2025-26 New Rotarians

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7-22-2025

Victor Flores is Principal with REDW and President of Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium.

Born in the Philippines, he grew up in Deer Creek Lamont and Enid, Oklahoma. College took him to Norman where he earned his bachelor’s from the University of Oklahoma. He has since went on to earn his MBA in Financial Services from Oklahoma Christian University and his master’s in healthcare finance from Trinity University.

Victor is dedicated to the community and serves in many organizations including as Executive Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters Tast of OKC event this year, an upcoming Dancing for a Miracle contestant for Children’s Health Foundation of Oklahoma, and serves on the board of Rookie League Foundation, United Way of Central Oklahoma, Creative Oklahoma, Collective for Children, and Oklahoma Israel Exchange to name just a few.

Oklahoma is Victor’s home and where he wants to continue to invest and see it grow. If service to his community is a hobby, then that is his. “Giving back” isn’t just his passion, it’s his privilege. Victor believes that true leadership begins when we use our blessings to lift others, not because it’s expected, but because we’re honored to.

Rotarian sponsors Lance McDaniel, Salvador Ontiveros, and Melissa Pepper.

 

Olivia Kraft-Wegescheide is owner and CEO of Sovereign Storm Solutions.

Born and raised in Northern California, Olivia attended school at Liberty University before moving with her family to Oklahoma City. Previously, she was the Regional Director for RestoreMasters before opening Sovereign Solutions. Her woman-owned company is in an industry where only 5% of roofers are female.

Olivia is an active member of NAIOP Oklahoma and NWiR Oklahoma. She and her family attend Quail Springs Baptist Church and she has participated in several mission trips.

When not focused on the success of her business, Olivia’s hobbies include sewing, painting, charcoal sketching and rock climbing. Her passion projects include mission trips and funding outreach programs.

Rotarian sponsors Alex Kaiser, Andrea Frymire, and Bart Binning

 

Tara Simmons is Vice President, Development at Science Museum Oklahoma.

Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, she spent most of her childhood in Atlanta, Georgia. She went on to attend Southern Methodist University where she met the love of her life, Roe. When it came time to choose a place to raise their family, Roe’s hometown of Oklahoma City was an easy decision. She went on to earn her bachelor’s in history at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Tara is committed to our community and serves as board president of Oklahoma Adventure District, member of UCO’s College of Business Dean’s Advisory board, mentor with UCO’s 2BL program, member of AFT, CASE, and IAAPA.

Outside of work, Tara enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures and spending time with her family. She and her husband are proud parents to three amazing grown children. When she’s not working or volunteering, you can often find her reading in the backyard – occasionally pretending to garden and definitely planning her next vacation.

Rotarian sponsors Sherry Marshall, Peggy Kates, and Kimber Shoop

 

Marsha  Williams is retired following a 40-year career as Partner with Middleberg Riddle Group in Dallas.

Born and raised in Kingfisher, she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science at Oklahoma State University before earning her Juris Doctorate at University of Oklahoma. Afte taking the bar, she moved to Texas to work for the Comptroller of the Currency, then as general counsel for a savings association before joining the Middleberg Riddle Group.

Marsha is active with the OU President’s Associates Council, a Reserve Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Edmond, and recording secretary for Chapter DD P.E.O.

While retired from active practice, Marsha maintains her law licenses and does a significant amount of pro bono work. She is a loyal fan to her two nephews and niece and their children. You can often find her at a 4-H, FFA, or dance competition supporting them. Marsha also loves to travel and calls herself an avid sports fan.

Rotarian sponsors Jim Loftis, Bill Hughes, and Lynn Pringle

 

 


8-26-2025

Luke Simkins is the Co-Founder and CEO of AnnoLab.

Born in Tulsa, Luke lived in Texas, Ohio and Mississippi growing up. His family returned to Oklahoma after his mother earned her doctorate and accepted a professorial position at OSU. He is a US Air Force veteran that was stationed in Afghanistan, Mississippi, Texas, and finally at Tinker Air Force Base for his third and final boomerang back to Oklahoma.

Upon his return to Oklahoma, Luke earned his bachelor’s in management information systems from the University of Oklahoma. He is also a member of the Council of Entrepreneurs and the National Business Aviation Association.

Luke’s business is also his hobby. He’s the co-founder and owner of AnnoLab, a small software startup that utilizes artificial intelligence to assist in creating title reports for private aircraft and is used by several aircraft title companies. They’re now developing a product for title & document AI for land and minerals. When he makes it out of the office, he also likes to bike and run when it isn’t 1,000 degrees outside.

Rotarian sponsors Jake Yunker, Alex Kaiser, and Dawn Byram

 

Mike Widell is Vice President of Operations and Director of Workforce Partnerships with Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City.

Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, he lived in Wisconsin, Florida and Arkansas growing up. After graduating from the University of the Ozarks with his bachelors, he joined Wal-Mart General Office and met his wife. They settled in Edmond where he obtained his MBA at The University of Central Oklahoma and have called Oklahoma home since.

