Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Oklahoma City for 2024. As the capital and the largest city in the state, Oklahoma City is known for many diverse industries. The bustling economy includes companies and organizations dedicated to advancing the fields of healthcare, telecommunications, energy, biotech, aerospace, and hospitality. Government and business services, including PR, research and development, and employment services, thrive there.
Among the talented professionals who continue to move OKC forward is this year’s honoree Mandy Fuller. A leader in the energy sector, Fuller serves as a Vice President and Chief Audit Executive for Devon Energy Production Company, a leading independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company.
We also recognize the accomplishments of technology leader Annette White-Klososky, a Founding Partner of Future Point of View, a prominent technology-strategy firm. White-Klososky is the lead facilitator of the Executive Advisory Boards, and her forums include executive members representing companies with over 40,000 employees and $23 billion in total annual revenues.
Finally, we honor Erin Zaranec, an executive committed to helping people live longer, healthier lives as a Development Director with the American Heart Association, the oldest and largest voluntary organization in the US dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Oklahoma City for 2024.
1). Karen Billen
VP, Sales, Express Employment Professional
Karen Billen joined Express in 1996 as a Staffing Consultant and has since climbed the ranks to hold various leadership positions. Her track record showcases her proficiency in sales coaching and program development, significantly contributing to the company's growth. Karen's strategic vision and innovative approach have been instrumental in enhancing sales performance.
Now serving as Vice President of Strategic Sales and Account Development, Karen leverages her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to drive Express forward. She focuses on expanding business, fostering impactful partnerships, and seizing opportunities to expand the Express footprint across diverse locations, service lines, and product offerings.
What distinguishes Karen is not only her professional expertise but also her deep commitment to Express Franchisees. She ardently supports their success, providing guidance and encouragement to help them thrive. Karen's leadership goes beyond achievements; she inspires others and cultivates a culture of excellence and collaboration.
Karen Billen's journey embodies leadership, resilience, and dedication. Her story illustrates the power of passion and perseverance, leaving an extraordinary impact on Express and its community. As she continues to inspire and lead, Karen remains a symbol of excellence and the essence of the Express spirit.
2). Linda Arredondo
Chief Information Officer | EVP, Express Employment Professionals
Linda Arredondo is the Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President at Express Employment Professionals. She first joined the company in 2020 as chief information officer and senior vice president. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Express Employment International supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations across the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
With over 20 years of successful IT leadership experience, Arredondo has demonstrated expertise in all information management and technology domains. She possesses an expert level of knowledge in change management, project management, service management, and strategic planning. As a key member of the executive leadership team, she facilitates close alignment between IT and the business to meet and exceed strategic organizational goals and objectives.
Prior to joining Express Employment Professionals, Arredondo served as the director of information technology for her Tribal Nation. At the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she provided IT leadership across all areas of the Nation, including executive, government, and judicial branches, healthcare, enterprise, gaming, and hospitality. Arredondo earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from St. Gregory's University.
3). Miriam Campos
VP, Head of Community Impact, BancFirst
Miriam Campos is VP and Head of Community Impact in Oklahoma City for BancFirst. BancFirst has grown to more than 100 locations in 60 Oklahoma communities. They are committed to investing in the future of their communities by offering personal and commercial products, trust, insurance, and investment services.
With over 13 years of experience in the financial industry, Campos has held several positions spanning retail banking, business banking, and community development. Previously, Campos was a vice president, and community manager at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Before that, she was a business development at Arvest Bank. Earlier in her career, she worked with Sleep Disorder Centers as a human resource coordinator. Campos’s relationship-building experience has led her to serve as a connector in the business community through financial resources, education, and establishing relationships within the community at large. Campos has over 20 years of hands-on community engagement experience and continues to work tirelessly to make a positive impact in Oklahoma City.
Campos earned a Doctorate of Business Administration in Leadership from Liberty University, an MBA in Business Administration and Management, and an undergraduate degree in organizational leadership from Southern Nazarene University.
4). Jennifer Wong
Senior Director, Bombers Programs, Boeing
Jennifer Wong is the Senior Director of Bombers Programs at Boeing. She first joined the company in 2003 as a quality technical analyst. Boeing is an Illinois-based aerospace company that designs and manufactures jetliners, satellites, weapons, and electronic and defense systems for the commercial sector worldwide.
Wong is a highly motivated and goal-oriented professional who consistently delivers results. With proven leadership and interpersonal skills, she sets high expectations, effectively meets challenges, and motivates others in dynamic, demanding, and fast-paced environments. Her specialties include program management, portfolio management, financial management, leadership development, and customer satisfaction.
Wong earned an MBA in Business Strategy from The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine, and an undergraduate degree in information systems from San Diego State University.
5). Jodi Yax-Frost
Director of Operations, McKesson Pharmaceutical
Jodi Yax-Frost is the Director of Operations of McKesson Pharmaceutical. The McKesson Corporation is an American company distributing pharmaceuticals and providing health information technology, medical supplies, and care management tools. The company delivers a third of all pharmaceuticals used in North America and employs over 78,000 employees.
Yax-Frost began her professional career 30 years ago. She started at McKesson Pharmaceutical in 1994 and is known for delivering exceptional customer service and fostering collaborative working environments.
With extensive experience in management, strategic planning, and leadership, Yax-Frost excels in building and leading cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives. Her strong project management skills and focus on business process improvement ensure effective implementation of strategic initiatives.
6). Jolanta Kordowski Inda
Assistant VP, HR Portfolio Management, MetLife
Jolanta Kordowski Inda began her professional career 25 years ago. Today, she is the Assistant Vice President of HR Portfolio Management of MetLife. MetLife, Inc. is the holding corporation for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MLIC), better known as MetLife, and its affiliates. MetLife is among the largest global providers of insurance, annuities, and employee benefit programs, with around 90 million customers in over 60 countries.
