutional mission. Her broad professional experience at OHIO included work in regional and branch campus administration, undergraduate admissions, distance and online education program administration, event coordination logistics, and student affairs.
A native of Ohio’s first capital, Theresa attended Ohio University in Athens where she earned an undergraduate in linguistics before relocating to Oklahoma in 2012. Theresa then attended the University of Oklahoma to earn a master of arts in administrative leadership.
28. Houda Elyazgi
Managing Partner, Client and Strategy, Saxum
Houda Elyazgi is a Managing Partner of Client & Strategy at Saxum, a purpose-driven agency. Houda is committed to making the world better through her work in diversity, equality, education, and public policy, which makes her an invaluable leader in Saxum’s issue-based approach to strategic communications.
Over the past 16 years, clients in the nonprofit, education, healthcare, consumer, and financial sectors have benefited from Houda’s strategic communication expertise. She has worked with numerous national foundations and nonprofits successfully executing award-winning, issue-based campaigns. Houda is an innovative and visionary thinker who can craft messages and campaigns that resonate with communities and help drive results for clients. Houda also helped establish Saxum's Step Up Program which offers in-kind services to nonprofits across the nation, distributing more than $1 million in pro bono support over the last decade.
Houda serves on several nonprofit boards including as a Trustee for the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, a Board Member for Global Press, and a Board Member for the Friends of the Oklahoma History Center. In 2022, PR News' Social Impact Awards named Houda Mentor of the Year. Houda received her undergraduate degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma.
29. Diana Bittle
SVP and Assistant Chief Operating Officer, American Fidelity
Diana Bittle is the Senior Vice President and Assistant Chief Operating Officer of American Fidelity. She first joined the company in 1998. Bittle has been with AFA for 21 years as a technology leader and brings a wealth of business and systems knowledge to her new role, with a background in software development, systems analysis, and software design. She previously served as chief technology officer and has experience leading multiple IT areas including technical infrastructure, IT security, and IT operations.
“Diana is a creative problem solver focused on using technology to better serve our customers. She strives to have her team collaborate with all aspects of our organization to develop technical solutions to simplify how we do business,” said Jeanette Rice, American Fidelity president. “In addition to implementing major technology transformation, she is currently leading our efforts to create a strategic technology and workforce plan to ensure our colleagues have the technical skills needed to continue evolving as technology rapidly changes.”
In addition, Bittle is dedicated to supporting STEM education. She spends countless hours assisting organizations such as MATHCOUNTS and encourages her colleagues to give back to the community. She created the AF Teacher Fellowship, a program that brings in STEM teachers to work in American Fidelity’s IT division for the summer and gain the corporate IT experience they can share with their students. She’s also been instrumental in developing STEM Leadership programs to support teachers. She is passionate about inspiring a love of math and math education in the next generation. She serves as a board member for the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation, which focuses on providing STEM education to middle and high school students.
Previously, Bittle was a web developer at Innovation Systems Integrators and before that a technical writer and web developer at TRW (Acquired by Northrop Grumman). Bittle earned an MA from the University of Oklahoma, and an undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of Central Oklahoma.
View the complete list of awardees
31. Annette White-Klososky
Founding Partner, Future Point of View
Annette White-Klososky began her professional career 20 years ago. Today, she is the Founding Partner of Future Point of View. They believe that world-class organizations of the future will have an integrated technology strategy model that focuses on using technology to make them stronger but also safer, whether from a competitor, market disruption, or a malicious actor set on stealing data or intellectual property. Annette is the lead facilitator of Future Point of View’s Executive Advisory Boards, a leading peer advisory group for executives and entrepreneurs. Her forums include executive members representing companies with over 40,000 employees and $23 billion in total annual revenues.
Annette is a sought-after consultant and executive coach in all facets of organizational culture and leadership development. She focuses on aligning the strategic direction of the organization with the strategic development of its people. With an ability to diagnose the issues within an organization, align the people and processes, and help initiate the results needed to meet the strategic objectives of the organization, she is known for helping organizations cut through the issues and learn to communicate effectively within teams. Annette has led Executive Peer Advisory Boards since the '90s and continues this work today as a Founding Partner at Future Point of View, Chapter Chair at The Women Presidents’ Organization, and State Chair at 50/50 Women on Boards.
White-Klososky first got her start in 2003 as a partner at Executive Development Associates as a senior leadership development consultant and operational executive. From there, she went on to EWF International, her most recent position prior to joining Future Point of View. Annette utilizes her 20 years of experience working to influence change and positive results within organizations today. White-Klososky graduated from the University of Oklahoma with an undergraduate degree in public relations.
