15 Under 40 by The Norman Transcript

Kyle Allison ✤ Jana Cline ✤ Patrick Grace ✤ Scott Hofmann ✤ Todd Kahoe

Michael Tupper✤ Casey Vineyard ✤ Kathryn Walker ✤ Brad Worster ✤ Brian Yeaman

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sara Kaplan ✤ Tim Kenney ✤ Summer McGuire ✤ Scott Martin ✤ Autumn McMahon

15 UNDER 40

THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

the next 15 UNDER 40 represents generation of leadership for Norman’s business community. The Transcript and Norman Next accepted nominations late last year for the inaugural class of young professionals who are making a positive difference in the Norman community. A committee selected 15 of the nominees. They are featured in this special newspaper section and will be honored during the Norman Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet May 3 at the Embassy Suites Norman Hotel and Conference Center. 15 Under 40 is a collaboration between Norman NEXT and The Norman Transcript. It exists to honor young professionals, 21 to 40 years of age, dedicated to making a difference in Norman. Honorees are determined based on demonstrated leadership and an interest in making Norman a great community. Norman NEXT is an organization for young professionals, 21 to 40 years of age, working or living in Norman. NEXT's mission is to attract, retain and propel the best and the brightest young professionals to be the NEXT generation of leaders in the Norman community. Through its five teams, Government Relations, NEXT Generational Leadership, Special Events, Community Activism and Membership Development, Norman NEXT provides different avenues for young professionals to take an active role in making a positive impact in the community. For more information about the 15 Under 40, contact Kyla McMoran at 321-7260 or by email at kyla.mcmoran@normanchamber.com. Visit www.NormanNEXT.com for information on upcoming events and how to get involved with Norman NEXT. Andy Rieger Transcript Executive Editor

ABOUT THIS SECTION Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy David, for The Transcript

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TIM KENNEY

FAVORITE QUOTATION

FIRST AMERICAN BANK

“INSANITY — DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS.” — ALBERT EINSTEIN

Tim Kenney, 31, lists his family as his greatest personal accomplishment. “My wife and my two sons are daily reminders to me of what is important in life and why I work hard to be successful. I am both proud and blessed to have a strong environment of trust, love and friendship in my home that we have worked hard to create and maintain.” Kenney said he can’t remember what his dream job was in high school, but he is proud of his accomplishments since starting a career in banking. Kenney was one of the youngest members of his class at the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. Recently, he was involved in facilitating and drafting a strategic plan including priorities and one vision for the future of First American Bank, where Kenney works as vice president and credit analysis manager. He said his parents, Tim and Debbie Kenney, are the most important influences in his life. “They gave me a strong system of values that drive my actions every day and help me work hard to be successful.” The Norman High School graduate also has enjoyed serving as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cleveland County. “I am extremely proud of this organization and the growth it has experienced,” he said. On his personal horizon is plans for a trip to eastern Europe. “We haven’t been there before or experienced anything like it!”

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: Fishing waders Q: Dream job? A: Unknown but always enjoyed banking Q: Favorite dessert? A: Cheesecake Q: Travel destination? A: Prague Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Outfish his relatives on the Los Pinos River in Southern Colorado

THE TRANSCRIPT CONGRATULATES THESE HONOREES Kyle Allison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9

Sarah Kaplan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10

Michael Tupper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6

Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jerry Laizure, The Transcript

Jana Cline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Tim Kenney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Casey Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8

Kyle Phillips, The Transcript

Patrick Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13

Summer McGuire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11

Kathryn Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

Scott Hofmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7

Scott Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Brad Worster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

