Next under 40

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Kristopher Boyd, Chris Bruehl, Adrian Buendia, Justin Covey, John Davenport, Keri Dennis, Jonathan Fowler, Samantha Kahoe, Heather Woods O’Connell Tatianna Proctor, Phil Scowden, Andrew Seamans, Lynann Sterk, Jen Tregarthen, Nyky Wilson,

Norman NEXT is proud to present the 3rd Annual NEXT Under 40 Awards. This year’s award winners highlight a selection of the best and brightest young professionals in our community and exemplify qualities of Norman NEXT’s core principles by being actively engaged in making a difference. Thru leadership, mentoring, networking and volunteerism, Norman NEXT cultivates and inspires young professionals to BE A POSITIVE agent of change for Norman. Norman NEXT recognizes it could not achieve all of its success without its membership and Community Partners.

Justin Covey, 2013 Norman Next Chair

Sunday, April 14

2

Kristopher Boyd REPUBLIC BANK & TRUST Favorite Quote: “ Ask for wisdom and it will be given to you.”

Kristopher Boyd said he likes this quote because he has a constant desire to learn and new things can be learned even from the simplest of tasks such as running.

Recently, while training to run in the Dallas Marathon, he learned a lot.

“It was amazing all that came from this.”

Boyd, 35, said although there were days that it was physically and mentally challenging he proved to himself he could finish the race.

“Managing the stress and pain, planning ahead, tracking running times; these were all lessons that I am able to now incorporate into my professional and home life.”

He said he enjoyed seeing his wife and kids become his personal cheerleaders and realized during the marathon process that they had built a great family.

“For me, there is no greater personal accomplishment.”

Boyd said the most important influence in his life is based in his Christian faith.

“While I’m certainly not perfect, the precepts of my faith influence and create purpose for my life.”

Certainly there also are individuals who are important and influence him daily in his decisions and personal growth, including his dad, Chuck Thompson, James Harp and Tim Mannin.

Professionally, Boyd is proud to have been promoted to a lender and vice-president of Republic Bank & Trust. Since his first day at the bank in 1999, Boyd said those he worked with took an interest in his personal and professional development.

“Our leadership considers each banker a vital part of the organization, from the courier to the president’s office. The affirmation found in my promotion spoke volumes to me, as I was given greater responsibility and authority to be a representative of Republic.”

Boyd said each day he reminds himself to represent the bank in a positive light in everything he does.

His second professional accomplishment has been the time he has spent serving on the Mary Abbott House board of directors.

Currently he holds the office of president and his skill set in the banking industry has allowed him to assist the organization during their time of growth and expansion.

Boyd said he is proud to know that he is a part of an organization that gives kids a safe place to tell their stories of abuse and neglect.

“To know that they are now on a road to healing, just because a group of people apply their professional skill set and networks is a reflection of how a community should work.”

Boyd is also a board member for Builders Association of South Central Oklahoma.

Christopher C. Bruehl OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Favorite Quote: “Winning isn’t everything-but wanting to win is.” Vince Lombardi, Jr. Bruehl believes he has achieved a well-rounded interest in politics, history, weather and travel.

His primary interest in politics has provided him with a career in the Oklahoma political arena.

“Knowledge is empowerment and throughout my life I have sought to increase my personal education in American history, with emphasis on presidential and the American west.”

Bruehl said since he was young, he has had both a fear and respect for Mother Nature and has worked extensively to gain a greater understanding of weather and other natural occurrences.

“Understanding the past can help guide us forward and understanding our natural environment and occurrences empowers us to be prepared for certain events, as well as understanding that our planet is ever-changing.”

At 38, Bruehl said having the opportunity to serve the State of Oklahoma for more than 15 years and be a participant in effecting change in state government is his greatest professional accomplishment. “ I’m honored to be currently serving as the Appointments Director for Governor Mary Fallin and be a part of her team to move the state forward.”

