Class 38 Oklahoma City

Class 38 Reflections

Renee McKenney
President, Tulsa Regional Tourism
SVP, Tulsa Regional Chamber

Our February session of Leadership Oklahoma Class 38 in Oklahoma City was a powerful reminder of what intentional leadership and long-term vision can accomplish.

Each community we visit tells a different Oklahoma story — and OKC’s story is one of bold public-private partnership, resilience, and disciplined growth. Having time with Mayor Holt to share his term’s successes and full circle of where Oklahoma City currently stands defined our visit.

It started with a tour of Will Rogers International Airport, which I was unable to attend. The importance of air travel growth is so important to our communities and continue to attract nonstop air service will promote economic growth. The State Capital renovation and artwork is a source of pride. Trait Thompson’s behind the scenes’ tour of the restoration and significant historical art throughout the building was impactful.

Spending time in Oklahoma City reinforced how transformative collaboration can be. The evolution of the city — from MAPS initiatives to downtown revitalization — reflects decades of strategic investment between civic leaders, business partners, and voters who believed in something bigger than the moment. The Olympics LA 28 will be a hallmark event for OKC and bring the international stage to the city and our state. The reception at The Lively at The Oak was a great way to experience firsthand what vision has brought to the city.

The Oklahoma City Thunder is perhaps the most visible symbol of that partnership. What began as an ambitious effort to bring major league sports to Oklahoma has become an economic engine and cultural anchor. The Thunder’s presence has catalyzed arena development, hotel growth, restaurant expansion, national visibility, and a sense of shared pride. It’s not just a basketball team — it’s a case study in how sports can elevate tourism, brand identity, and economic momentum when public and private sectors are aligned. The panel led by Brian Byrnes and Erika Lucas brought the story to life, and I loved being at their headquarters to experience it with their special “surprise and delight” moments.

As someone who works daily in destination leadership, I see parallels in how OKC has leveraged infrastructure investment into tourism growth. Strategic capital projects don’t just change skylines — they change perception. And perception drives visitation, talent attraction, and long-term competitiveness.

Equally impactful was our time at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Walking through that sacred space is a profound leadership lesson. It is a reminder that tragedy can shape a community — but so can resilience. The Memorial demonstrates how thoughtful placemaking can honor history, educate future generations, and create a powerful emotional experience for visitors from around the world.

I also reflected on how important it is to invest in funding social services. The interactive activity “walking in another’s shoes” was well placed and provided a real-life experience exercise that had me thinking throughout the fireside chat, Sunbeam family services and lived experiences.

From a placemaking perspective, it is also a reminder that authentic storytelling matters. Visitors do not travel simply for attractions — they travel for meaning. Quality of life brings economic development, and it is what makes OKC unique.

Leadership Oklahoma continues to stretch my thinking. It deepens my understanding of how interconnected our cities are and how much we can learn from one another. OKC’s journey reinforces that bold vision, voter trust, private-sector commitment, and disciplined execution are not abstract concepts — they are measurable strategies that change the trajectory of a city.

I left Oklahoma City inspired — as a sister city in collaboration. When Oklahoma’s communities grow stronger together, the entire state benefits

Jeremy Zweiacker
Executive Director, Planning & Operations
Meridian Technology Center

Driving home from Class 38’s session in Oklahoma City, I couldn’t stop thinking about one phrase: the “Oklahoma Standard.” I had heard it many times before, but this weekend, I finally understood what it truly means and more importantly, I saw it in action. Every session, every visit, every conversation reflected that same thread: Oklahomans committed to serving others, lifting their communities, and defining a standard that belongs to us. 

Spending time at Will Rogers International Airport and the State Capitol, we heard the history of Oklahomans dedicated to making their communities and their state successful. At the United Way of Central Oklahoma, we learned how state and local entities partner together to form what was described as a “Web of Stability” to meet essential needs such as health, food, and housing. We witnessed those who serve victims and survivors and had the opportunity to “Walk in Another’s Shoes” for a brief period of time. We saw how services are funded and observed firsthand at Pierce Early Childhood how young children and their families are supported through high-quality Early Head Start and Head Start programs, along with comprehensive wraparound services designed to help the whole family thrive. Throughout the day, I found myself quietly reflecting on the courage it takes to do this work every day.

Show up to serve.