Todd Kahoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14

Autumn McMahon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10

Brian Yeaman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12

Section Design . . .Debra A. Parker, Transcript editor

15 UNDER 40

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SCOTT MARTIN

FAVORITE QUOTATION

JANA CLINE

REPUBLIC BANK AND TRUST

“WHATEVER YOU DO IN LIFE, DO IT WITH PASSION!” — UNKNOWN

MOORE NORMAN TECHNOLOGY CENTER

THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

FAVORITE QUOTATION “LOVE LIBERATES ... JUST DO RIGHT.” — MAYA ANGELOU

JC SM

Scott Martin not only wants to be an example for his two sons, but also a good role model for others. Martin desired to be a public servant even as a teenager. “I had two dream jobs in high school and am blessed to be living one of them; public servant.” The other job was owning his own mountain guide service. “People expect and deserve a prompt and honest response to their questions and concerns, and I have always prided myself in delivering exceptional service to the citizens for which I work.” He believes this is his most significant professional accomplishment. Martin worked in municipal government for 11 years before being elected to the State House of Representatives and recently starting a career in banking at Republic Bank and Trust. “It is always funny and shocking to hear a surprised constituent on the other end of the line when I return their phone call. Unfortunately, they don’t expect a response.” Martin said he believes that people perceive politicians as disconnected and uncaring. “I do my best, one person at a time, to reverse that trend.” Martin said his family is his most significant personal accomplishment.

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: Can’t remember Q: Dream job? A: Public servant Q: Favorite dessert? A: Wife’s chocolate cake Q: Travel destination? A: Rocky Mountain National Park Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Climb Mount Everest “They have changed the way I think, act and live.” Martin said he and his wife, who is his best friend and confidant, are raising their boys to be young gentlemen who will contribute and achieve based on the skills they’ve been blessed with. “I want to leave the world knowing I was the best husband and father I could be.” Martin, 39, said his parents, and now his wife, all have encouraged, supported and sacrificed for him. “I am humbled by their unconditional love.” Also influencing him were great mentors through church, Boy Scouts and athletics. Martin’s favorite dessert is his wife’s chocolate cake. If he could travel to one place in the next year, it would be to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Jana Cline, 34 constantly seeks out opportunities where she can positively influence her family, friends, students and colleagues. “Each day presents learning experiences, options to embrace new ideas and situations that require actions. My goal is to make positive choices to improve the relationships within my personal and professional environment.” During the past 11 years, she has served in a supportive and advisement role at Moore Norman Technology Center. Currently, she is an employment advisor. Recently, she was nominated as New Professional for the state of Oklahoma within the Department of Career and Technology Education. She also received support employee of the quarter for the Moore Norman Technology Center. Cline is proud to have graduated with a bachelor’s in counseling at the age of 21 and soon after secured a job and coordinated a first-offender program for at-risk youth. For quite some time, she has had an interest in working with youth. Her dream job in high school was to become a basketball coach. For the last four years, she has coached an elementary coed basketball team and served on the children’s educational team at her church while teaching youth classes. Cline said her parents have been lifelong role models. They taught her to be honest with her work ethic and have an appreciative attitude, she said. “I began working on our family farm as a toddler and have vivid and fond memories of taking advantage of every moment to be productive with my time.” She said she hopes to instill some of these same values into the hearts of her children with the help of her husband, who also serves the community as an Oklahoma City police officer. If she could travel to one place during the next year, Cline said she would like to visit Carlo’s Bakery (home of the Cake Boss) in Hoboken, N.J., to drink a cup of coffee and try their family recipe for crumb cake.

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A. Home computer supplies Q: Dream job? A: Basketball coach Q: Favorite dessert? A: Peanut butter fudge Q: Travel destination? A: Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, N.J. Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Call Dave Ramsey and scream: “We’re debt free.”

