April E-News
Class 38 Guymon
Leadership Oklahoma Class 38 traveled to Guymon April 8–11 for an immersive session focused on agriculture & immigration in the Oklahoma Panhandle. The experience began with an agri-tourism exploration of the Black Mesa region, offering a unique look at the area’s geography, history, and rural way of life, followed by opportunities to connect with local leaders, artists, and community members.
The agriculture portion of the program provided in-depth insight into the economic and environmental impact of farming and ranching in the region. Class members heard from industry experts, toured working farms, feedlots, and Seaboard Foods, and engaged in conversations around water conservation, global markets, and food production.
The session concluded with a powerful look at immigration and diversity in the Panhandle. Through panels and breakout discussions featuring educators, business owners, students, and community leaders, participants gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with a diverse and evolving population—and the vital role it plays in shaping the region’s future.
Thank you to our generous Sponsors and for the Guymon Planning Committee for their hard work in creating this memorable experience!
Class 38 Reflections
Adam Brooks
Vice President
Honeymoon
There's an old saying that nobody should watch sausage or legislation being made. Our trip to Guymon pulled back the curtain on both (at least, on the effects of legislation), sometimes in the same breath.
The Seaboard Foods was genuinely remarkable. It’s vast, efficient and organized in ways that are difficult to fully absorb, and it clearly felt like nothing was hidden. It made me think about the scale of effort required to feed a nation and the world, including factors outside of processing, like raising and breeding millions and millions of animals.
The most impactful sessions were on Saturday, however, when we discussed immigration. Yes, we touched on policy. But, even more than other locations, the focus was on the people who are affected.
We talked with a woman who has lived in the United States since she was 5 months old. She grew up here, built her life here, contributed to our communities. Then she lost her right to legal right to work, because the government decided to hobble the system that allowed her to renew her documents. Watching that reality land on the faces of my classmates was one of the more powerful moments I've had in this program.
We heard from others in similar circumstances, the people who make and sustain communities, who are now living in genuine fear about their futures – not to mention their personal safety.
The outdoor time in the Panhandle was a genuine gift. The high desert landscape — Black Mesa, the wide sky, the sense of standing somewhere genuinely remote and ancient — was one of my favorite LOK experiences. There's something clarifying about being out in that kind of open country, and it provided a kind of breathing room that made the harder conversations easier to carry.
My classmates will tell you that in each debrief, I remind people many of the problems we see are not accidents or bad luck. They are policy decisions. With informed, engaged citizens and leaders, we can see better solutions and advocate for actual solutions, not increasing harm.
Beyond that, we also got to explore the full diversity of Oklahoma’s outdoor landscape. I’ll admit it: I didn’t fully appreciate that the Panhandle – No man’s land – contains the high desert landscape I love. We explored the mesas and arroyos, connecting with the geology and the evidence of people and creatures who shared the land hundreds, thousands and millions of years ago.
Previous graduates told me Guymon was the highlight of their experience. I can see why.
Kari Shults
Vice President of Advancement and President of the TCC Foundation
Tulsa Community College
The phrase “No Man’s Land”, historically used to describe the Oklahoma Panhandle, makes me think of a hostile and desolate place. However, our trip to No Man’s Land was anything but that. It was beautiful, warm, and full of people and families who truly may be the best thing about the Oklahoma Panhandle.
I will admit, I have dreaded this trip for a long time. I wasn’t looking forward to the long bus ride, the topic, or the pork experience. But something unexpected happened - I actually loved it (well, everything except the karaoke machine on the bus). The people we met were kind and welcomed us as if we were part of their family. From the Apple family in Kenton to Lucinda and Michael Ray, we learned firsthand about the daily hardships ranchers face in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Their passion for their land and way of life was inspiring and made me think differently about our food sources and the grit required to make a living in this part of the state.
A highlight was going to Jerry Lunsford Farms and sharing a meal with Jerry and the Rentz family. Once again, the family theme rang true when even their son joined in to teach us about the farm. To sit on this land that has been in their family for over 100 years was truly special.
On Saturday, we learned about immigration and its connection to the economy. We heard heartbreaking yet hopeful stories from resilient individuals who are making a difference in their communities. Several community leaders and small business owners shared how they have made Guymon home. The community has embraced its immigrants and as a result, Guymon is thriving and diverse. I personally loved hearing about the Alma Folkloric Dancers and the story behind the dance troupe. Art is a powerful communicator and seeing these young dancers celebrate their cultural heritage was beautiful.
I can honestly say that I wish everyone could experience the people and places we were so lucky to visit in the Panhandle. We should all learn about our food – where it comes from and how it gets to our plates, and most importantly, the people who make the entire food system possible.
We’re preparing the 2026–2027 Leadership Oklahoma Directory and want to ensure your information is accurate and up to date.
If you’ve had a recent career change, updated title, or new contact information—or if you simply have a new professional headshot—we ask that you log-in to the CRM to make those changes, or email lok@leadershipoklahoma.com with them.
Keeping your profile current helps us accurately represent our LOK network and ensures members can continue to connect and engage with you easily.
Upcoming Events:
Join Leadership Oklahoma for an exciting and informative Lunch & Learn experience at Remington Park on May 21, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This unique event offers an inside look at Oklahoma’s dynamic horse racing and gaming industry.
Attendees will enjoy networking, a provided lunch, and engaging discussions in a one-of-a-kind venue.
To wrap up the afternoon, guests are invited to participate in an optional behind-the-scenes tour from 1:30–2:00 PM, offering a closer look at the facilities and operations at Remington Park (weather permitting). Whether you're a seasoned racing enthusiast or simply curious about the industry, this event promises an engaging and memorable experience.
Get ready for a day of friendly competition, connection, and outdoor fun at Leadership Oklahoma’s Sporting Clay Shooting Challenge!
Join us on June 18, 2026, at Silverleaf in Guthrie for an exciting morning on the course. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or trying sporting clays for the first time, this event offers a welcoming and engaging experience for all skill levels.
The day kicks off with registration at 9:00 AM. A game of flurries is an optional buy-in from 9 am until 9:35 am. A mandatory safety meeting at 9:45 AM will ensure everyone is prepared before we begin shooting promptly at 10:00 AM. After the competition, stick around to enjoy lunch and awards from 12:00–1:00 PM, where we’ll celebrate top shooters and great camaraderie.
Participants are welcome to bring their own shotgun or rent one on-site, and ammo for 12 or 20 gauge will be provided.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with fellow leaders, enjoy the outdoors, and take your shot at the title!