As a global human resources leader with expertise spanning five continents, Kordowski has worked in various centers of excellence, including organization design, change management, mergers & acquisitions, employee engagement and listening, talent acquisition, performance development, project management, business process redesign, training creation and delivery, and HR system implementation. She has demonstrated the ability to influence senior leaders and direct virtual teams while building trusted partnerships and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders, always with a customer-centric mindset. Additionally, she possesses fluency in speaking, writing, and reading both Spanish and Polish.
Inda graduated from Trinity College-Hartford with an undergraduate degree in political science and Spanish.
7). Amanda Colyer
Regional Director, Helmerich & Payne
Amanda Colyer is a Regional Director for Helmerich & Payne (H&P) International Drilling Co. Colyer focuses on driving and leading the change management effort for the enterprise as it undergoes a digital transformation. H&P has been a trusted partner and leader in drilling productivity, reliability, and technological innovation.
Colyer began her career as a process and application engineer prior to joining H&P in 2013. She started as a Performance Engineer providing optimization solutions for customers until she took on the role of rig performance and data analytics manager in 2015 transforming the team into a data-driven support function that is still critical to the company today. in 2017, she moved into operations as a drilling superintendent in the mid-con division in Oklahoma City as the first female in an operations management role within US Land for H&P. Following this she spent a few years in Houston as part of the sales and marketing group working as a strategic account manager. She rejoined the operations team moving back to Oklahoma City with her significant other in April 2021 taking on the role of regional director of northern operations covering Oklahoma, North Dakota, and the Rockies.
Colyer is originally from Illinois and graduated from The University of Tulsa in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and received her Master of Energy Business in 2014. Colyer has been an active member of most of the engineering societies involved in energy but has had a passion for the Women’s Energy Network (WEN) since she joined in 2017. She has been an active board member of the WEN Greater OK Chapter since 2022 and served two years on the IADC Mid-Con board. She is passionate about bringing a unique perspective to the energy industry and creating a diverse and welcoming environment in everything she is involved in. She is a heart-forward leader focusing on encouraging and supporting but also challenging those around her to move everyone forward down the path of continuous improvement.
8). Gina Esau
Executive Director, Client Services (Business Development), Mercy
Gina Esau is the Executive Director of Client Services (Business Development) of Mercy. She first joined the company in 2018. Mercy Health System was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986. But their heritage goes back more than 195 years. It began with an Irish woman named Catherine McAuley, who was determined to help women and children in Dublin experiencing poverty.
Previously, Esau was a director of marketing at Grace Living Centers. Before that, she was a director of marketing and business development at ProCure Proton Therapy Center, Oklahoma City. Earlier in her career, she worked with Hennessey Public Schools as a teacher.
Esau earned an MBA in Management Information Systems and an undergraduate degree in marketing from Oklahoma State University.
9). Jessica Hoover
Vice President, Operations, Mercy
Jessica Hoover is the Vice President of Operations of Mercy. Mercy Health System was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986. But their heritage goes back more than 195 years. It began with an Irish woman named Catherine McAuley, who was determined to help women and children in Dublin experiencing poverty. Mercy has over 900 physician practice locations and outpatient facilities, more than 4,500 physicians and advanced practitioners, and 50,000 co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Hoover began her career in 2007. Before joining Mercy, she was a chief operating officer at Carter Healthcare. Before that, she was a beverage and consumer sales at Fairfax Golf Course. Earlier in her career, she worked with Edmond North High School as a junior varsity soccer coach and assistant head coach.
Hoover graduated from the University of Oklahoma - Price College of Business with an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Management and from Oklahoma Christian University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
10). Glenda Parker
Senior HR Business Partner, Seagate Technology
Glenda Parker is a Senior HR Business Partner at Seagate Technology. She first joined the company in 2021. At Seagate, they're storing, protecting, and activating the world's data as explosive growth in cloud, AI, and machine learning drives the demand for breakthrough technology and mass-capacity storage solutions.
Parker has been an action-oriented human resources professional with over five years of experience managing a broad range of human resource functions. A strong leader, she demonstrated proven problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. She served as an HR champion in administering and advancing HR functions while acting as a resource for policy interpretation and implementation.
Previously, Parker was an HR generalist at Dental Depot. Before that, she was an HR representative at InfoSync. Earlier in her career, she worked with Paycom as an HR assistant. Parker earned an undergraduate degree in human resource management from the University of Central Oklahoma.
11). Kara Beringer
Regional Director, The CoStar Group
Kara's career began in Oklahoma after graduating college with a B.S. in Business Management from East Central University in Ada, OK. Shortly after graduating, she relocated and spent 13 years, collectively, in Dallas and New York City before returning to her home state in 2022. Kara’s tenure in larger markets has given her the ability to bring diversity to her leadership style and an array of experience that impacts any market very quickly.
During her 9-year tenure in NYC, Kara distinguished herself as a leader of high-performing sales teams, consistently earning top-ranking awards for her performance. While her expertise primarily lies in medical sales leadership, Kara was recruited to The CoStar Group in 2023 as the Regional Director of Sales over the Oklahoma and Arkansas markets. The CoStar Group is the premier provider of commercial real estate information, analytics, and news. The objective is to ensure the team she leads provides the necessary tools to keep the commercial real estate market informed so they can make sound decisions.
Kara excels in delivering product portfolio solutions that align with customer priorities while effectively translating organizational goals into tangible results. Kara's approach is characterized by her ability to form meaningful relationships and strategic alliances through trust, tenacity, and diplomacy. She possesses an eye for process mapping, enabling her to identify customer gaps and provide tailored insights and solutions. She built successful sales processes for United Health Group which attributed to high sales growth across the entire organization. Her innovative approach is tried and true. She fosters cultures of excellence cross-functionally and builds thriving teams and is excited to continue to make a positive impact within her organization and the Oklahoma City market!