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MICHAEL TUPPER

THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

FAVORITE QUOTATION

CLEVELAND COUNTY SPECIAL DISTRICT JUDGE

MT Michael Tupper, a special district judge in Cleveland County, said he sees firsthand families being broken apart and the aftermath that sometimes happens. “My family is without a doubt my most significant personal accomplishment. I am very blessed and proud to say that I have started and maintained a loving, stable family.” Tupper, and his wife, Jennifer, have a 3year-old son and are expecting twin girls May 2. The couple has lived in Norman since 1999, and look forward to raising their children here. Tupper said he learned of the twins only a week after he decided to trade his wife’s SUV in for a sporty sedan on an impulse while at the dealer for an oil change. “I definitely could use that SUV’s extra

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: None Q: Dream job? A: EPSN anchor Q: Favorite dessert? A: Wife’s homemade cookies Q: Travel destination? A: RV to Lake Tahoe area Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Hike the Applachian Trail

cargo room now!” His father definitely was an influence in his life, Tupper said, however, since meeting his wife she has been the most important influence. “She loves me unconditionally and keeps me grounded no matter what may be going on in my life. She has shown me what true love is and the importance of family.” In April 2009 at age 31, Tupper became one of the youngest special district judges in Oklahoma when he was appointed to the bench. He considers this his most significant professional accomplishment. “As a judge, sometimes I am taken back by the awesome responsibility I have to the citizens of Cleveland County. While it can be very challenging, it is a responsibility I accept and embrace wholeheartedly.” Since childhood, hiking the 2,181 miles of the Appalachian Trail has topped his bucket list. “I think finding the time to do it is more of a challenge than the hike itself. Perhaps the summer following my son’s high school graduation he and I will hike it together. I couldn’t think of a more fun and better bonding experience prior to sending him off to college.”

Congratulations Special Judge

Michael Tupper on Norman Next 15 Under 40 From your fellow members of the Cleveland Co.Judiciary

“QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION.” — FRANK TUPPER, MICHAEL TUPPER’S FATHER

Congratulations to all 15 Under 40 Honorees. We appreciate your leadership of our great community.

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THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

SCOTT HOFMANN

FAVORITE QUOTATION

BANCFIRST

“SUCCESS IS THE ABILITY TO GO FROM ONE FAILURE TO ANOTHER WITH NO LOSS OF ENTHUSIASM.” — WINSTON CHURCHILL

MH Scott Hofmann is proud to have remained loyal to his employer, co-workers and existing clients for the past seven and one half years. “In my profession it seems that a longterm stay in one financial institution is a rarity.” Hofmann, 30, started with BancFirst as a part-time teller. While serving in multiple areas of the bank, Hofmann said he has developed several skills that have made him into a more well-rounded employee and banker. “I consider starting at an entry-level position and working my way up to where I am now with one organization to be a significant accomplishment.” Hofmann is now vice president in commercial lending. As for his greatest personal accomplishment, Hofmann likes to tell the story of his stroke of luck. On 7/07/07 at the Trails Golf Course he predicted someone in his group would make a hole-in-one, which is golf’s most rare occurrence. Hofmann said they made their way around the course to the sixth hole where he hit the hole-in-one and felt one of the biggest adrenalin rushes in his life. “I went on to shoot in the high 90s that

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: Cowboy boots in Austin Q: Dream job? A: Late night television host Q. Favorite dessert? A: Mazzio’s hot cinnamon sticks Q: Travel destination? A: Weekend getaway to Dallas for OU-Texas game Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Attend the British Open

day, but will forever continue to brag about predicting my hole in one on 7/07/07!” As a husband and father himself, Hofmann feels his father’s influence was valuable. “As I watched him coach multiple sports teams for my siblings and me, lead a Boy Scout group, volunteer at our schools, change jobs, purchase houses and cars, act as a husband, take us to school and work late, I eventually realized the common denominator was that his family was present in all things he did. “He lived his life in a way where his family’s happiness and needs came first. As a result of this behavior, our family developed a strong bond and was able to persevere through a challenging time that was set before us.” With a 2-year-old daughter at home and baby girl No. 2 expected in July, Hofmann said he would be happy to go on a weekend getaway to Dallas for the University of Oklahoma and Texas game if he could travel to one place in the next year. The number one item on his bucket list is to attend a British Open. “I have wanted to be a patron at all four major golf championships and the Open is the only one of the four I have not been able to get to so far. I would love to go oversees to attend the tournament and play some of the old courses in that part of the world.”

