Class 39  McAlester

Class 39 Reflections

Zachary Grayson
Mayor
City of Chickasha

My experience at the McAlester session with Leadership Oklahoma Class 39 was one of the most enlightening experiences I have had in a very long time. Listening to different perspectives, learning from many individuals, and gaining understanding of many different issues including national defense, economic development, criminal justice and rehabilitation were just a few of the things that I was able to take away from the experience.

As an Army veteran, visiting the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant was particularly meaningful as it relates to the defense of our nation. Additionally, Krebs Brewing Company provided insight into the hard work, innovation, and determination of a small business and how they have grown into a successful operation.

The discussions on criminal justice and our visit to the Oklahoma State Penitentiary provided a great deal of insight into the complexities of our justice system. Stephen Jones, the lawyer who represented Timothy McVeigh, provided an intense perspective on the importance of constitutional rights and due process for everyone, regardless of the crimes they are charged with.

The topics discussed around mental health, substance abuse, and rehabilitation were particularly impactful as well. I learned about organizations such as ReMerge, Diversion Hub and Shared Blessings, that are making a huge impact on people’s lives in spite of the limited resources they have to work with.

I came away from the weekend with more questions than answers. Leadership is not about having all the answers, it is about listening, asking the tough questions and challenging your own assumptions. Behind every issue and policy are people, and we must first understand their challenges before we can make any meaningful progress.

Abby Ruscetta
Founder
IronGrit LLC

As a new state resident, I traveled to McAlester knowing little about incarceration in Oklahoma, but very eager to tour the Army Ammunition Plant.  McAAP did not disappoint, but Friday and Saturday impacted me tremendously.

Friday morning in the courtroom set the stage: all of us are part of the criminal justice system, whether we choose to be or not. The defense and prosecution perspectives carried me through our afternoon at Jackie Brannon and the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. The inmates we met told their stories with eloquence and emotion, yet when I later read their case histories, I found a different picture. It was a reminder to always seek the other side of the story. OSP was sobering. Are we serving both prisoners and victims well? Was every trial truly fair? Are we investing enough in prevention and rehabilitation?

That evening, attorney Stephen Jones described the risks he accepted to give Timothy McVeigh the zealous defense the Constitution guarantees. His commitment to protecting the process was an act of sacrifice and service, two words that carry deep meaning for me as a veteran.



Saturday brought hope. Drug courts, diversion, and reentry programs offer a strong return on investment by keeping Oklahomans out of prison and equipping them to contribute. I hope Oklahoma becomes a state that balances accountability with rehabilitation, and that successful local programs scale to urban and rural communities alike.

Since returning home, I’ve read John Grisham’s The Innocent Man and listened to podcasts on “Big Mac.” LOK asked me to learn, and I am all in!

Lunch & Learn Recap: Beyond the Jersey- Understanding NIL

Pictured: Matt Hamilton, Barry Hinson, Toby Baldwin, & Jodi Lewis

Leadership Oklahoma hosted a Lunch & Learn, "Beyond the Jersey: Understanding NIL," at the Sam Noble Museum in Norman on October 29!

Attendees enjoyed an engaging fireside chat featuring Toby Baldwin, attorney and collegiate sports law and NIL expert, and Barry Hinson, Oklahoma State University's Associate Athletic Director for NIL. Together, they explored the rapidly evolving and often complicated world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), offering valuable insights into its impact on collegiate athletics, student-athletes, and the future of college sports.

With a fantastic turnout, thoughtful questions, and lively discussion, attendees walked away with a much deeper understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and complexities surrounding NIL.

A special thank you to Matt Hamilton, Class X & Lifetime Member, for leading the charge in bringing this informative program together! We also extend our appreciation to our speakers, sponsors, and the Sam Noble Museum for helping make this Lunch & Learn such a success!

2026 Past Chairs' Dinner

On Wednesday, November 4, Leadership Oklahoma honored its current board of directors Chair, Dr. Stephen E. Smith, at the annual Past Chairs’ Dinner.

Hosted at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, it was a wonderful evening and a special opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and reflect on the leadership, relationships, and legacy that have shaped LOK over the years.

We are grateful for all the past chairs who have given their time and talents to make Leadership Oklahoma what it is today!

Helping Oklahoma Nominations Open!

Each year LOK recognizes individuals that are truly making a difference in our state though their volunteer efforts for their service to Oklahoma 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations who go above and beyond in their communities and/or state.

The nonprofit receives $2,500 in honor of the volunteer. 

Nomintion deadline is December 1, 2026.

The Countdown is On! YLOK Class 27

Applications Close December 13!

The search for the next generation of Oklahoma leaders is underway, and there's still time to apply!

Youth Leadership Oklahoma (YLOK) is accepting applications for Class 27, and we need YOUR help spreading the word to outstanding high school juniors across the state!

Each year, 52 students are selected for an unforgettable, weeklong journey across Oklahoma, where they'll explore our state's communities, industries, history, government, and culture while building friendships and developing leadership skills that will last a lifetime. The entire experience is FREE for selected students!

📅 Program Dates: June 6–11, 2027
🎓 Eligibility: Current Oklahoma high school juniors
⏰ Application Deadline: December 13, 2026

LOK Members, we need your help! Think about the students in your communities, schools, and networks who have the potential to be tomorrow's leaders. Encourage them to apply, share this opportunity with educators and counselors, and help us reach students in every corner of Oklahoma!

One application could open the door to a life-changing experience!

Share or learn more: www.leadershipoklahoma.com/youth-programs

Upcoming Events:

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT
Leadership Oklahoma members and their plus one are invited to celebrate the holiday season at our annual Winter Party!

This year, we’re heading to Tulsa for an evening at the beautiful home of Phil & Miranda Kaiser. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and good company as we gather with fellow Leadership Oklahoma members and friends.

Date: December 11, 2026

Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Dress: Festive Attire

Valet parking and coat check will be provided. The address and additional event details will be shared closer to the event date.

Overnight Accommodations

For members traveling from outside the Tulsa area, a courtesy room block is available at the Holiday Inn Tulsa Downtown for $139 per night.