12). Sonja Hughes
CEO, Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma
Sonja Hughes began her professional career 20 years ago. Today, she is the CEO of Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma. Aetna, a CVS Health company, they're making healthcare easy, affordable, and all about clients. Founded in 1853 in Hartford, CT, Aetna is a diversified healthcare benefits company, serving an estimated 39 million people with information and resources to help them make better decisions about their health.
Earlier in her career, Hughes served as a physician at INTEGRIS Health. From there, she went on to OU Physicians, before eventually rising to executive medical director of clinical operations and quality improvement of the federal employee program at HCSC, her most recent position prior to joining Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma.
Hughes graduated from Meharry Medical College with an MD in Medicine, from Trinity University with a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration/Management, and from Oklahoma State University with an undergraduate degree in biology.
13). Lucky Caves
VP, Business Operations, NCR Atleos
Lucky Caves is the Vice President of Business Operations of NCR Atleos, a leader in expanding financial access by shifting transactions to the self-service channel and enabling financial institutions and retailers to leverage its ATM network.
A dynamic leader with a wide range of operations and IT leadership experiences, Caves’ greatest strengths and successes are tied to the development and execution of transformational programs, such as acquisition integration, enterprise separation, and strategic product planning. With a proven track record of success, she centers on building high-performing teams based on accountability, consistent processes, and teamwork, optimizing individual resources based on their strengths and experiences. She is passionate about the professional development and success of the people around her.
Earlier in her career, Caves worked as an office manager. From there, she went on to Metavante to serve as VP. She also served in vice president roles at FIS and the NCR Corporation. Caves graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with an undergraduate degree in criminal justice/police science.
14). Kristy Ventimiglia
US Division VP, Sales Enablement, Gallagher
Kristy Ventimiglia is the US Division Vice President of Sales Enablement at Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting firm. In this role, Ventimiglia delivers Gallagher's exceptional thought leadership, resources, and unparalleled capabilities for companies, empowering them to face their future with confidence.
Ventimiglia began her career in employee benefits in 2003, accumulating over 15 years of experience as a human resource professional. Her background includes working with oil and gas, technology, and nonprofit entities. Since joining Gallagher Benefits in 2011 as an employee benefits consultant, she has worked with clients to provide strategic consultation in plan analysis and design strategies. She previously served as the president of HR Solutions.
A frequent seminar speaker in employee benefits, Ventimiglia is licensed as a health and life agent and holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Human Relations. Her strengths include creating solutions and strategic benefit plan design.
15). 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. White-Klososky 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.
White-Klososky 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. White-Klososky 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. White-Klososky 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.
16). Keisia Sobers-Butler
VP Population Health, Clinical Operations & Health Equity - Oklahoma Complete Health, Centene
As the Vice President of Population Health, Clinical Operations, Health Equity, Community Navigation, Rural/Telehealth Services, and Tribal Partnerships at Centene Corporation (Oklahoma), Keisia Sobers-Butler oversees the development and implementation of innovative strategies for Medicaid, Marketplace, Medicare, and special populations. Centene is a Missouri-based multi-line managed care enterprise that provides healthcare programs and services for under-insured and uninsured individuals and families.
She cultivates partnerships, drives execution, and develops others. Leading high-performing remote teams, she ensures exceptional member and clinical services and experiences while ensuring compliance with CMS, NCQA, and other accreditation standards. Additionally, she leverages technology such as texting, telehealth, and other vendor software integration, to enhance communication, engagement, quality outcomes, and self-management for medically complex members. Furthermore, she serves as an adjunct faculty at the University of Central Oklahoma, sharing her expertise and insights with the next generation of nurses.
Before joining Centene, Sobers-Butler was a senior director at Driscoll Health Plan. Earlier in her career, she worked with Texas Children's Hospital in case management. She graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership, from Prairie View A&M University with an MS in Nursing Education, from Southern University at New Orleans with an undergraduate degree in business administration, management, and Operations, and from Texas Woman's University with an undergraduate degree in nursing.
17). Tiffanee Ivery
Senior Director, Physician Revenue Cycle Management, R1 RCM
Tiffanee Ivery is the Senior Director of Physician Revenue Cycle Management at R1 RCM, an Illinois-based company that provides services, such as revenue cycle management and physician advisory for the healthcare industry.
Ivery first joined R1 RCM in 2018 as the director of implementations and process improvement. In this role, she led the delivery of services and technology to all clients by planning and managing implementation activities from the point of sale to post-go-live. Her role ensured seamless execution and support throughout the entire process, guaranteeing client satisfaction and success.
Previously, Ivery was a director of operations at Intermedix. She attended New Mexico State University and received an Associate’s degree. She’s also studied health information technology, business office technology, and medical accounting.
18). Katie Peterson
Executive Regional VP & Independent Consultant, Arbonne
Katie Peterson is the Executive Regional Vice President and Independent Consultant of Arbonne. She first joined the company in 2018. Arbonne creates personal skincare and wellness products that are crafted with premium botanical ingredients and innovative scientific discovery.
Peterson is an experienced independent consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the consumer goods industry. A strong consulting professional, she is skilled in customer support, wellness coaching, coaching, sales, and network marketing across various regions including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland. Previously, Peterson was a director at United Way of Central Oklahoma. Earlier in her career, she worked as a resource development coordinator for the United Way of Knox County Ohio. In this role, she helped execute the yearly campaign, coordinated special events, and worked with the executive director to help establish Knox County's first United Way Women's Leadership Council.
Peterson earned an undergraduate degree in sport/exercise science-health education from Trevecca Nazarene University.