32. Lindsay White, PhD
Chief Strategy Officer, Tulsa Community College
Lindsay White began her professional career 21 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Strategy Officer of Tulsa Community College. Established in 1970, Tulsa Community College serves more Oklahomans than any other college in the state as a vital link to workforce development and university transfer for northeast Oklahoma. With more than 20,000 students enrolled in credit courses each year, TCC provides access to an affordable college education through four main campuses, community campuses, and online options. In fact, 67% of graduating students complete TCC debt-free. White facilitates communication and decision-making among leadership at various levels which is critical as the college transforms itself from access-focused to access-and-completion-focused for all students.
White previously served as director of project management in academic affairs where she worked closely with the senior VP and chief academic officer. She directly led multiple projects, helped identify and troubleshoot issues with other high-priority initiatives, consulted and trained various college leaders on project and change management, and managed academic affairs communication. Prior to that role, she served as the director of diversity outreach programs and director of student and community engagement. This included oversight of all aspects of the Education Outreach Center, including classes, schedules, facilities, program evaluation, scholarship and grant administration, and budgets as well as administrative leadership in academic service-learning. In addition, she has spent time as a Peace Corps volunteer in South America, taught English in Asia, as well as conducted other contract work around the globe.
White has a doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with an organizational change research focus. She is a Prosci Certified Change Management Train-the-Trainer. She earned a master’s in psychology, and organizational dynamics from OU, with a concentration in project management, and an undergraduate in business administration from Oklahoma State University. She is also a board member of the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa.
34. Katie Hurst
Vice President, Hurst Construction and Fabrication
As Vice President of Hurst Construction and Fabrication, LLC, Katie Hurst is responsible for all the company’s financial functions including accounting, audit, statutory compliance, and tax planning. She also oversees and manages all human resources and safety compliance. Her career spans more than 10 years of varied experience in financial management, business leadership, and customer relations.
Katie also manages a cattle ranch in northwest Osage County, Hurst Properties, LLC. The cattle operation was started in 2014 by her father and has since grown to a total herd of 200 cows and over 1,500 acres of land.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her three-year-old daughter. They both enjoy traveling and are currently working on seeing all 50 states together with a goal of going international in the future. Katie currently serves on the Board of Directors of Survivors Resource Network, a non-profit that helps assist victims of domestic abuse.
35. Paula Starr
Chief Information Officer, Cherokee Nation
Paula Starr began her professional career 23 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Information Officer of the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Nation is the federally recognized government of the Cherokee people and thereby has sovereign status granted by treaty and law. The seat of tribal government is the W.W. Keeler Complex near Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the capital of the Cherokee Nation.
Paula Starr is a Cherokee citizen leading technology delivery within the United States’ largest federally recognized tribe. She leads an IT department that supports 4,000 employees across the 7,000 square mile Cherokee reservation, and service delivery to 460,000 citizens across the US and the globe. Paula’s team takes pride in upholding Cherokee community values while striving to provide protected and reliable services that their co-workers love and enhancing service delivery to help Cherokee citizens live better. Paula’s professional journey has taken her from starting her career as the first female member of the Cherokee Nation’s Hospitality and Gaming IT department to the leadership of private sector technology teams across multiple countries and back to her roots at the Cherokee Nation. Paula has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Technology by Technology Magazine and received a Top 50 Technologist OnCon Icon award.
As a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and a recognized leader in the technology industry, she is committed to creating exceptional citizen experiences for the members. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, she aligns Cherokee values with technology delivery to create better Cherokee futures.
Starr first got her start in 2000 as a developer and system administrator at Cherokee Nation Enterprises. From there, she went on to Lionbridge Technologies, before eventually rising to director of enterprise application services at Cherokee Nation Businesses, her most recent position prior to joining Cherokee Nation. Starr graduated from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas with an MHA and from the University of Oklahoma with an undergraduate degree in management information systems.
36. Krista Roberts
Chief Executive Officer, St. Mary's Regional Medical Center
Krista Roberts is the Chief Executive Officer of St. Mary's Regional Medical Center. She first joined the company in 2011 as COO. St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, founded in 1915, is a 229-bed acute care hospital serving patients in Northwest Oklahoma. St. Mary's provides many medical and healthcare services and is accredited by the Joint Commission. They have earned Primary Stroke Center designation and other prestigious quality awards including CMS Five-Star Quality Rating 2019; an ‘A' from The Leapfrog Group's Fall 2019 Hospital Safety Grade ‘A' rating; Advanced Certification in Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement. With more than 640 employees, St. Mary's is one of the largest employers in Garfield County and has been recognized by the Oklahoman as a Top Workplace for three consecutive years.