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CASEY VINEYARD

THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

FAVORITE QUOTATION “YOUR SPARK CAN BECOME A FLAME AND CHANGE EVERYTHING.”

SPORTSTALK 1400 AM

— E.D. NIXON

Casey Vinyard is a working mother and community volunteer who tries to keep a good balance in all she does. “I want to set an example of a great citizen for them (her children). I love Norman and hope that by being a good steward of my community that I am raising the next generation of Norman’s volunteers.” Her children, she said, are without question one of her proudest accomplishments. “Although they are young, I am proud that they are respectful and generous individuals.” Vinyard, who always wanted to be a sports reporter for ESPN, started working late nights and weekends as an unpaid intern at WWLS 640 AM radio station. Over three years she held many jobs and worked her way up the ladder to become the first female operations manager at the all-sports, male-dominated radio station. She considers this as her most significant professional accomplishment. • See Vineyard, Page 9

Congratulations Casey Vineyard on Norman Next 15 Under 40 From your friends at SportsTalk 1400

THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

KYLE ALLISON ANDY ’S ALLIGATOR FUN PARK

15 UNDER 40 FAVORITE QUOTATION “DREAMING IS THE FIRST STEP TO ACHIEVING.” — UNKNOWN

After college, Kyle Allison, 24, joined the family company that he had worked for since he was a child. He always knew he would work in the entertainment business. In high school, his dream job was to work for Walt Disney Parks and Entertainment. “I loved the hospitality/entertainment business and I went on after school to get a degree in it. All things come full circle as I continue to work in the business today.” Andy Alligator’s Fun Park, at Interstate 35 and Indian Hills Road, provides quality family entertainment to guests. He plans to lead the company into the second generation, something that only happens to about 30 percent of all family-owned businesses. “I always knew I would work with my family,” he said. “Since I was a child, I worked with my family in the different companies or projects they had going.” When he began at Andy’s, it was an open field off I-35. Now, the company contributes 50 jobs to the local economy. “It is a family effort and we take pride in the product we provide,” he said. He counts becoming a meaningful member of our community as his most significant personal accomplishment. “I accomplish this goal with ongoing work. I don’t want to live a status quo life. I Q: Last impulse buy you want to make made over $50? every day count A: iPad and leave my Q: Dream job? mark on the A: Walt Disney Co. community.” “I purchased Q: Favorite dessert? A: Molten chocolate lava a house in Norman, investing cake my future in it. Q: Travel destination? A: Italy, to check out the That was a very important history, food and wine accomplishment Q: What's the top item on for me knowing your bucket list? that I have creatA: None ed the stability in

Q&A

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CASEY VINEYARD SPORTSTALK 1400 AM • From Page 8 “I hope my achievement was encouraging to other women in the sports broadcasting arena.” Vinyard is now an owner/partner at SportsTalk 1400 AM. Q: Last impulse buy you made over She said her faith in God is the most $50? important influence in her life and it sets A: Summer shoes her values and standards she applies in Q: Dream job? raising her children. A: ESPN reporter “It is the foundation for which I live my life and for the decisions I make. It Q: Favorite dessert? inspires me to be the best I can and to A: Spicy fresh salsa keep focus on the things that are most Q: Travel destination? important to me.” A: Eating and drinking her way through The 39-year old said she has a weakItaly and Spain ness for shoes and her last impulse buy Q: What's the top item on your bucket was several summer styles. She also list? prefers spicy fresh salsa to sweets. VinA: Travel with her boys to the BCS yard said eating and drinking her way National Championship game to watch the through Italy and Spain tops her bucket Sooners win list, but she also has another goal. “I would love to travel with my boys to the BCS National Championship game to watch the Sooners win a championship!”