19). Neta Irwin
Executive National VP, Arbonne International LLC
Neta Irwin is the Executive National Vice President of Arbonne International LLC. Arbonne creates personal skincare and wellness products that are crafted with premium botanical ingredients and innovative scientific discovery. Delivering on the company's commitment to pure, safe, and beneficial products, Arbonne's personal care and nutrition formulas are vegan-certified and adhere to a strict Purity and Safety Ingredient Policy. Irwin has 45 years of experience. She began her career in 1979.
Irwin is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the consumer goods industry. Skilled in coaching, team building, mentoring, team leadership, and training, she is a strong business development professional who attended Northwestern State in Alva, Oklahoma.
Before joining Arbonne International LLC, Irwin was a sales representative at Healthco Dental Supply. She graduated from Northwestern State in Alva Oklahoma with an undergraduate degree in music education.
20). Jeanean Jones
Executive Director, Health Alliance for the Uninsured
With more than 25 years of professional, visionary, enthusiastic, relational, and results-oriented nonprofit leadership, Jeanean Yanish leads the Health Alliance for the Uninsured. She is a PhD candidate at UCO and Swansea University in the UK and has a passion for helping those in need. Through her role as Executive Director, she helps provide physician specialist services and millions of dollars of medication assistance annually for more than 100 free and charitable clinics in Oklahoma. Through her doctoral 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.
Jones’s past expertise in leadership, fundraising, and strategic planning as a nonprofit professional includes the Green Shoe Foundation, Oklahoma Christian School Foundation, and The Salvation Army. She 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. She has 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 master's degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and an undergraduate degree in public relations from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
21). Jessica Mollica
Senior Director Human Resources, Hertz
Jessica Mollica is the Senior Director of Human Resources at Hertz. The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. operates the Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty vehicle rental brands throughout North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The Hertz Corporation is a vehicle rental company.
Mollica first joined Hertz in 2018 as a senior human resources business partner, and she also served as the director of HR before being promoted to her current position in 2021. Previously, Mollica was a senior human resources manager at Food Services of America. Before that, she was a customer and human resources manager at Systems Services of America. Earlier in her career, she worked with Target as an executive team leader.
Mollica earned an MBA in HR from Ottawa University and an undergraduate degree in political science, communication, and liberal arts from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
22). Angela Person
Director, Research Initiatives & Strategic Planning, Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture
In her role as Director of Research Initiatives and Strategic Planning, Angela Person supports the OU Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture (GCA) in leveraging its resources to drive the development of thoughtful, sustainable, and experiential solutions to the design problems of the future. The GCA aims to cultivate high-performing industry professionals, measurable community impact, and peer-reviewed research and creative activity at the leading edges of their allied disciplines – architecture, construction science, environmental design, interior design, landscape architecture, regional and city planning, and urban design.
Person is also a lecturer at the University of Oklahoma. Her courses are writing intensive, offering students opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills to specific topics in course blogs and research papers tailored to their interests and chosen careers. Examples of courses recently taught by her include Environment and Society (upper division) and Intro to Human Geography (lower division).
Person earned her PhD from the University of Oklahoma while studying in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability. She also has an MA in Museum Studies and a BS in Environmental Design from the same university.
23). Evelyn Wilkins-Green
Director, Disability Management Services, The Standard
Evelyn Wilkins-Green is the Director of Disability Management Services at The Standard, a leading provider of financial products and services, including group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and vision insurance, group accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance, paid family leave and absence management services, retirement plans services and individual annuities.
As a registered nurse since 1993 with a diverse clinical and public health background, her focus throughout her 28-year professional career has been to provide effective care and customized case management services to meet individual needs. Additionally, Wilkins-Green is a certified case manager. In her current role, she supports nurse, behavioral health, and vocational case manager teams to ensure that each customer receives the best possible outcome for their claim – be it a return to work or peace of mind knowing they will be cared for throughout their period of disability.
Wilkins-Green earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma and has been with The Standard for 15 years.
24). Kimberly Nation
VP - Accounting & Finance Recruitment Solutions, Lee Hecht Harrison
Kimberly Nation is the Vice President of Accounting and Finance Recruitment Solutions at Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH). LHH is a Florida-based management consulting firm that provides solutions, such as career transition, outplacement, and leadership development for organizations.
As a VP-level executive with over 20 years of experience in specialized recruiting, Nation focuses primarily on accounting and finance. In her current role, she offers professional recruiting services in other expertise areas, such as legal, IT, supply chain and engineering, human resources, and marketing.
Nation started at LHH in 1998 as an executive recruiter and worked her way up to the C-suite. Before joining Lee Hecht Harrison, she was an audit manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP. Nation graduated from the University of Arkansas with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
25). Sezin Kadioglu
Director, Professional Science Master's Program, University of Central Oklahoma
Sezin Kadioglu is a dedicated educator with a passion for inspiring and empowering students in their academic journey. With a wealth of experience in teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development, she brings a dynamic approach to the classroom that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning. Whether leading engaging lectures, facilitating stimulating discussions, or designing innovative assignments, she is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Currently serving as the Director of a Professional Science Master's program, Kadioglu is committed to nurturing the next generation of scientific professionals. She enriches her teaching with current insights and best practices, ensuring that her students receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education that prepares them to excel in an ever-evolving world.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Kadioglu is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, reflecting her dedication to operational excellence and process optimization. This unique blend of technical proficiency and strategic management knowledge helps her to translate academic insights into real-world solutions and to equip students with the multidisciplinary skills and practical knowledge needed to excel in today's complex engineering landscape.
26). Ruth Davis
Director, Global Sales Operations, Motorola Solutions
Ruth Davis is the Director of Global Sales Operations of Motorola Solutions. Motorola Solutions is solving for safety. They build and connect technologies to help protect people, property, and places. Their solutions enable the collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises which is critical for a proactive approach to safety and security.
