Class 38 Sulphur

Class 38 Reflections

Houston Brittain
Preisdent, Owner
Brittain Risk Management Services

It was a privilege and honor for LOK Class 38 to participate in the Tribal Sovereignty session this November in Sulphur, Oklahoma. This experience extended far beyond a traditional educational opportunity, it was a transformative journey that offered a rare, in-depth perspective on the strength, complexity, and effectiveness of tribal sovereignty and governance.

I am grateful to the tribal leaders and department heads who shared their time and knowledge. Their professionalism and dedication to their people and missions left a lasting impression and demonstrated the highly sophisticated and modern framework of tribal governance. I am also thankful to the LOK committee and staff for organizing such a meaningful and impactful session.

On Thursday afternoon in Ada, Oklahoma, participants were given several learning opportunities. I chose to take part in the CLEET training simulation, an experience that was both exhilarating and humbling. Stepping briefly into the role of law enforcement provided a powerful understanding of the split-second decisions, challenges, and immense responsibility officers carry every day. I left with a deeper level of respect and appreciation for the courage, discipline, and service of the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police and all public safety professionals who help keep our communities safe.

I enjoyed the visit to the remarkable Chickasaw Cultural Center on day two, a truly inspiring place that beautifully preserves and presents the rich history, culture, and continued progress of the Chickasaw Nation. Walking through the exhibits and learning about their journey from their earliest history to the present felt like stepping back in time. The strength and resilience of the Chickasaw people, along with the endurance of many other tribal nations, is deeply moving.

Later that day, we were honored to hear from several outstanding speakers, and I was especially moved by Dr. Kelli Mosteller. Her powerful presentation on the history of forced removal brought sobering reflection to this painful chapter in American history. Her reference to the Trail of Tears as the “Trail of Death” restored the true gravity of what was endured and left me reflecting on the extraordinary resilience required not only to survive such injustice, but to rebuild and thrive.

Hearing from Governor Bill Anoatubby and participating in a roundtable discussion with tribal leaders was among the most meaningful moments of the experience. Learning about their leadership journeys, their vision for the future, and the challenges and opportunities they face at the state level was both inspiring and encouraging.

We concluded the weekend with a focus on unity and collaboration, recognizing the critical partnerships that exist between tribal nations and local, county, and state governments. From cross-deputation agreements and emergency services to infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic development, and judicial cooperation, it is clear that a strong foundation for meaningful partnership is already in place.

After reflecting on this experience, I am filled with optimism, passion, and excitement for Oklahoma’s future. Tribal and non-tribal communities alike have a tremendous opportunity to continue strengthening these partnerships. Shared governance, built on mutual respect, is the path forward for preserving resources, improving education and healthcare systems, and strengthening our economy.

As we were asked during the session: Imagine what we could accomplish if we ALL truly worked together?

Our future is bright, and I am confident that by building upon the strong cooperative foundation established by our tribal partners, Oklahoma can continue moving toward a unified, resilient, and prosperous future for all.

JaHannah Jamelarin
Chief Integrated Health Officer/Medical Director
Good Shepherd Community Clinic

The Tribal Sovereignty session was personally and professionally meaningful for me. I grew up in Oklahoma and left around the age of 13 with a limited understanding of Tribal Nations. Tribal history was not taught with depth, and the presence and influence of the tribes felt far less visible than what I have witnessed since returning to Oklahoma as an adult.

Since returning to Oklahoma 10 years ago, I have observed the growing influence of Tribal Nations and have come to appreciate how much of this progress is rooted in stable leadership, intentional transitions of power, and a shared commitment to the seven-generation philosophy. Being hosted by the Chickasaw Nation in Sulphur brought these concepts to life in a powerful and tangible way.

The seven-generation philosophy challenged how I think about leadership and responsibility. It demands consistency, long-term vision, and a deep sense of stewardship. It asks leaders to consider not just immediate outcomes, but the well-being of people they will never meet.

From my perspective as a psychiatrist, I also viewed this session through the lens of trauma and healing. Forced removal and relocation created profound disruptions to safety, identity, and trust. What stood out to me was how stability itself can serve as a mechanism for healing. When leadership is steady, culture is protected, and vision is sustained over time, it creates conditions for psychological safety, restoration, and resilience. This experience reshaped how I understand leadership and the role it can play in helping communities heal across generations.

All Class Reunion & Distinguished Leadership Award Reception

Photo from Left to Right: Kathy Banks-Monroe, Dr. Stephen E. Smith, Jodi Lewis

On November 6, alumni from across the state came together for the All Class Reunion & Distinguished Leadership Award Reception, honoring Dr. Stephen E. Smith  (Class XXIII) as this year’s Distinguished Leadership Award recipient at Choctaw Landing.



2025 Annual Winter Party

Pictured: Class 37

On December 12, Leadership Oklahoma welcomed the holiday season with our 2025 Winter Party at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. From 5:30–8:30 p.m., more than 200 LOK members and guests gathered for an evening of festive cheer, connection, and celebration.

This year marked a milestone moment for Leadership Oklahoma. For the first time, the Winter Party was not hosted in an LOK member’s home—a reflection of how much our community has grown! With record attendance, it was clear that we’ve beautifully outgrown living rooms and dining rooms and stepped into a space that matched the energy and scale of our network.

Guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and lively conversation in a vibrant, art-filled setting, reconnecting with classmates and meeting new friends across generations of LOK.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this inaugural venue-based Winter Party such a success. We’re grateful for this ever-growing community and look forward to many more moments of connection in the year ahead. 

Best Class Ever Challenge Leader Board

It’s time for Leadership Oklahoma’s End-of-Year Giving Campaign, and the friendly competition is heating up! Each class has the chance to prove once again why you are the Best Class Ever by giving back to support LOK’s mission of creating, inspiring, and supporting Oklahoma’s leaders.

The class that raises the most by December 31st will take home bragging rights and have their name engraved on the “Best Class Ever” perpetual trophy, presented live at the Excellence in Leadership Gala on April 25th at Southern Hills in Tulsa.

Last year’s winner? Class 10!

Will your class claim vistory this year? Let’s find out!

Make your gift today and help your class claim the title:

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