Q&A

my life to allow the purchase and set my stake in Norman.” Allison said he tries to contribute an amount of time each year to growing Norman. “I have found that volunteering through Norman Next is a way of helping secure the future of Norman,” he wrote. “Our young leaders come together with the common vision of making sure Norman is ready for our future. That future includes our children and grandchildren. I want to make sure that Norman is ready to raise and train our next set of meaningful community members.” Someday, Allison said he would like to create and run a successful philanthropic organization that would benefit the youth of central Oklahoma who want to be future business leaders. This would be the number one goal on his bucket list. Allison considers his father, Russell Allison, as the one individual who has exerted the most influence on his life. “He has passion for his job and loves seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids who are being entertained at our facilities.” “I have learned so much from him and I owe much of my success to him. I have never been afraid to ask him a question regarding my personal or professional life and he has always given me an answer that is true to his heart.”

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SARA KAPLAN NATIAVE ROOTS MARKET

Sara Kaplan chose to be an entrepreneur instead of following a more traditional and safe career path. The 30-year-old said this is her biggest personal accomplishment. “At the age of 26, my husband and I convinced my parents to go into business with us — definitely a risky venture.” Kaplan said “We created a business model from the ground up. It’s been tough at times, but I have to say that I truly love my job and am very proud of the business we have built. The greatest reward is always when a customer thanks us for opening our store.” Native Roots Market, 132 W Main, opened in August 2007. The full-service grocery store sells only organic and speciality items. About one-third of the inventory is from Oklahoma producers. Kaplan said the store sells everything from canned corn to toilet paper, but items and vendors have to meet high standards. “We just pick the best out there.”

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: We recently took my parents out for a great dinner at Ludivine and thoroughly sampled the menu. Q: Dream job? A: Mermaid ... oh wait, I mean marine biologist Q: Favorite dessert? A: Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and milk Q: Travel destination? A: Beach in the Caribbean Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Live in another country for several months

15 UNDER 40 FAVORITE QUOTATION “YOU’VE GOT TO GO OUT ON A LIMB SOMETIMES BECAUSE THAT ’S WHERE THE FRUIT IS.” — WILL ROGERS

THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

AUTUMN MCMAHON JEANNINE RAINBOLT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Helping children always has been an interest for Autumn McMahon. “I can think of no greater joy than to know that I made a difference in the life of a child.” She said for as long as she can remember, helping children thrive and therefore become successful adults has been her passion. In high school, her goal was to become a pediatric psychologist. McMahon, 27, said through the years her passion hasn’t changed only the method of approach. “Working with the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education gives me the opportunity to daily raise awareness and funds to help future educators become great and therefore change the worlds of all the children they teach.” Before taking her current job, she was the development director at Mary Abbott Children’s House. “With a mission of serving child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse and neglect, it was easy to see the clear necessity of the program.” • See McMahon, Page 11

She said she is proud to see the results of how the business impacts the community of farmer and artisan food producers. “As we have grown, it’s been exciting to watch these small farmers and producers expand their businesses as well.” Kaplan said one of the farmers was able to start construction of a new greenhouse and her husband was able to retire fulltime to the farm due in part to one of the store’s programs last year. The store employs about 12 people. Kaplan said her family is the most important influence in her life. When she was 8-years-old, her family moved to Norman so her dad could help his brother expand his Subway Restaurant business. “For the next 20 years, almost every member of our family worked in the business. Obviously, this affected my career choice.”

FAVORITE QUOTATION “I WAKE UP EACH MORNING DETERMINED TO CHANGE THE WORLD AND ALSO TO HAVE ONE HELL OF A GOOD TIME. SOMETIMES THAT MAKES PLANNING THE DAY A LITTLE DIFFICULT.” — E.B. WHITE

15 UNDER 40

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SUMMER MCGUIRE

AUTUMN MCMAHON

MEALS ON WHEELS

JEANNINE RAINBOLT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION • From Page 10