As a partnership leader and automation enthusiast with over 10 years of diverse experience in finance, sales, marketing, business process automation, and strategic planning, Davis has spearheaded business transformations for multiple startups. Her initiatives have led to increased revenue, expedited operations, and streamlined processes. She is a self-taught Salesforce Admin, WordPress Developer, and Excel Expert, always striving to expand her skill set. Additionally, she is on a mission to read 60 books in a year.
Before joining Motorola Solutions, Davis was a director of business development at Tech Qualled. Before that, she was a director of compliance at The Culinary School of Fort Worth. Earlier in her career, she worked with Welk Resort Group as an assistant front office manager.
Davis graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with an MBA and from the College of the Ozarks with an undergraduate degree.
27). Elizabeth Hutt Pollard
CEO, The Innovation Foundation at OSU & President - Cowboy Technologies, Oklahoma State University
Elizabeth Hutt Pollard is the CEO of The Innovation Foundation at OSU and President of Cowboy Technologies at Oklahoma State University (OSU). She is also the board director and finance chair for YPO, the global leadership community of more than 34,000 members in 150 countries who are driven by the belief that the world needs better leaders.
Prior to joining OSU, Pollard played a critical role in developing and leading Oklahoma's innovation economy as Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's secretary of science and innovation. Her cabinet included the award-winning Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, for which she continues to serve as chair for the Oklahoma Science, Technology, Research, and Development Board. Earlier in her career, she worked with Life Technologies as a commercial manager.
Pollard earned an MS in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Michigan State University.
28). Erin Zaranec
Development Director, Heart Ball, American Heart Association
Erin Zaranec is the Development Director for Heart Ball of the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. They are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, they fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health, and share lifesaving resources.
As a solutions-driven storyteller, Zaranec is building her career in the nonprofit sector. She loves creating content, storytelling, and engaging with the communities an organization serves. Experienced in relationship building, stewardship, fundraising, and public speaking. She develops a comprehensive strategic plan encompassing fundraising and business development goals to revitalize Heart Ball, an event last held in 2019. She leads and engages community leaders serving on an Executive Leadership Team. Additionally, she creates customized mission-based content for prospects and sponsors ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 and more.
Earlier in her career, Zaranec was a social media director at KentWired. From there, she went on to Downtown Cleveland Alliance, before eventually rising to campaign development manager at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, her most recent position prior to joining the American Heart Association. Zaranec graduated from Kent State University with an undergraduate degree in public relations.
29). Renata Kukowski
VP, College, Fanatics, Inc.
Renata Kukowski is the Vice President of College sports at Fanatics, Inc., a global digital sports platform. Kukowski leads a variety of NIL initiatives that have grown to support more than 10,000 college athletes at over 60 universities and across eight sports in product categories such as jerseys and apparel. Additionally, she supports Topps in developing and executing collegiate trading card product launches and strategies. Furthermore, she serves on the core team supporting the new Nike-Fanatics college licensing partnership.
Kukowski is also an adjunct professor or the University of Oklahoma. She developed the curriculum for and teaches Licensing & IP in Sports at the Michael F. Price College of Business, an elective within the college's Sports Management undergraduate degree program. Additionally, she serves as the faculty advisor for Girls Club, an OU student organization for women interested in pursuing careers in sports. Furthermore, she developed the curriculum for and teaches Licensing & IP in Intercollegiate Athletics in the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education's Intercollegiate Athletics Administration graduate program.
Before joining Fanatics, Inc., Kukowski was a senior vice president at Top of the World. Earlier in her career, she worked with the National Football League as a blue chip program participant. Kukowski graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an MBA and from the University of Oklahoma with an undergraduate degree in journalism, business administration, public relations, and marketing.
30). Jennifer Kraszewski
Senior Executive VP, Human Resources, Paycom
Jennifer Kraszewski is the Senior Executive Vice President of Human Resources of Paycom, an Oklahoma-based HR platform that provides solutions, such as talent acquisition, workforce management, and performance monitoring for businesses.
Kraszewski has more than 20 years of HR leadership experience, driving transformative, business-focused human capital strategies in high-growth industries to achieve efficiencies, compliance, and employee engagement. Before joining Paycom, Kraszewski was a senior director of human resources at Chesapeake Energy. Before that, she was a director of human resources at Eateries Inc.
SPHR- and SHRM-SCP-certified, Kraszewski holds a Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and an MBA from Oklahoma City University.
31). Mandy Fuller
VP, Internal Audit, Devon Energy
Mandy Fuller is the Vice President of Internal Audit and Chief Audit Executive for Devon Energy Production Company, L.P. where she has worked since 2000. Her teams oversee Corporate, Information Technology, Joint Venture, Vendor, Midstream and Field Office audit functions, as well as Enterprise Risk Management and Data Analytics activities related to Internal Audit. Prior to her current role, Fuller was the Manager of Financial Analysis and Reporting, and has held leadership roles in Financial Analyasis and Accounts Payable.
Fuller received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in Organization Management. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and holds a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA). She currently serves on the board of Positive Tomorrows and is a Commissioner for the Oklahoma Incentive Evaluation Commission. She is a member of the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors. She has also served in a number of roles on the Womens Energy Network of Greater Oklahoma board including serving as President in 2021.
Fuller and her husband, Roger, have two daughters. Morgandy is attending Optometry School in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and Merritt is a Freshman in high shcool and an avid volleyball player.
32). Joy Baresel
President & Real Estate Advisor, Engel & Völkers Oklahoma City
Joy Baresel is the President and Real Estate Advisor at Engel & Völkers Oklahoma City, a European-based premium real estate brand. Engel & Völkers Oklahoma City, ideally located in Midtown, provides leading services for buyers and sellers of premier properties in Oklahoma City and its surrounding areas. Baresel also served as a license partner.