He has participated in efforts to make our state government more efficient through streamlining some of the boards and commissions, as well as assisting the Governor with appointing more than 800 citizens who share her vision for the state.

“For me public service is a high calling and I consider it a high honor and professional achievement to have had even a small part in this ongoing process.”

Bruehl also served on the staff of former Governor Frank Keating and represented him in assisting constituents and monitoring the activities of boards and commissions under various Cabinet departments. He also was part of the fundraising and the team that won the first Republican majority in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 82 years in 2004.

Then, he worked in the Speaker’s Office under three successive Speakers of the House and coordinated the appointment of more than 1,000 legislators and citizens from across the state to various boards and commissions, as well as assisting citizens with issues and concerns they had with state agencies and policies.

Bruehl said he is influenced by the value of perseverance. “ I am driven by the various people I have both served under and looked up to who stuck to their goals and pushed through even when faced with adversity. It is the determination to move forward, even when we may experience times where we are tempted to quit, that we continue to work through challenges. This has been an important virtue that continues to help me daily.”

Sunday, April 14

4

Adrian Buendia ESKIMO SNO & NEXUS PRODUCTIONS INC. Favorite Quote; “ If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.“ Dave Ramsey Buendia refers to this Dave Ramsey quote often stating that his hard work now will definitely pay off later in life.

The 34-year-old said buying a sno cone stand and investing in his own DJ company have created positive results financially, personally and in his relationship that he never would have imagined.

The risk in starting his own business and making it successful, he said, is his most significant personal accomplishment.

Buendia stumbled on a passion of making sno cones and playing music after college never thinking it would amount to anything significant in his life. Now, he has built his business to include multiple locations and more than 150 DJ events per year.

“I had a passion to bring a smile to others with everything I did and I discovered the joy that making sno cones and playing music really brought to others.”

Buendia said being a service oriented business, his greatest professional accomplishment is a successful event and positive feedback from clients.

“I love the honor of being the DJ at a wedding reception and carefully coordinating & emceeing all the major events such as the grand introduction, first dance, cake cutting and then having a packed dance floor the rest of the evening.”

Seeing their happiness and knowing I have created a lasting memory of a night they never will forget is the greatest professional accomplishment he can receive, Buendia said.

“In my profession, I just happen to be lucky enough to feel that accomplishment almost every weekend with our 150 plus events we get to be a part of annually.”

Buendia said his wife is his most important influence. She has helped him build his business and encourages him to take time for family and rest.

“I am grateful she gets me up for church on Sundays after DJing till 3 a.m. the night before and takes care of every financial aspect of our lives both personally and professionally.”

Buendia graduated from the University of Oklahoma in May 2000. He is a member of the Leadership Norman Class 2013 and St. Mark Evangelist Catholic Church in Norman. He also is involved with the OU Alumni Association, Norman Chamber of Commerce, Philippine-American Civic Organization and the Alliance of Emerging Professionals in Oklahoma City and is a charter member of the Boomer Nooners Toastmasters.

Justin Covey MERRILL LYNCH Favorite Quote: “May you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you are dead.” Unknown Justin Covey was completely focused on his career and work before his marriage. “Tennille has helped me enjoy life and broaden my horizons. After we had children, I was amazed how different my perspective became. It is a blast to teach them new things and watch them grow.”

Becoming a husband and a father is his most significant personal accomplishment, he said.

Covey, 38, said his parents taught him how to work hard and showed him how to have a strong work ethic. They were supportive of all of their children and coached them all to have personal and professional success, he added.

They were an important influence in his life and he hopes he can do the same for his children.

His greatest professional accomplishment he said is his service as an Army Aviation Officer.

“I was responsible for the safety and welfare of many soldiers and other officers during both war and peacetime. “ Covey said during his deployment to Iraq he served as the Assistant Operations Officer for his battalion and planned all flight and ground operations that they conducted.

He said tactics and techniques were developed to reduce risk of death and injuries for the soldiers since often times they were sending them into dangerous situations with very little knowledge of the current situation.