FAVORITE

QUOTATION

“TO LAUGH OFTEN AND MUCH; TO WIN THE RESPECT OF INTELLIGENT PEOPLE AND THE AFFECTION OF CHILDREN; TO EARN THE APPRECIATION OF HONEST CRITICS AND ENDURE THE BETRAYAL OF FALSE FRIENDS; TO APPRECIATE BEAUTY; TO FIND THE BEST IN OTHERS; TO LEAVE THE WORLD A BIT BETTER, WHETHER BY A HEALTHY CHILD, A GARDEN PATCH OR A REDEEMED SOCIAL CONDITION; TO KNOW EVEN ONE LIFE HAS BREATHED EASIER BECAUSE YOU HAVE LIVED. THIS IS TO HAVE SUCCEEDED.” — RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A. Garment steamer Q. Dream job? A. Sports agent for Brett Favre Q. Favorite dessert? A. Butterscotch pie Q. Travel destination? A. Italy Q. What's the top item on your bucket list? A. Visiting every state in United States

Summer McGuire is a Norman native and feels the community is an incredible place to live and raise a family. McGuire, 30, said she feels privileged to be a part of Norman Next and work with those emerging leaders who soon will be guiding the growth and direction of the community. Through her involvement with Norman Next, McGuire said she would like to increase awareness and create opportunities for other individuals to become involved and learn about Norman. “It is my goal in life to make a difference: in lives and in the community.” McGuire said she still is working on her most significant personal accomplishment, her 5year-old son. “I feel that raising him to be a resourceful, respectful and responsible individual are the three most important things that I can do in helping to develop his character.” She said characteristics such as learning the value of volunteering, philanthropy and thinking of others before yourself are important and she is striving to teach those to her young son by example. “I try to involve myself in helping others and becoming involved in the community. It is my hope that he will see that all of the traits are a way of life and he will be naturally inclined to take part in opportunities to help others in his future.” Helping others is what

Q&A

McGuire does for a living. As the associate director with Meals on Wheels of Norman, she has been able to help the agency improve its financial situation. “As of the end of 2010, Meals on Wheels reported its seventh straight year in the black. When I began (to work at) Meals on Wheels of Norman in March 2003, the organization had jst reported its third straight year with a deficit budget.” Some of the improvements McGuire has helped implement are changes in the website and other communication methods and the way donations are made. These and other improvements have allowed more of the community to become involved in the organization and create more awareness for the program, McGuire said. McGuire said George Henderson, University of Oklahoma professor, was a great influence on her life. “I truly feel that his lectures and influence helped lead me to accept the position at Meals on Wheels and help make a difference in the lives of others as an active member of the Norman community.”

Q: Last impulse buy you Q: Travel destination? made over $50? A: London A: Bob Jones Shoes in Q: What's the top item on Kansas City your bucket list? Q: Dream job? A: Writing a book that A: Pediatric psychologist someone besides my family Q: Favorite dessert? would read A: Creme brulee

Through her skills and knowledge of social media networking, McMahon created a public-awareness campaign that resulted in increased donations and volunteers for the program. She considers this as her most significant professional accomplishment to date. “The self-confidence I gained by knowing that I could navigate an entirely new environment alone has been the catalyst for my career, my willingness to take on new challenges, even my marriage!” McMahon said she is inspired by her family every day. “I have the honor of sharing my life with a husband who is an unceasing source of love, encouragement and positivity. I have been blessed with parents who teach by example the importance and power of giving back.”

The staff of University of Oklahoma Development Congratulates Our Colleague Autumn McMahon Development Director for OU’s Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education

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BRIAN YEAMAN PHYSICIAN

Brian Yeaman believes in serving his community and helping the youth. These values reflect a desire to continue a legacy and follow in the footsteps of his mentor, Dr. Hal Belknap. “Dr. Belknap created an opportunity for me to see a potential as a physician and supported me in more ways than can really be described. I wouldn’t be in this position today if it weren’t for him.” In high school, Yeaman wanted to be a doctor at the Norman Clinic and practice with Dr. Belknap. “I was fortunate enough to get that opportunity.” Yeaman, 36, lists becoming a physician himself as one of his greatest personal accomplishments. But he also has enjoyed running the Medical Explorer Post 901 and watching Norman youth develop and explore medicine every year. Yeaman said his parents also were critical in helping him stay on target as a youth to stay focused and dedicated to education Yeaman cites starting his own clinic and being appointed by the governor as a trustee for the state of Oklahoma Health Information Exchange Trust as some of his most significant professional accomplishments. “Leading Norman Regional Health System and the Norman Physician Hospital Organizations into the modern era of healthcare and electronic records also have been very rewarding.”