Specializing in historic and luxury properties, Baresel expertly connects home sellers and home buyers to dream properties. With experience in home renovation, she brings both technical expertise and creativity to her work. She excels at identifying and optimizing a home’s value, beauty, and appeal. As a talented marketer, she ensures a home’s best features are properly showcased to find the right buyer. Her artistic eye, experience in historic and luxury real estate markets, and knowledge of construction set her apart, allowing her to deliver an outstanding client experience.
Baresel was recently inducted into Engel & Völkers Private Office Network, an honor she shares with only 122 advisors in the Americas. She is a member of Who’s Who in luxury real estate, CLHMS Million Dollar Guild designation. In 2018, she ranked in the top five for all of Oklahoma City and number one for 2019. Baresel graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine/Studio Arts.
33). Kimberly Preston
Senior VP, Credit Administrator, Arvest Bank
Kimberly Preston is the Senior Vice President Credit Administrator of Arvest Bank, a community-based financial institution serving more than 110 communities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Established in 1961, Arvest Bank is committed to meeting the needs of its retail and business customer households by continually investing in the digital tools and services customers expect.
Preston is a Credit Union enthusiast with a passion for curating a friction-free member experience. There is nothing she loves more than analyzing current operational policies, procedures, and practices to revise systems and provide more streamlined solutions for her team and their membership. During her day-to-day, she strives to provide her team with the knowledge, skills, and tools to deliver the best member experience possible. With a strong background in lending, she is also able to work closely with their dynamic lending team to strategize and implement loan growth strategies.
Preston first got her start as a commercial credit analyst at First Fidelity Bank. From there, she went on to Commercial Federal Bank, before eventually rising to regional SBA banker at Simmons Bank, her most recent position before joining Arvest Bank. Preston graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with an undergraduate degree in finance.
34). Rejeana Allgood
VP, Payer Strategy, INTEGRIS Health
Rejeana Allgood is the Vice President of Payer Strategy at INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. INTEGRIS Health is the state’s largest Oklahoma-owned health system and one of the state’s largest private employers, with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, physician clinics, mental health facilities, fitness centers, independent living centers, and home health agencies throughout much of the state. Allgood is responsible for integrating and aligning the managed care payer strategy with strategic objectives and for the delivery of the value of healthcare delivery services and provider networks into effective managed care contracts and successful relationships with customer stakeholders.
Allgood has more than two decades of experience in healthcare administration and management. Her experience includes having served in Texas as division vice president of payer strategy and contracting for CommonSpirit Health, an alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. Before her work in Texas, she worked in Oklahoma with Mercy, a multi-state Catholic health system, as the executive director of payer relations and contracting. She also served as director of revenue integrity at Norman Regional Health System, where she had oversight of hospital revenue recovery, audit reviews, and managed care contracting. Additionally, Allgood led decision support services and managed care contracting analytics for OU Medical Center, HCA Healthcare, where her duties included strategic planning, financial data analysis, and building financial pro formas for multi-million dollar business cases.
Allgood graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Organizational Communication and earned her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Allgood is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), a former member of the Oklahoma Hospital Association Council on Finance and Strategic Information, and a past president of the Oklahoma Hospital Managed Care Association.
35). Darla McCallister
CFO, Lakeside Women's Hospital
Darla McCallister is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Lakeside Women's Hospital. At Lakeside Doctors Gynecology and Obstetrics, they specialize in women’s health and have been dedicated to making the lives of Oklahoma women healthier and happier since 1987.
Like the doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and staff of Lakeside Women's Hospital, McCallister is compassionate and committed to providing clients with the best, most comprehensive care at every stage of life. She first joined the hospital in 1998 brought valuable experience in healthcare and has navigated successful mergers and acquisitions in her career.
With a strong background in finance and management, McCallister excels in team building, process improvement, and strategic planning. Her expertise spans managerial finance, financial analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling. Additionally, she has a proven track record in customer service, budgeting, financial reporting, and accounting.
36). Nacuya Rucker
Senior Executive Communications Business Partner to the COO, GitHub
Nacuya Rucker is the Senior Executive Communications Business Partner at GitHub, a Microsoft company and home to 100M+ developers, all building the software society depends on daily. Rucker leads executive communications for the company's chief operations officer (COO), building thought leadership communications programs from the ground up and creating narratives that meet exciting industry moments, including generative AI.
She leads internal and external content development and strategies, covering a wide range of communication needs. These include the routine rhythms of the business messaging, such as town halls and change management/reorganization communications. Additionally, she orchestrates keynotes with robot cameos and handles sensitive company-wide announcements. She is a strategic communications and stakeholder engagement leader with nearly a decade of experience building high-impact communications programs and teams. Fueled by a passion for driving change, Rucker seamlessly integrates communications, design thinking, and innovation to shape progressive organizations and leaders focused on making a real-world impact. An ardent advocate of strategic comms, her experience spans multiple industries, including healthcare, higher education, the social sector, and now tech.
Before joining GitHub, Rucker was an innovation leadership team at Iowa State University. Before that, she was a communications specialist at UF Health. Earlier in her career, she worked with the University of Florida as an English language institute language assistant. Rucker graduated from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications with an undergraduate degree in public relations and from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in political science.
37). Lisa Crandall
VP, Payroll & HCM Operations, Heartland
Lisa Crandall is the Vice President of Payroll and HCM Operations at Heartland. A part of Global Payments Inc., Heartland is one of the largest payment processors in the United States, delivering credit/debit/prepaid card processing and security technology through Heartland SecureTM and its comprehensive Heartland breach warranty.