We visited the Clara Luper Sit-In Plaza, which honors thirteen students and their teacher, Clara Luper, who on August 19, 1958 launched a sit-in movement that inspired people across the nation. Their dedication to peace and respect sparked change and opened the doors of once-segregated restaurants and businesses. We also visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, created to remember those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever on April 19, 1995. That sacred ground stands as a testament to resilience, unity, and compassion in the face of tragedy. As one presenter shared, two events that changed Oklahoma and the world sit only five blocks from each other. That statement made me reflect on how one person can make a difference and how a community can come together.

Rise up to honor.

We also spent time with the 2025 NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder and heard how intentional partnership and community investment have helped shape both the organization and the city. From the Thunder to MAPS 4 and its inclusion of innovative projects highlighting social services, to other models that move people toward stability, we saw how Oklahoma City has chosen to define its own future through collaboration across government, nonprofits, philanthropy, and business. I left these conversations inspired, thinking about the ways my own small actions could ripple outward to strengthen my community.

Step up to be kind.

It was at the memorial and museum where we heard the definition of the Oklahoma Standard: an initiative preserving and promoting a culture of caring citizens by encouraging acts of service, honor, and kindness.

Show up to serve.
Rise up to honor.
Step up to be kind.

Class 38 is learning that leadership is not just about titles or programs. It is about how we respond when it matters most. The Oklahoma Standard does not belong to a museum or a monument. It belongs to the people of this state. While we individually may never have a statue made of our likeness or hoist a championship trophy, we saw that making a difference is possible at every level through local boards, community organizations, or everyday acts of service. This is how each of us, through our career or our volunteerism, can create meaningful change. The Oklahoma Standard sets the bar, and it exists only if each of us chooses to carry it forward.

Spring Summit: Public Safety, Preparedness & Well-Being and Legislative Reception

Pictured: Kathy Banks-Monroe (Class XXIX, Lifetime Member), Dr. Rachael Melot (Class 34, Lifetime Member), and Jodi Lewis (Class XXII, Lifetime Member)

On February 17, 2026, Leadership Oklahoma hosted the Spring Summit focused on public safety, preparedness, and well-being, convening leaders from across the state for an afternoon of learning, dialogue, and connection. Held in Oklahoma City, the Summit brought together public officials, nonprofit partners, business leaders, and community stakeholders to explore how cross-sector collaboration strengthens Oklahoma’s ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from crisis.

Leadership Oklahoma was honored to recognize Dr. Rachael Melot with the 2026 Helping Oklahoma Award  for her impactful volunteer work with the Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma  during the luncheon.

The program featured dynamic panel discussions highlighting statewide efforts in emergency management, law enforcement, fire response, and community resilience. Leaders shared real-world examples, lessons learned from recent challenges, and innovative approaches to preparedness.

The Summit reinforced Leadership Oklahoma’s mission to cultivate informed, engaged leaders by providing meaningful access to critical issues shaping our state. Through thoughtful conversation and shared expertise, attendees left better equipped to support policies and partnerships that advance public safety and overall well-being for communities across Oklahoma.

Thank you to Steven Carter (Class 37), Eric Harlow (Class 35 & Lifetime Member), Matt McCord (Class 36), Ken Doke (Class 36), and Darrell Weaver (Class XXIII) for serving on the Spring Summit Committee.

Following the summit was the Legislative Reception, where members, guests and legislators networked.

LOK Class 39 Applications Open!

Applications for Leadership Oklahoma Class 39 are open, and we need your help spreading the word!

Leadership Oklahoma is built on the strength of its people, and many of our strongest classes have come from personal recommendations and shared opportunities. If you know a leader who is passionate about Oklahoma, committed to growth, and ready to make a statewide impact, we encourage you to share this opportunity with them.

Application Deadline: April 1, 2026

Upcoming Events:

Leadership Oklahoma invites you to an evening of celebration at the Excellence in Leadership Gala on April 25, 2026 at Southern Hills Country Club to honor this year's outstanding civic leaders and organizations:

• Lifetime Achievement: Hannibal B. Johnson, Class V, Tulsa
• Distinguished Graduate: Rhonda Hooper, Class XXI, Oklahoma City
• Statewide Community: Small Business Development Center, Durant
• Business Leadership: Oklahoma City Indian Clinic



A courtesy block of rooms is available at Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills for $169/night.