Mike is passionate about creating opportunities for others through education and workforce opportunities. He previously served as the Deputy Secretary of Workforce for Oklahoma. He enjoys innovating new services and designing homes and buildings, with several designs being incorporated in his past, including the Wal-Mart Corporation, various state agencies, and OSU.

In his personal time, Mike enjoys traveling with his family often and spending time together exploring coffee shops and restaurants.

Rotarian sponsors Lauren O’Brien, Sean O’Brien, and Ariel Moore

 

Donovan Woods is Director of Development with OSU Foundation.

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, he is a graduate of Millwood High School where he also participated in Leadership Oklahoma City’s YLX program.  College took him to Oklahoma State University where he earned his bachelor’s in marketing. You might also recognize him as quarterback, free safety and linebacker for the OSU Cowboys before playing three seasons in the NFL.

Donovan is active in our community and is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City, an At Large Commissioner for the OKC Game and Fish Commission, Board Member with RiverSport, and a Wes Welker Foundation Board Member.

In Donovan’s personal time, he enjoys all things Oklahoma State, athletics, fishing, and supporting and encouraging leadership. At his board introduction last week, we learned that he lives by the 4 F’s – faith, family, football, and fishing.

Rotarian sponsors Alex Kaiser, Thuan Nguyen, and Jake Yunker


9-23-2025

Kendra Horn is President and CEO of Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation.

As a fifth-generation Oklahoman, born and raised in Chickasha, Kendra is a proud product of Oklahoma public schools. College took her to the University of Tulsa where she earned her bachelor’s before earning her Juris Doctor at Southern Methodist University School of Law.

Kendra’s parents instilled in her the importance of investing in people and serving her community – values that continue to guide her today. She is a former U.S. Congresswoman, graduate of Leadership Oklahoma Class 30, and serves as board member for Engage Learning and Let’s Fix This. Some of her many recognitions include the Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award and Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

A lifelong Girl Scout and Gold Award recipient, Kendra remains dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, yoga and pilates, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her nephew and niece.

Rotarian sponsors Farooq Karim, Jane Jenkins, and Bailey Perkins Wright

 

Jason Kuhl is CEO of the Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County.

Originally from Rockford, Illinois, he earned his bachelor’s from Illinois State University and his master’s in library and information science from the University of Illinois.  His career working in public libraries began with a part-time job in college, and nearly 30 years later he’s still in the field.

Jason’s first professional position after receiving his graduate degree was with St. Louis County Library before becoming the  Executive Director at a library in the Chicago area. He later moved back to the St. Louis area to lead the library serving St. Charles County.  The Metropolitan Library System is a premier system in the nation so when the opportunity to become its CEO presented itself, he didn’t hesitate to come Oklahoma City.

Jason is an avid tennis player so take note Pickleball Committee. He also enjoys art, museums, antique malls, bookstores, old stuff, and bow ties.

Rotarian sponsors Farooq Karim, Bill Hughes, and Jeanean Yanish Jones

 

Dick Pryor is General Manager of KGOU Radio.

Born and raised in Norman, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma with his bachelor’s in journalism and his juris doctor.  His radio and TV career took him to KOCO-TV and OETA where he worked for 25 years before transitioning to Candor and serving as Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma.

Dick is a transferring Rotarian and comes to us from the Norman Sooner Rotary Club where he served as president and is a Paul Harris Fellow +3. He is also a member of the Oklahoma Pro Chapter Society of Professional Journalists, FOI Oklahoma, Inc., and a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.

Some of Dick’s favorite hobbies include acting across all mediums – theatrical, TV, commercials, and voice – following current events, and music. He also enjoys sports including an occasional golf game and has even played as a former ice hockey goalie as an adult.

Rotarian sponsors Emily Stratton, Pat Hall, Wes Milbourn, and David Walters

 


10-21-2025

Chris Cleburn is Chief Operating Officer of Bockus Payne.

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, he graduated from Heritage Hall. He attended the University of Oklahoma and after exploring a degree in engineering, he switched majors and earned his bachelor’s in architecture.

Chris is a member of American Institute of Architects. He was a Scoutmaster for his two oldest boys and after they completed their scouting careers, he continued to volunteer and was on staff for two of BSA’s adult leadership training courses.

Chris has been married to his lovely wife, Shannon, for nine years and is the best person he knows. In his words, “I may not look it, but I like to run.” He also enjoys cooking and infrequently golfs, cycles, paddle boards, camps, backpacks, and even fly fishes.

Rotarian sponsors Lindsay Dawkins, Susan Adams, Collins Peck, and Mathew Siebert

 

Jonna Kirschner is Chief of Staff for Chickasaw Nation Industries.