Upon becoming a Company Commander they continued to refine the tactics and techniques.

“We were able to accomplish 100 percent of our missions while overcoming challenging maintenance issues and high demand for aircraft. We were the only battalion within the 101st Airborne Division that did not lose soldiers to enemy fire. I attribute that to very high standards, professional aircrews that utilized sound tactics and procedures.”

Covey is a member of Rotary Club, Leadership Norman, Leadership Midwest City and board member for Norman Regional Health Foundation and Oklahoma Young Professional Leaders. He is a board member-ex officio of the Norman Chamber of Commerce and Chairperson Norman NEXT.

Sunday, April 14

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John Davenport PRIMROSE FUNERAL SERVICE Favorite Quote: “Just Do It.” John Davenport said his dad taught him how to be a good man, husband and father.

“My dad is my role model and my best friend. My dad has always been there for me and put off other things to ensure that I was given the best opportunity.” He is the most important influence in my life, Davenport said.

During the past six years, Davenport has worked for Primrose Funeral Service. He has been fortunate to become a funeral director, manager and now general manager.

“I currently operate and oversee all daily aspects of three funeral homes and two cemeteries. “ Davenport said he enjoys working with all 55 of his employees and developing the team while making sure that others are doing the best for the workplace, self and community.

Davenport, 30, said he has been part of many team and personal athletic accomplishments, academic accomplishments and career oriented accomplishments. However, his most significant personal accomplishment is the relationship he and his wife share.

“We have been together for over eight years, but only married for a year and a half. We have had our ups and downs, but we love each other dearly and were made for one another.”

He said they were both passionate about their careers and both want each other to be successful.

“We complement each other through working together to better people around us. I am truly proud of what our relationship is and what will come of it.”

His hobbies include travel, working out and sports. Davenport is the Chapter Advisor of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at the University of Oklahoma. He serves on the board of directors of Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Norman and is a member of the Norman Rotary Club. He is also a member of Leadership Norman Class of 2011, co-chair for Tomorrow’s Leaders 2012-2013, the welcoming committee of Highland Village in Norman and serves as District 1 Chairman, Oklahoma Funeral Board.

Keri Dennis CROSS TIMBERS INSURANCE GROUP Favorite Quote: “Are you guys ready? LET’S ROLL!” Todd Beamer-United Flight 93, September 11, 2001 Keri Dennis knows that by being a part of a small team that founded the first Christian-based church in the village of Ngodzi in Africa, her actions made a difference and will continue to do so.

After traveling to Malawi, Africa in December 2000, a long term partnership with her hometown church and the Ngodzi Baptist Church was established. In 2010, Dennis received photos of the 10 year anniversary and dedication of the new church building and school of Ngodzi.

“In the photos, where there were once only rags, I saw clothes; where there were once no books, I saw children learning to read; and where there was once no hope, I saw life.”

Dennis said awards and recognition have always been very inspiring and signified great achievements for her.

However, she has found through her experiences that enhancing the lives of her employees is by far her most significant professional accomplishment.

“It is what fills my professional and personal life with joy.”

She became a small business owner about two years ago at the age of 30.

Dennis said faith is the one true dominion continuing to shape her core being.

“It is the source of my spiritual wellness and the foundation of my life emotionally, physically and mentally. My parents have always been the guiding figures of my faith, and without it, I would be lost.”

She is a member of the Independent Insurance Association of Oklahoma, Young Agents Association of Oklahoma and serves as BNI- Sooner Networking event coordinator and the Okfuskee County Farmer’s Union secretary/treasurer.

Dennis is also a member of Leadership Norman, Norman Next, and the Okemah Chamber of Commerce. She volunteers for Meals on Wheels, Bridges and is on the Armed Services YMCA Advisory Board.

Sunday, April 14

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Jonathan Fowler FOWLER HOLDING CO.