During Roberts’ leadership, St. Mary’s has invested in many service line advancements to provide residents of Northwest Oklahoma the same access to healthcare technology and treatments available in larger cities, according to the release. Some of these advancements include the addition of the da Vinci Surgical System and Robotic Surgical Assistant (ROSA); a new and expanded cancer treatment center; an upgraded cardiac catheterization lab with advanced technology; new high-definition laparoscopic towers in the surgery center; and the opening of a 15-bed inpatient adult behavioral health unit.
Roberts began her healthcare career with St. Mary’s Physical Therapy Department in 1990. After years of success within the healthcare organization, Roberts was promoted to chief operating officer in 2011 and then promoted to CEO in 2017. Roberts also is an engaged community leader, serving in multiple formal and informal capacities. In 2021, she was a finalist for Pillar of the Plains for her work to better the Enid community, and, in 2019, was named one of Oklahoma’s most admired CEOs. Roberts graduated from Oklahoma State University.
37. Lacey Taylor
Vice President of Client Services, Resolute PR
Lacey Taylor began her professional career 15 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Client Services at Resolute PR. Resolute is a full-service public relations and marketing agency founded in 2014. Built on the principle that hard work, consistency, determination, and devotion to our clients are the formula for creating a successful public relations agency, they have the drive to help you pursue a campaign that commands results.
Taylor believes “success in the community leads to success in business” and approaches every project with this mindset. She primarily manages the firm’s non-profit and community engagement accounts in which she works with Resolute’s diverse team of PR professionals, marketers, and graphic designers to ensure brand standards are met and messaging remains consistent. With public relations and marketing experience in both corporate and non-profit sectors, Lacey brings a strong sense of adaptability. Her strengths in client relations, community engagement, event coordination, and public speaking provide an all-encompassing toolkit for clients looking to enhance their marketing approach within the community.
Lacey is a past recipient of “40 under 40” from Tulsa Business & Legal News and serves on the board of the Tulsa Press Club. She is also a member of Leadership Tulsa Class 55, a Mine Fellow, and a former board member of TYPros, Tulsa Global Alliance, and the TYPros Foundation. Taylor first got her start in 2008 as a public relations intern at the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. From there, she went on to Peak UpTime, before eventually rising to walk manager at Alzheimer's Association®, her most recent position prior to joining Resolute PR. Taylor graduated from the University of Oklahoma with an undergraduate degree in journalism.
38. Lydia Carlis, PhD
Chief Program Officer, Acelero Learning
Lydia Carlis is the Chief Program Officer of Acelero Learning. Acelero Learning was founded in 2001 by a former Head Start teacher and Children Defense Fund staffer, with a clear mission to work with local communities to improve the quality of Head Start programs. Carlis leads and shapes the programmatic vision for Acelero and Shine Early Learning through her work with the Executive Team and the following programmatic teams: Early Learning; Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; Family Services & Health; Human Resources; Monitoring, Systems, and Analysis; and, Professional Development. She formerly served as the principal consultant for eyemaginED on a variety of P12 projects designed to bring an equity lens to schools and education-facing organizations’ curriculum, instruction, leadership, and organizational development.
Prior to eyemaginED, Carlis worked with AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation for eight years, most recently as AppleTree's first Chief of Research & Innovation. In her role, Carlis oversaw the design, development, implementation, and validation of the award-winning Every Child Ready instructional model, which includes a comprehensive two-year curriculum, student and classroom quality assessments, and blended professional learning.
Carlis began her education career teaching general education, special education, and English as second language to preschool through 7th graders in DC Public Schools and Hawaii Public Schools. Carlis holds an undergraduate degree in physics from Howard University, a master's degree focused on bilingual special education from George Washington University, and a doctorate of philosophy in special education from The University of Maryland, College Park.
View the complete list of awardees
39. Amanda Rodriguez
Founder and Co-CEO, LYT Consulting Group
Amanda is an executive leader with 20 years of experience in business transformation and financial expertise in the oil and gas industry, government sector, banking industry, non-profit sector, and consulting services. She is the founder and co-CEO of LYT Consulting Group, a consulting and advisory firm serving clients to overcome challenges, innovate and adapt, and take advantage of opportunities to better our community.