Crandall is an operations leader with a diverse management background and experience leading through transitions in fast-paced, high-change environments. She is recognized for providing transparent, simple, and personal experiences, as well as for building strong relationships.
Crandall first got her start in 2000 as a circuit design engineer at MCI / WorldCom. From there, she went on to Cox Communications, before eventually rising to senior manager of HR operations at Paycom, her most recent position before joining Heartland. Crandall graduated from Oklahoma City University with an MBA in Marketing and from Southern Nazarene University with an undergraduate degree in organizational leadership.
38). Jill Farrand
VP, Cryder Marketing
Jill Farrand is the Vice President of Cryder Marketing, a select team of superior marketing specialists that has the intelligence, ability, courage, and resources to handle any job of any magnitude.
Farrand has 17 years of experience. She has a background in marketing and advertising across a variety of industries. Her basic skills include strategic thinking, generating marketing plans, public relations, event planning, and implementing grassroots and platform marketing campaigns. Additionally, she is a supporter of the nonprofit sector and agrees with the mission of the Better Business Bureau of ethical work standards.
Before joining Cryder Marketing, Farrand was a director of marketing and business development at Simon Property Group. Before that, she was a director of public relations at QuiBids. Earlier in her career, she worked with Traction Marketing Group as an account executive. Farrand graduated from the University of Oklahoma with an undergraduate degree in mass comm and journalism.
39). Jody Cordeiro
Partner, AlixPartners
Jody Cordeiro is a Partner at AlixPartners. She first joined the company in 2019 as a director. For more than 40 years, AlixPartners has helped businesses around the world respond quickly and decisively to their most critical challenges – circumstances as diverse as urgent performance improvement, accelerated transformation, complex restructuring, and risk mitigation.
Cordeiro is a technology leader with more than 25 years of experience with management consulting firms and in the industry. She blends technology strategies with industry leadership expertise to provide significant value and deliver results. Previously, Cordeiro was an IT business partner and technology leader at Devon Energy. Before that, she was an executive business technology consultant at Independent Consulting. Earlier in her career, she worked with McKinsey & Company as a consultant.
Cordeiro earned an undergraduate degree in computer information systems from JMU College of Business.
40). Rachel Franklin
Associate Chief Physician Executive, Care Delivery Models, OU Health
Rachel Franklin is the Associate Chief Physician Executive of Care Delivery Models at OU Health, 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.
Franklin has 24 years of experience. She is dedicated to promoting health equity and access to patient-centered, high-quality, team-driven, and value-based care for all Oklahomans, across the spectrum of life and throughout the healthcare experience. In her role, she provides executive leadership to transform care delivery at OU Health, ensuring that the community receives the highest standard of healthcare services.
Before joining OU Health, Franklin was an associate professor and clerkship director at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Earlier in her career, she worked with Oklahoma City Clinic as a partner. Franklin graduated from the University of Oklahoma with an MD in Medicine.
41). Catherine Hunter
Chief of Pediatric Surgery, OU Health
Catherine Hunter is the Chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery and Program Director at OU Health. She also holds the Children’s Hospital Foundation Paula Milburn Miller Chair in Pediatric Surgery. OU Health is the state's only comprehensive academic health system of hospitals, clinics, and centers of excellence.
Hunter first got her start in 2004 as a general surgery resident at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. From there, she went on to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, before eventually rising to associate professor, vice chief, and associate program director of pediatric surgery at the University of Oklahoma, her most recent position before joining OU Health.
She graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York and completed her General Surgery Residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California; followed by a Pediatric Surgery Fellowship and Research Fellowship at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, California.
42). Maria Russo
Chief Information Officer, OU Health
Maria Russo is the Chief Information Officer of OU Health, the state's only comprehensive academic health system of hospitals, clinics, and centers of excellence. In this role, Russo’s oversight expands to both hospitals and clinics. She plans and implements major IT initiatives across the newly integrated enterprise, such as the implementation of the new Electronic Health Record system. She will also oversee IT service delivery across the organization.
Russo has extensive experience in healthcare IT, having served as a healthcare IT consultant at Arthur Andersen, First Consulting Group, Ernst & Young (EY), and Deloitte Consulting, where she managed large-scale Electronic Medical Records implementations, developed strategic plans for healthcare organizations, and ran managed IT departments. She has also worked as an executive in healthcare IT for several large health systems.
Before joining OU Medicine, Inc., Russo was the Chief Information Officer for Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and served as the University’s Assistant Vice Chancellor and Deputy University Chief Information Officer. She had previously served as the executive director for Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region, where she led a team supporting the electronic medical record system. Russo earned an undergraduate degree in management information systems from Saint Joseph's University.
43). Traci Tabyanan
VP, American Fidelity
Traci Tabyanan is the Vice-President of American Fidelity. American Fidelity provides life and health insurance products and services. American Fidelity Assurance Company is a supplemental benefits provider serving more than 1 million Customers across 49 states with a focus on offering a different opinion for Customers in the education, public sector, auto retail, and healthcare industries. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, American Fidelity has more than 1,800 employees in 27 locations across the nation. Tabyanan has 32 years of experience. She began her career in 1992.
Tabyanan enjoys working with people to solve business problems. She leads organizational change and innovative solutions. Her career highlights include strategic planning, technical project management, enterprise system development, automated testing, organization change, IT governance, proposal operations, pricing strategy, and compensation review.
Before joining American Fidelity, Tabyanan was a program manager at Northrop Grumman Corporation. She graduated from Ball State University with a Master's degree in Information and Communication Science and with an undergraduate degree in management.