Favorite Quote: “ We always knew where we were, just not when we were there.”

Serving as founding member and chair for the Norman Music Festival is what Jonathan Fowler says is his most significant personal accomplishment.

The festival started as an idea among an idealistic group of friends and has become a three-day event attracting more than 50,000 people to downtown Norman every year, Fowler said.

He said the festival was a success its first year as a result of support leading up to the event and the Downtown Business Association, Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, City of Norman, Norman Arts Council and countless volunteers, local businesses and organizations coming together.

Fowler said his wife, Natalie, is his most important influence. The couple has known each other since high school and started dating in college.

He said looking back he sees where her presence immediately had an impact for the better. “I matured, got active in my community, held a steady job, and began to flourish in my personal life and career. She’s the person that without I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today. “ For the last three years, Fowler was honored to serve as the General Manager for Fowler Volkswagen of Norman.

“Opening the store as a new point we achieved number one status for Volkswagen sales in the state of Oklahoma three months in, as well as achieving profitability within the same span of time, which is rare for a new point in the automotive industry.”

Fowler said at the same time he was able to steer away from traditional auto marketing methods and employ new nontraditional methods based on community involvement, and new technology.

This success resulted in his being named to the VW Regional Dealer Council where he would report to national leadership on dealer input for the South Central Region and being featured in the Automotive News regarding the new marketing efforts and success.

After getting the dealership to a stable and steadily growing position and proving that he could run a dealership, Fowler took the next step in his career as Vice President of Fowler Holding Co. Fowler is a 2008 Leadership Norman graduate, founding board member of Public Arts Board of Norman and recipient of Norman Arts Council Business Person in the Arts Award in 2012. He will graduate this fall from Leadership Arts Oklahoma and is a former presenter for Oklahoma State of Creativity Conference, “Giving Up the Gimmick. In 2012, Fowler served as a panelist for Oklahoma Arts Conference, “How Arts and Music Festivals Build and Strengthen Communities.

Samantha Kahoe THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

Favorite Quote: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead.

Samantha Kahoe is passionate about her career and enjoys having the opportunity to impact the lives of others through her work.

She said she never believed that anyone could truly love what they did or that there was such a thing as a “dream job” until she found the one for her last year.

“For the first time in my professional career, I have a clear picture of what I want to be when I grow up. “ She has worked at OU for less than a year. However, Kahoe said she feels like she has already made a greater impact than over the previous six years combined in other positions.

Being the Associate Director of Information Technology Corporate Engagement at OU, Kahoe said she has the opportunity every day to make a difference in the lives of students, to work with some of the most innovative companies in the IT industry; to help drive innovation at OU, to work with some of the most intelligent and dynamic people and finally, to play a role in influencing the future of higher education.

Kahoe, 28, said her parents have inspired her to be the best person she can be and have instilled in her values of love, hard work, leadership and most importantly, family and faith.

“Their unwavering love and belief in me have contributed tremendously to the person I am today. I believe my passion for life comes from my parents, both of whom are very passionate, highly respected and loving role models.”

She said graduating from the MBA program while working full-time, remaining active in the community, and balancing my family and social life is her greatest personal accomplishment to date.

“Pursuing my masters was a challenging yet rewarding time in my life, one that I look back on and I’m very proud of,” she said.

Not only did earning the degree help her develop her professional skills, she said, but it also helped her develop as a person.

“I gained confidence in myself and learned that I have a personal drive and commitment to be the best that I can be at everything I do.”

Kahoe continued to focus on her relationships with family and friends and her commitment to serving others and the community while completing her degree. During the final year of the MBA program, she had the opportunity to serve as Chairperson of Norman NEXT. “I finished the MBA program with a 3.96 GPA and was elected into Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies. None of my personal success, however, would have been accomplished without the love and support of my husband, Todd.”

Kahoe is a member of the Norman Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Norman NEXT, and Norman Rotary Club.