In her prior role as a client account executive at Accenture, a leading global professional services company, she helped clients add value by strengthening their strategy, optimizing operations, accelerating revenue growth, and enhancing services. Before joining Accenture, Amanda served as the State of Oklahoma's first CFO charged with oversight of $23 billion in state and federal funding, providing leadership to drive strategic financial decisions, solutions, and outcomes. She directly advised the Governor and Cabinet Secretaries as well as negotiated across the House and Senate on state financial matters.
Prior to the State CFO role, Amanda worked at Chesapeake Energy leading critical initiatives in Internal Audit and Accounting. During her time in the oil and gas industry, she led teams with a focus on empowering people, enhancing and protecting organizational value, and helping the organization achieve its strategic, operational, financial, and compliance objectives. Amanda serves on the Board of Directors for Feed the Children, Citizens Bank of Edmond, and is an advisory board member for Oklahoma City University.
42. Jeanean Yanish Jones, PhDc
Executive Director, Health Alliance for the Uninsured
With more than 25 years of professional, visionary, enthusiastic, relational, and results-oriented nonprofit leadership, Jeanean Yanish, PhD-candidate at UCO and Swansea University in the UK, leads the Health Alliance for the Uninsured with a passion for helping those in need and providing more than 3,000 physician specialist services and $3.5 million of medication assistance annually for more than 15 free and charitable clinics in Central Oklahoma. Through her doctorate work, she is the founder of the Live Love Laugh Leadership International Conference and Speaker program focused on the whole person – mind, body, and spirit health and leadership integration.
Her past expertise in leadership, fundraising, and strategic planning as a non-profit professional includes the Green Shoe Foundation, Oklahoma Christian School Foundation, and The Salvation Army. Jeanean was selected as the Journal Record’s Healthcare Hero Recipient, Edmond Chamber’s 2017 Woman of the Year finalist, and the Journal Record’s 2018 Woman of the Year’s Woman Making a Difference recipient. Jeanean has deep expertise in turning visions into successes by serving people and giving back to her community. Jeanean served on the boards with Rotary International, the Oklahoma Charitable Clinic Association statewide chairman, and as an agency director with the United Way of Central Oklahoma.
Jones is a PhD-candidate with Swansea University, and has a undergraduate degree in public relations from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
45. Kim Woodard
Director of Creative Services, OU Health
Kim Woodard is the Director of Creative Services at OU Health. She first joined the company in 2019 as director of creative services. OU Health is the state's only comprehensive academic health system of hospitals, clinics, and centers of excellence. With 11,000 employees and more than 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, OU Health is home to Oklahoma's largest doctor network with a complete range of specialty care.
She has a diverse background in a variety of mediums such as fine art, illustration, advertising, and graphic design. She is responsible for the look, feel, and overall brand of the OU Health system. With a passion for creative problem-solving and an artist background, she has over 18 years of creative experience. Throughout her career, she has established and executed brand awareness to enable award-winning and integrated advertising campaigns across emerging channels, TV, print, and digital as well as leading re-branding and design efforts for large-scale, corporate identity systems. As a leader and mentor, she always aims to inspire and nurture creative talent. She strives to build a strong team to tell stories through visual experiences using new ways of thinking.
Woodard is skilled in OS X, Web Design, HTML, Research, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). She is highly skilled as a strong arts and design professional with a BFA focused in graphic design from Oklahoma State University. Previously, Woodard was a graphic designer at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and before that a creative manager at InterWorks Inc.. Earlier in her career she worked with Houston Zoo as a graphic designer.
47. Jennifer Garner, CLCP
Director of Safety, Dobson
Jennifer Garner is the Director of Safety at Dobson. Since 1936, Dobson Fiber has been connecting local communities. Today, with over 5,000 miles of fiber throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas, Dobson Fiber brings the latest technologies and the bandwidth needed to stay connected. They consolidate all of your communications over a secure, and redundant network using state-of-the-art technology. In addition, their team of technology experts works every day to bring cutting-edge information and connectivity solutions that meet your needs, including ongoing support and expert advice. Garner has 15 years of experience. She began her career in 2008.
Before joining Dobson, Garner was a manager of safety and purchasing at Electric Cooperative and before that a safety professional at Pedernales Electric Cooperative. Earlier in her career she worked with OGE Energy Corp as a customer service.
Jennifer has a diverse education history. Jennifer obtained her master's degree in business administration and management from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as her BA in human resources management/personnel administration. Before enrolling at Southern New Hampshire University, Jennifer Garner attended the University of Central Oklahoma where she earned an undergraduate degree in Industrial Safety. Additionally, she pursued an associate of applied science degree in Power Transmission Distribution at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City.
View the complete list of awardees