FAVORITE QUOTATION “CREATIVITY IS THINKING UP NEW THINGS. INNOVATION IS DOING NEW THINGS.” — THEODORE LEVITT Yeaman believes Norman can be an example for the nation in the healthcare industry. He looks forward to the time when patients, care providers, doctors and hospitals coordinate seamless care and a new delivery model for healthcare is created. This model would put service, value, quality and safety upfront, he said. “It is becoming my life’s work and I want to see Norman provide that example for the nation.” On the horizon? Camping in Glacier National Park. “Many a hiking trip and Philmont trek kept me sane during college and medical school,” he said. “I look forward to rediscovering those trips and sharing them with my daughters.”

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: MacBook Air computer Q: Dream job? A: Physician Q: Favorite dessert? A: Pineapple upside down cake Q: Travel destination? A: Glacier National Park (without his cell phone) Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Glacier National Park, turn off my cell phone and enjoy nature and hike and camp under the stars.

THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

15 UNDER 40

THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

PATRICK GRACE OKLAHOMA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

PG Patrick Grace wants to provide future generations the same Norman experience he grew up with. That is why he spends much of his time volunteering and giving back to the community. Grace said he hopes by doing his part, it helps to continue the quality of life here in Norman and even make it better. “Everybody helps each other out and that is what makes Norman great. That is what I am trying to do as well.” The 33-year-old returned to Norman after attending college in Indiana and was soon hired by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative where he plans to retire. Grace said by demonstrating leadership and vision in the company, he was promoted to engineering manager at age 28,

which is his most significant professional accomplishment. He considers his most significant personal accomplishment as finishing the 2009 Redman Half-Ironman Triathlon in Oklahoma City in 5:55:31. Grace said he trained for nine months for the competition that was the biggest challenge he had ever faced. “I have other accomplishments, most notably the completion of three marathons. However, the amount of time, effort, discipline and courage needed for the half-ironman sets it above the others.” His wife Kelley, Grace said, is the most important influence in his life. “She sets a tremendous example of how to dedicate ones life to work, to the community and to self.”

FAVORITE QUOTATION “EVERY MAN DIES. NOT EVERY MAN REALLY LIVES.” — WILLIAM WALLACE

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: ATM transaction in Las Vegas Q: Dream job? A: Sports journalist Q: Favorite dessert? A: Anything with graham cracker crust Q: Travel destination? A: World Series at Wrigley Field Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Learning to play the piano

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KATHRYN WALKER

FAVORITE QUOTATION

ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY

KW TODD KAHOE INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

Todd Kahoe is honored to have been recognized by peers for his leadership skills. Kahoe, 36, was awarded the 2010 Earl Sneed Leadership Award by his Leadership Norman class. “It was such a humbling experience to win the award, made more so as it was an award voted on by my peers.” He considers being chosen as his most significant personal accomplishment to date. “I only hope to be the leader that the namesake of the award was.” Kahoe said his wife is an inspiration

FAVORITE QUOTATION “TRY NOT TO BECOME A MAN OF SUCCESS BUT A MAN OF VALUE.” — ALBERT EINSTEIN

• See Walker, Page 15

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: iPhone Q: Dream job? A: Social studies teacher Q: Favorite dessert? A: Anything Q: Travel destination? A: Greece for its history and beauty Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Spend extended time in Europe

Congratulations Todd on being a positive leader in the Norman community.

and his parents instilled in him the values of working hard for yourself, but more importantly working hard for others and giving unselfishly of yourself. In high school, Kahoe said his dream job was to become a doctor. But now as an agent with Insurance Solutions, he considers being able to help others protect their largest investments everyday as his most significant professional achievement. “By educating them on the potential risks and helping them achieve a plan to mitigate that risk, I feel is a great accomplishment that I get to do every day.”