A 5th generation Oklahoman, her family still owns their Centennial Farm in Colony, Oklahoma. After graduating Dartmouth College with her Bachelor’s, and then Boston College Law School with her Juris Doctorate, she moved to London, England where she practiced law. On the birth of her first son, they returned to Oklahoma City to be near family.

Jonna is very active in the community and is President of the Oklahoma-Isreal Exchange, board member of Creative Oklahoma, Trustee of Friends of OETA Foundation, and a sustaining member of Oklahoma Junior League to name just a few.

Jonna has spent the last few years restoring her family’s farmhouse in Colony and enjoys hosting friends at the farm to explore Western Oklahoma. She is an avid collector of Native American art and travels to Santa Fe frequently. She also co-founded the “Committee for the Consumption of Oysters” a/k/a, the “Oyster Eaters,” that consists of many of our fellow Club 29 members.

Rotarian sponsors Chip Oppenheim, Lou Kohlman, and Lance McDaniel

 

 

Matt McConnell is Project Director of QUAD Construction.

He is an Oklahoma City boy, born and raised, and proud to call this place home. He attended Christian Heritage Academy from K through 12 and earned his bachelor’s at the University of Central Oklahoma. He has deep roots in the City and plans to continue raising his family here while working to better the community that is so important to him.

Matt volunteers for many organizations in the City including Make-a-wish, New View OK, Wings, RestoreOKC, and Ronald McDonald House as well as Festival of the Arts. He is also active at Northwest Baptist Church and regularly participates in regional and national mission teams.

Spending time with his wife of 25 years and their three wonderful children is at the top of Matt’s list. He enjoys working with his hands on projects in the woodshop, around the house, and at church. Some other favorites include listening to music, getting outdoors to hike, and watching ridiculously bad “B-movies.”

Rotarian sponsors Heather Gardner, Aaron Collins, and Jerrod Shouse

11-4-2025

Ryan Kirk is Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking at First Oklahoma Bank.

Raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he earned his bachelor’s in finance and accounting from Oklahoma State University. His wife, Lindsey, is from Piedmont so they moved to Oklahoma City 10 years ago to be closer to family.

Some of Ryan’s commitments in the community have included the Oklahoma City Chamber board of directors, the Business Roundtable, and the Economic Club of Oklahoma and he currently serves as the Scholarship Chairman for the SAE OK Mu Corporation Board.

Ryan enjoys coaching and watching his kids with their various sports and activities,  playing golf, hiking, and traveling with his family.

Robert Clements, Sunny Cearley, Brooke Haneborg, Tony LoPresto, and Alex Kaiser

 

Matt Richardson is President of Shellback General Contracting.

Raised in Oklahoma City, he went to elementary, junior high, and high school with his wife, Carly but it wasn’t until he crossed paths with her years later that they began dating and eventually married. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Navy where he was a rescue swimmer stationed at Helicopter combat Support Squadron Five in Guam.

Active in the community, he is a member of CREC, OSIDA, the Greater OKC Chamber, ULI, and Metisse.

Matt’s favorite thing to do is spend time with his family. He’s a big fan of exercise and loves the outdoors as well as Oklahoma State wrestling and cheering on the Thunder.

Rotarian sponsors Dawn Byram, Kristin Kilgore, and Brad Willis

 

 

 

Paige Ross is Director of Process Improvement and Data Integrity with Oklahoma Natural Gas.

Growing up close to the Oklahoma-Kansas border, she cheered on OU and K-State so undergrad took her to K-State where she earned her bachelor’s degree before attending The University of Oklahoma where she earned her MBA and stayed to work for ONG in Oklahoma City.

Paige is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City Class 41, board member for Oklahoma Zoological Society and Empower OK, sustaining member with Junior League of Oklahoma City and has served countless other organizations such as Neighborhood Services Organization and OKIE811.

Paige loves to travel, read, and bake as well as supporting her children at their various activities and watching them grow.

Rotarian sponsors Jill Farrand, Josh Dougherty, and Sheena Hollander

 

 

 

Major Paul Ryerson is area commander for Salvation Army Central Oklahoma.

Paul grew up in the Permian Basin in Big Spring, Texas and is the third generation in his family to be with The Salvation Army and the first to be a commissioned officer. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from The Salvation Army School for Officer’s Training and a Bachelor’s in Practical Christian Ministry from Trevecca Nazarene University.

His commitment to The Salvation Army has taken him across the south where he has been stationed in El Paso, Dallas, and the Bryan/College Station areas in Texas, and Gwinnett County, the largest county in the State of Georgia. Ryan comes to us as a transferring Rotarian from Gwinnet County Rotary and he is also a Paul Harris Fellow.

In his free time, Paul coaches youth baseball. His family has a goal to visit every MLB stadium by the time his son graduates from high school. He and his wife Analese have two children, Josh, who loves baseball, and Eleanor, who tolerates baseball and plays soccer.

Rotarian sponsors Robert Sullivan, Tom Phillips, and Wes Milbourn

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