Sunday, April 14

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Heather Woods O’Connell HEDW PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC

Favorite Quote: “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” Alan Kay Heather O’Connell believes that successfully completing the University of Oklahoma Price College of Business study abroad program is her most significant personal accomplishment.

“Spending the summer in Clermont-Ferrand, France was an incredible and life-changing trip.”

She said although she didn’t learn much in class, it was an invaluable experience which has helped shaped the person she is today.

O’Connell said she grew up traveling, but never really understood all there was to learn while doing so before this trip.

“Traveling is so much more than scuba diving, relaxing on the beach and enjoying breathtaking scenery. It’s amazing to experience different lifestyles, history and languages. I visited 11 countries that summer and learned about different cultures and customs.”

O’Connell said this was also her first experience truly being on her own. She didn’t know anyone else on the trip before they left.

But now, some of those people she met are still some of her dearest friends.

“This experience taught me so much about myself, as well as the amazement of the world beyond Norman, Oklahoma. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to over 20 different countries and have loved the experiences and life lessons that traveling has taught me.”

Launching her own successful business at the age of 28 she said is her most significant professional accomplishment.

After graduating from the University of Oklahoma and working in a corporate office an opportunity arose for her to start a Commercial Property Management business, managing a large strip center in Norman.

After obtaining a real estate brokers license and completing a major remodel project, the space now generates nearly twice the rent of the original space, O’Connell said.

“Being a property manager requires numerous and varied skills, and I’ve learned so much more than I ever imagined I would about so many different aspects of business.”

She said she is fortunate to have run a successful business for the last seven years and she loves her job and the opportunities it affords her.

O’Connell, 35, said much of her success as an entrepreneur can be attributed to her father.

His fifty years of experience as a real estate broker, coupled with his legal background, have been an invaluable resource, she said.

“As a mentor, he has empowered me to overcome adversity and strengthened my drive to succeed. As a father and adviser, the indelible marks he has left on my life and career are undeniable.”

O’Connell is on the board of directors of the Mary Abbott Children’s House and the Norman Downtowners Association. She is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Norman and a member of the Norman Chamber of Commerce and Norman NEXT.

“your leadership is impressionable...”

Tatianna Proctor UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER Favorite Quote: “Laugh. Dance. Vote. Drink a lot of water.” Ellen DeGeneres Proctor said while working as a “career coach” for Norman’s non-profit Bridges program she was able to not only help a high school student she was matched with graduate, but also encourage her future success.

To accomplish this Proctor had to take on many supportive roles that generally would be reserved for parents of high school students.

“For me this sort of investment into a young life was very scary as I had to step outside of my comfort zone and help her physically, emotionally, and mentally through some tough times. However, I could not be more pleased to see her happiness and to know that she has a wonderful future ahead of her.”

The student now attends her university on a soccer scholarship and serves in the Army National Guard and continues to grow into an exceptional young woman, Proctor said.

Proctor said while working at the University of Oklahoma she had the privilege of assisting in the conceptualization and creation of the Women’s Philanthropy Network through the Office of Development. She believes this is her greatest professional accomplishment.

“It was the first time in my professional life that I was a part of turning my institution’s vision for a program into a reality.”

She said four years later, the network is now around 400 women strong. It continues to inspire women to pursue their philanthropic passions and give back to their communities with their time, talents and treasure, she added.

Proctor, 26, said her father passed away when she was 20 years old and since that time she has constantly tried to honor his legacy through her words and actions.

“He was always supremely proud of me, and I now try to earn that pride every day through demonstrations of character and kindness.”

Proctor is a member of the Leadership Norman Class of 2012-2013 and continues to be a career coach for Bridges of Norman. She serves on the United Way of Norman Campaign Committee and on the board of directors for the Center for Children and Families.

Sunday, April 14

12

Phil Scowden ECHO CHURCH

Favorite Quote: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 For Phil Scowden starting Echo Church is a professional achievement he is proud of.