Todd Kahoe

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: 2007 Yukon Q: Dream job? A: Doctor Q: Favorite dessert? A: German chocolate lake and mother-in-law’s bread pudding.

Kathryn Walker would like to see more people become involved in their community. “I feel strongly that citizens should strive to engage themselves in creating a better community in which they live. It gives one a sense of ownership in the activities that make Norman the kind of community people want to live and work in.” Walker said, as assistant city attorney, she is proud to have a job where the goal is to create a better community for Norman residents to live in. She considers this opportunity to make a difference through her work as her most significant professional accomplishment. “I am privileged to work in a profession and position that allows me to play a vital role in developing policies and procedures that affect the overall health and welfare of the Norman community.” Walker, 33, began thinking about becoming a lawyer in high school. “In my high school yearbook, I said my career goal

“I DO NOT BELIEVE IN A FATE THAT WILL FALL ON US NO MATTER WHAT WE DO. I DO BELIEVE IN A FATE THAT WILL FALL ON US IF WE DO NOTHING.” — RONALD REAGAN

Q: Travel destination? A: Italy and South Africa Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Golf at Augusta National

360-4444 • 712 Wall St. • Norman

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THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

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KATHRYN WALKER ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY • From Page 14

BRAD WORSTER

FAVORITE

JR FULTON & ASSOCIATES

QUOTATION

Brad Worster credits his father, Jerry Worster for providing him guidance and mentorship throughout his personal and professional life. “I began my real estate career working for him and throughout my 12 year tenure he gently instilled some simple values that could easily have been overlooked in my rush to be successful.” The 38-year old said small steps have combined to help him reach this point in his life. “The things that have allowed me to grow the most have always been those that I resisted the most.” Worster said one of those hurdles

“IF ALL YOUR LIFE YOU REMAIN WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE, YOU NEED NOT FEAR A KNOCK AT THE DOOR AT MIDNIGHT.” — UNKNOWN was facing his fear of public speaking to teach real estate courses with as many as 60 students. “Getting through that first class without bolting for the door was quite a personal accomplishment!” Now, as a branch broker with JR Fulton & Associates, Worster said he is enjoying the professional challenge of redeveloping the former Chevrolet dealership on Main Street. “Though the project as a whole is far from complete, closing the first sale to Whataburger in October 2010 was very gratifying and I look forward to additional transactions to complete the entire development.”

Q&A Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: Gas grill for patio Q: Dream job? A: Redevelop buildings and neighborhoods Q: Favorite dessert? A: Anything chocolate

Q: Travel destination? A: Belize for scuba and snorkeling Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon

was to be a social studies teacher. I didn’t know anything about college, didn’t have anyone in my family who had graduated from college, so at that time I really wasn’t sure I was capable of completing the schooling to become a lawyer.” Walker said her most significant personal accomplishment was completing the half-marathon at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon last April. She said, for a variety of reasons she had never run more than four miles at once during her training for this race. “The reason behind this particular marathon makes it a special race and the atmosphere really inspired me to run the full 13.1-mile distance of the race and meet my goal for time of completion. I paid for my lack of preparation in injury, but it was completely worth it. I am training correctly this year and can’t wait to run it again.” Walker said her children inspire her to do

Congratulations to Kathryn Walker Norman Assistant City Attorney & all other honorees of the Norman Next Class of 2011

We are proud of you! from your friends and co-workers at the City of Norman

her best at everything she attempts. “When my children become adults, I want them to look back and remember a mother who always did her best, who loved her family, and who loved and contributed to her community. It is my hope that my actions now inspire them to do great things later.”