44). Vonnie Garner
VP, Senior Regional Community Relations Manager, Bank of Oklahoma
Vonnie Garner is the Vice President and Senior Regional Community Relations Manager of the Bank of Oklahoma. At Bank of Oklahoma, their clients enjoy the advantages of banking locally with a community partner. But they also experience the breadth of products, resources, and expertise only a regional powerhouse can offer.
Garner has 27 years of experience. She is a motivated and educated professional with a successful track record in community relations with an emphasis on brand recognition, event planning, corporate social responsibility, and employee engagement. She has a talent for connecting people to the company brand and nurturing strong relationships simultaneously. Additionally, she demonstrates the ability to assess situations and respond appropriately and has a consistent history of producing accurate and timely work. Most importantly, she is known as the dependable person on a team and is willing to do whatever it takes to complete a task.
Garner graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with an MAEd in adult and continuing education and teaching and with an undergraduate degree.
45). Mary Elizabeth Mach
VP, Western Region Director, Garver
Mary Elizabeth Mach is the Vice President and Western Region Director at Garver, an employee-owned multi-disciplined engineering, planning, and environmental services firm with more than 1,200 employees across the United States. Mach started at Garver as a project manager and has also served as a water lead, managing and leading a team of professionals completing water, wastewater, and reuse projects in Oklahoma.
Passionate about improving communities and all phases of water that support them, Mach has a broad range of experience in the engineering industry, including technical, managerial, and leadership roles. As a professional in the water sector, her project experience spans from conceptual through construction and start-up of drinking water, wastewater, and reuse projects. She is adept at presenting technical information to non-technical audiences and collaborating with environmental, regulatory, and governmental stakeholders. Her focus is on delivering successful outcomes through collaboration to positively impact and substantially contribute to the development of the communities in which Garver works, lives, and raises families.
Mach earned a Master of Environmental Engineering in Environmental Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and an undergraduate degree in biosystems engineering from Oklahoma State University.
46). Celine Ferguson
Senior VP, Prosperity Bank
Celine Ferguson is the Senior Vice President of Prosperity Bank. At Prosperity Bank, they believe in a community banking philosophy, where personal relationships and great experiences go hand-in-hand. They provide convenient technology options that their customers expect – all backed by the highest level of security.
Ferguson first got her start in 1980 as a unit supervisor in accounting distribution at Gulf Oil Exploration and Production Company. She eventually rose to the position of senior vice president and CFO at Coppermark Bank, her most recent position before joining Prosperity Bank.
Ferguson graduated from Oklahoma City University with an undergraduate degree in business management.
47). Melissa Hunt
Executive Director, The American Institute of Architects
Melissa Hunt is the Executive Director of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), the leading professional membership organization for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners. Its headquarters is in Washington DC with approximately 200 employees and 300 local chapters. The AIA serves its members through advocacy, information, and community.
Hunt began her professional career by serving in the United States Air Force. She decided to take the discipline and organizational skills she learned in the military into nonprofit management. She began working as an administrative assistant for AIA in 1995 and was quickly promoted to her current position in 1996. Hunt has been serving in this capacity ever since, helping the organization promote the importance of good design through events like the AIA architecture tour, Decadent Design, design awards programs, and more.
In addition to AIA, Hunt serves as executive director for the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. She serves on the Council of Architectural Component Executives in Washington DC and is a City Council Member for the City of Moore, Ward 2.
48). Cori Mitchell
Senior Director, National Fulfillment, Cox Business
Cori Mitchell is the Senior Director of National Fulfillment at Cox Business. Cox Business provides voice, data, and video services for more than 275,000 small and regional businesses, including healthcare providers, K-12 and higher education, financial institutions, and federal, state, and local government organizations.
Mitchell first joined Cox Business in 2004 as a project manager. She is a highly accomplished executive with an extensive background in maximizing organizational performance through hiring, development, and leadership of talented teams. As a proven leader, she is responsible for driving market share, new business, and revenue growth within a highly competitive marketplace.
Mitchell earned an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Oklahoma Christian University and an undergraduate degree in liberal arts and administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma.
49). Lydia Carlis
Chief Learning & Impact Officer, Acelero Learning
Lydia Carlis is the Chief Learning and Impact Officer of Acelero Learning. She first joined the company in 2020 as chief program and people officer. 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.
Carlis formerly served as a 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. Before eyemaginED, Carlis worked with AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation for eight years, most recently as AppleTree's first chief of research and innovation. In her role, Carlis oversaw the design, development, implementation, and validation of the Every Child Ready instructional model. She began her education career teaching general education, special education, and English as second language to preschool through seventh graders in DC Public Schools and Hawaii Public Schools.
Carlis holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Howard University, a Master's degree in Bilingual Special Education from The George Washington University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Special Education from The University of Maryland, College Park.
50). Tiffany Eitzmann
VP, Content & Research Development, Ackerman McQueen
Tiffany Eitzmann has extensive work experience in various roles and industries. Eitzmann currently serves as the Vice President of Content and Research Development at Ackerman McQueen, where she oversees creative and strategic needs. Ackerman McQueen builds their clients' brands and businesses through strategic, emotional storytelling across every conceivable medium. They're a vertically integrated agency with deep expertise in strategy, creativity, and media focused on one goal: move people through the story.
Before this role, Eitzmann worked as a strategy, content development, copywriting, and research professional at Ackerman McQueen and as a media strategist, where she developed brand and content distribution strategies and optimized earned media strategies. Prior to joining Ackerman McQueen, she worked as a communications specialist for the Chickasaw Nation Video Networks and as a news research intern for OPUBCO Communications Group.
Before entering the advertising and communications field, Eitzmann had internships at Chesapeake Energy, Vaught & Conner, PLLC, and Helms Underwood and Cook. She also worked as a verified freelance journalist at Ebyline, Inc. and as a features and entertainment writer for The Oklahoman. Eitzmann holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Classical Studies from Duke University.