“The process of starting something from nothing that is a not-for-profit is extremely difficult. Knowing that I was called to do so made the move to go out and begin this place an obvious move, but still one of uncertainty, stress and wonderment.”

He said however, knowing they are past the beginning and off and running is amazingly fulfilling and exciting.

Scowden said his former pastor and boss, Joe Grizzle has been and continues to be highly influential for him.

“He took a chance on me 12 years ago and poured into me continually. I am a better leader, communicator, people person, and follower of Christ because of our friendship.”

Scowden said while Grizzle was in demand by others everywhere he always took time for him and that was meaningful. Many of the compliments he receives today are from the character, philosophy, and methodology that Scowden learned from Grizzle, he said.

The 33-year-old said he recently signed a book deal and if and when that is completed it will most likely be the greatest mountain he has climbed personally. However, until then he is proud of being part of winning the 2001 NCCAA National Championship and becoming National Player of the Year in men’s basketball for Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College.

Scowden said while this is more of a team accomplishment it was meaningful and took a lot of work.

Scowden is chairman of the Oklahoma State Christian Education Board, lead consultant for Little Ones Ministries, project manager and team leader for Project Hope and a pastoral mentor for ministry students at Hillsdale College.

Andrew Seamans D5 ARCHITECTURE Favorite Quote: “If you will it, it is no dream.” Theodor Herzl Andrew Seaman has wanted to be an architect his entire life.

In 2002, he earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma and is now an architect licensed in Oklahoma and Texas. While he is proud of this milestone, fathering and raising a child with his wife, Lori, is what he holds dear to his heart as his greatest personal accomplishment to date.

He considers launching his own Architecture Design Firm, D5 Architecture, as his most important professional achievement.

Four people have been important influences to him as he grew to become an architect and continues to grow as an architect. Those people include two seasoned architects that work in Oklahoma City, who he calls frequently to ask questions. A construction administrator that passed away in December of 2012, that he now asks himself, “what would Allen do?” and his father, who has been the most influential person in his life.

Seamans is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture, Boomer Nooners Toastmasters, and Business Network International. He is also involved with Norman Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Norman 2012, Norman NEXT, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Noble Chamber of Commerce and Middle Earth Childhood Development.

His hobbies and interests include his family, hunting, fishing, snowboarding, BBQ, drawing and construction.

Congratulations Andrew on being selected as one of Norman's Next Under 40!

Lynann Sterk

Sunday, April 14

14

AUSTIN COLLEGE

Favorite Quote: “A thing is mighty big when time and distance cannot shrink it.” Zora Neale Hurston Lynann Sterk is grateful for the opportunity to expose students to life changing experiences and enabling them to possess the confidence to be successful individuals.

The relationships she has developed through her professional endeavors in education are what she feels are some of her greatest accomplishments.

“I keep up with many former students across the country and still serve as a sounding board and advocate. As a fundraiser at both OU and Austin College, I am proud of the way I still advocate for young people through resources or connections.”

Sterk said she is able to connect students to donors or corporate contacts, thereby providing jobs or mentorship opportunities.

“It is deeply gratifying to know individuals trust me to help advise them in ways that affect positive change in our community and build bridges for some students out of poverty or oppression.

The 37-year-old said she is proud to be in a profession that changes lives and improves the status of the world on a daily basis.

“I truly believe education is the only vehicle for systemic change, and as a fundraiser for higher education I am working with corporations and individuals to open the door for students to access a college degree.”

She said this opportunity provides future jobs, state leaders, entrepreneurs and inventors and allows for individuals to provide a future for their own families.

Without question, Sterk said the greatest influence on her life was her mom, Joan Sterk.

“She always believed the best in others and would fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. It is from her that I learned one person can make a difference and how you treat others is all that matters.”

Sterk is a former board member of the Norman Public School Foundation and Cleveland County Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Norman and founding member and past chairperson of Norman NEXT Young Professionals, former executive committee and ex-officio board member Norman Chamber of Commerce.

