WHO WE ARE
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create, inspire, and support leaders whose commitment to service and excellence energizes them to positively shape our future. In other words: Oklahoma leaders making Oklahoma the leader!
Leadership Oklahoma’s signature initiative is an annual 10-month program that begins in the fall with a mandatory overnight two-day retreat at St. Crispin’s. Class members then embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure that takes them deep into the state’s inner workings and everywhere across the state, from the great plains of the panhandle to the hardwood forests and pine-covered mountains of the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma.
Approximately 50 candidates from all areas of the state are chosen to participate in the Leadership Oklahoma experience.
Each year’s curriculum is based on the state’s current affairs and it typically includes military issues, sovereignty, tourism, criminal justice, state government, education, economic development, agriculture, and energy.
OUR VISION
Why do we exist? Because we believe a dynamic network of Oklahomans is powerful enough to make a difference and provide hope for the future by working together to make our state a better place to live and work.
Participants become familiar with the social and environmental complexities that afflict Oklahoma which in turn stimulates collective problem solving for the greater good of the Sooner State. Discussions with state leaders deepen their understanding of the opportunities, needs, issues, and resources inherently available in the wide range of Oklahoma industries.
As class members navigate through each month of the program, their perspectives shift as they learn first-hand the issues facing our state. Given the amount and quality of time spent together, strong bonds are formed as well as a natural, living network with an underlying impetus to move our state forward.
In the spring, participants become part of an exclusive network of Leadership Oklahoma supporters and are invited to continue their involvement through several programs such as an annual membership or by becoming an Ambassador or Lifetime Member.
HISTORY
In 1986, six inspired Oklahomans believed there was a need for leadership and action at the state level. Clayton Taylor, Hershel Lamirand, and David Miller from Oklahoma City, and Dale Teeters, Rusty Richards, and Suzie Woody from Tulsa, regularly met in Stroud at the Quarter Horse Inn to share ideas and collaborate on what would soon become the statewide leadership program called Leadership Oklahoma. The “Quarter Horse Six,” as they became known, created six regions: the state was divided into four quadrants, Tulsa County, and Oklahoma County.
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In early 1986, a group of Oklahoma leaders—motivated by the belief that more leadership was needed at the state level—gathered to discuss potential solutions. From that meeting came the proposal for a statewide leadership program.
On September 27, 1987, Leadership Oklahoma (LOK) launched its inaugural class. After participating in eight sessions, the 52 members of Class I graduated on May 1, 1988. That same year, LOK was officially incorporated and received tax-exempt status—marking the beginning of a lasting legacy. Now in its 38th year, Leadership Oklahoma proudly boasts 1,876 graduates representing 200 communities across the state.
In 2001, the Youth Leadership Oklahoma (YLOK) program was established to cultivate leadership among high school students. Since then, it has graduated 1,300 students from 280 schools across Oklahoma and recently completed its 25th class.
Leadership Oklahoma’s flagship program is its annual, ten-month, issue-focused educational experience. Each year, 52 adult leaders from diverse regions of the state are selected to participate. The program begins with a mandatory retreat at St. Crispin’s in September and continues with monthly sessions in various Oklahoma communities, concluding in late April or early May. Topics include military issues, tribal sovereignty, criminal justice, energy, economic development, healthcare, mental health, human services, philanthropy, agriculture, immigration and education . The curriculum is continually refined by the adult program committee to reflect current & emerging issues.
Graduates often express a desire to remain connected to Leadership Oklahoma—though what they’re truly seeking is the lasting bond they formed with their classmates and the broader alumni network. Each class provides participants with an in-depth understanding of statewide challenges and opportunities, fostering both awareness and action. The real impact is seen when graduates become inspired to use their knowledge and connections to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Leadership Oklahoma is making a difference. It offers hope for the future by equipping leaders to work together in building a better Oklahoma.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADVISORS
MEET OUR STAFF
Jodi Lewis
As President & CEO of Leadership Oklahoma, Jodi Lewis is responsible for program development and implementation, fundraising, board relations, and serving as the chief spokesperson for the organization. A native of Bristow, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness from Oklahoma State University. Deeply committed to the nonprofit sector and Oklahoma communities, Jodi has held roles at the Oklahoma Community Institute, Francis Tuttle Foundation, Oklahoma Municipal League, and Parent Promise.
Jodi is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma (Class XXII & Lifetime Member) and previously served two terms as the LOK Development Chair, Co-Chair of the 2019 Excellence in Leadership Gala, and most recently as Youth Leadership Oklahoma’s Class 23 Chair.
Her passion for Oklahoma nonprofits and expertise in board development and governance has led her to serve on numerous local and statewide boards, a few of which include the Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation, Parent Promise (the Oklahoma Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America), the Oklahoma Academy, Hough Ear Institute, Positive Tomorrows, and the Heritage Hall School Patrons Association. She has also spent many years teaching Sunday School at Quail Springs Baptist Church where she and her family are active members.
Jodi, her husband David (LOK Class 30 & Lifetime Member), and their two sons, Bauer and Beckham, live in Edmond with their newest addition to the family, a Coton de Tulear puppy named Happy.
Tina Biard
Tina Biard is the Operations Director for Leadership Oklahoma. In this role, Tina is responsible for the accounting operations of Leadership Oklahoma, to include the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budget designed to mitigate risk, ensure accuracy of the organization’s reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted
accounting principles.
Prior to joining Leadership Oklahoma, Tina was the Financial Officer for the Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, where she successfully managed over $100 million in federal grants and contracts. In this role, Tina was responsible for all financial and human resource functions of the Institute.
Tina has served on several fundraising committees organizing events
to benefit the Work Activity Center in Moore, Faith 7 in Shawnee, the Central Oklahoma Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity. She has also volunteered for the Regional Food Bank, Autism Speaks and the Alzheimer’s Association. Tina served on the Variety Care Foundation Board and Variety Care finance committee.
Tina is originally from Joplin, Missouri, but has also lived in Arkansas and Texas. She has been in Oklahoma since 1998 and has enjoyed exploring this amazing state. In her personal time, Tina enjoys being outdoors, and especially riding bikes around Lake Hefner with her husband, David. They have three children, Vanessa, Arden and Logan.
Vivian Le
Vivian is a first-generation Vietnamese American who up in Moore, Oklahoma. She is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelors in Theatre Education & Communication, with an emphasis on Urban Teaching. After graduating from UCO, she taught speech, debate and drama at Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School for a decade before joining Leadership
Oklahoma in 2022.
Aside from being an educator, Vivian is the President of the Asian District Cultural Association in Oklahoma City. She started the first Asian Youth Board in Oklahoma City, which is a leadership program for Asian youth in the metro.
Vivian was part of Class XIV of Linking Young Adult Leaders in Oklahoma City. Her passion is connecting and improving her community and working with youth.
She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband, Randy, and their three cats-- Minion, Hamlet & Finnegan-- and dog, Bingo Pajama.