Austin College is proud to recognize

LYNANN STERK Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of Leadership Gifts You are changing lives through your dedication and passion for access and excellence in education!

Austin College in Sherman, Texas, is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives.

Find out more at www.austincollege.edu

Jen Tregarthen SAM NOBLE OKLAHOMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Favorite Quote: “ Get busy living or get busy dying” Andy Dufresne, Shawshank Redemption Family is a major influence for Jen Tregarthen, especially her 6-year-old daughter.

She is a major influence on my long-term goals and decisions. Tregarthen said.

“I imagine how I’d like her to see Norman in 20 years and take action to motivate the kind of successful community engagement we have today for her future.”

Her husband influenced her to participate in what became one of her greatest personal accomplishments.

The two trained and ran in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

Tregarthen said she had never been a strong runner and wasn’t sure she could keep up with her husband for the duration of the half marathon.

On the day of the race, she said she was overcome by the emotional energy that surrounded the run and could feel the overwhelming encouragement and support from complete strangers. In the 11th mile as she was beginning to waiver the pair were greeted by dozens of people with pictures, signs and t-shirts displaying their lost loved one and cheering runners on.

“I knew without a doubt that I could carry on. We completed the run in 2 hours 11 minutes. Pushing through that physically and emotionally challenging race taught me that the power of encouragement, teamwork, and even loss can propel a person to accomplish anything.”

Tregarthen cites her four-year commitment to the U.S. Army as her most significant professional accomplishment.

The experience encouraged her to develop her leadership skills and provided opportunities for growth in selfless service and integrity, she said.

“Soldiers are trained to be prepared for a variety of conflicts and to assess, resolve and react efficiently.”

Through the military, Tregarthen said she learned to enjoy stepping up to the challenges of strengthening communities and developing stronger relationships between groups of people.

“This experience propelled me to study public relations, work in communications and volunteer within the community to foster growth and pride in Norman.”

Tregarthen, 30, is the public relations chairman for the Main Street Christmas Holiday Parade and the 89er Day Parade. She is a member of Boomer Nooner Toastmasters, Leadership Norman Class of 2010, Oklahoma Tourism Industry Association and founder and member of Norman Public Relations.

Nyky Wilson FIRST FIDELITY BANK Favorite Quote: “ I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” Audrey Hepburn Nyky Wilson said her family, friends and faith in God are the puzzle pieces that make her who she is. The realization that she can look at her life daily and thank God for what she has is what Wilson considers her most significant personal accomplishment.

“If I was to pass away tomorrow, I would die knowing that I created two little girls that are filled with love and laughter. I would die knowing I have an amazing marriage to a man I am deeply in love with.”

Wilson, 32, said she enjoys all the aspects of banking and managing, but her greatest professional achievement is having the opportunity to be a mentor to her employees.

When she begin her banking career 10 years ago, Wilson said she never would have guessed that she would now be an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager for First Fidelity Bank.

“Over the last few years I have learned to encourage self-direction and have empowered the team to grow with positive coaching. Through motivation, listening and sincerity, I have created successful relationships.”

She said the feeling she received from knowing she has helped them with their journey is one she will always remember and strive to continue.

Wilson said her father showed her that each one of us creates our own path and if we are lucky, we get to fill it with amazing people that mold us into the people we are today.

She said while her parents divorced when she was an infant, they still taught her the values of family, love and kindness. And although they weren’t together as husband and wife they could still work together as a team, she said.

“My father passed away last year due to cancer. As I sat with him in the hospital, I realized that one of the best things my father taught me was character. Even in the bad times, even during his last days, he smiled and joked with me.”

Wilson is on the Board of Directors for Middle Earth Child Development and Norman NEXT. She is on the Day of Caring and Income Allocations committees for the United Way and is active with the Junior League of Norman. Wilson is a Leadership Norman alumni and has worked with the Citizens Advisory Board and Norman Holiday Christmas parade committees.