College of Arts and Sciences’ Barnes chosen for distinguished Leadership Oklahoma

Monday, July 21, 2025

Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu

Leadership Oklahoma recently announced the Class 38 cohort, and among those chosen is Oklahoma State University’s Dr. Caitlin Barnes.

Barnes, who serves as director of outreach programs and academic initiatives for the College of Arts and Sciences and an adjunct assistant professor in the Boone Pickens School of Geology, is one of just 48 professionals in this year’s Leadership Oklahoma. She is also the only faculty or staff member from OSU.

“It’s a privilege to join such a distinguished cohort of leaders from across the state,” Barnes said. “This opportunity complements the work I’ve been doing at OSU to build partnerships, support academic excellence and deepen community engagement. I’m especially eager to explore how we can enhance higher education to better meet the needs of today’s workforce and adult learners.”

Each year, Leadership Oklahoma receives countless applications from Oklahomans eager to be part of the 10-month program that takes participants to locations across Oklahoma — from the panhandle’s great plains to the forests of the Ouachita Mountains. Leadership Oklahoma takes the cohort on a deep dive into the state’s current affairs, with curricula typically based on military issues, sovereignty, tourism, criminal justice, state government, education, economic development, agriculture and energy.

"[We are] thrilled to welcome the individuals chosen for Class 38,” said Jodi Lewis, president and CEO of Leadership Oklahoma. “This diverse group of outstanding leaders brings a broad range of experience and interests, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the critical issues impacting our state.

“Leadership Oklahoma is dedicated to recruiting, educating and connecting caring and committed Oklahomans and providing them with the information and network to help shape Oklahoma’s future. The members of Class 38 epitomize dedication to excellence and community betterment.”

Barnes is in good company as a Leadership Oklahoma participant; this year’s class includes military personnel, Tribal Nations leadership and members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, among others. Previous cohorts have run the professional gamut, bringing together diverse experiences and expertise for each class.

“The aim is to foster thoughtful inquiry, rigorous analysis, and innovative solutions for the betterment of all Oklahomans,” according to Leadership Oklahoma’s press release about Class 38. “Through these immersive experiences, Leadership Oklahoma ensures that its members gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted issues facing our state.

“By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and meaningful connections, this esteemed program empowers its participants to become catalysts for positive change.”

Barnes echoed the organization’s vision when reflecting on her motivation to participate in Leadership Oklahoma.

“Being part of this program is not only an investment in personal growth but also a powerful way to bring new ideas and perspectives back to the OSU community,” Barnes said. “I look forward to collaborating with leaders across sectors to help ensure that our educational institutions are responsive to learners’ needs and how we can work together to move Oklahoma forward.”

For more information about Leadership Oklahoma, visit www.leadershipoklahoma.com.

Members of Class 38

Caitlin Barnes, Oklahoma State University
Rachel Beckner, Western Oklahoma State College & Beckner Farms
Ben Blosch, Cherokee Nation Businesses
Houston Brittain, Brittain Risk Management Services LLC
Adam Brooks, Candor
Kim Brown, Moore Chamber of Commerce
Nick Cody, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Lezel Cunningham-Safi, Cunningham Safi Legal Group
Aaron Curry, Catalyst Financial Group
Dusty Darr, ONEOK, Inc.
Haley Frix, Entrepreneur
Jeff Hall, The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
Erick Harris, Oklahoma House of Representatives
Khalid Hussein, Oklahoma Army National Guard
Ruth Jackson, Langston University
JaHannah Jamelarin, Good Shepherd Community Clinic
Jarrett Jobe, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
Kaitlyn Kemp, Kemp Quarries Inc
Allison Lawrence, Impact Strategies/Oklahoma Donor Alliance/Oklahoma Voter Alliance
Christopher Lee, Infinity Capital Partners
Greg Marcum, U.S. Army Field Artillery, Field Artillery Commandant Office
Rhett McAbee, Barber-Dyson Ford of Woodward
Renee McKenney, Tulsa Regional Chamber
Matthew Morgan, Chickasaw Nation
Tony Morgan, City of Oklahoma City Fire Department
Thuan Nguyen, THN Insurance Solutions
Ellyn Novak Hefner, Oklahoma House of Representatives
Dave Ortloff, Dillingham Insurance
Jessie Phillips, Kiamichi Technology Centers
Pam Polk, City of Durant
Casey Pruitt, First National Bank of Oklahoma
Sarah Roberts-Stephens, Tinker Federal Credit Union
Bruce Schultz, Gateway First Bank
Todd Schuster, Saint Francis Health System
Kaleb Sharp, Continental Resources
Kari Shults, Tulsa Community College
Rachel Snider, Autry Technology Center
Kristi Spomer, Nabholz Construction Company
Brandi Thomas, Hilton Garden Inn Lawton Fort Sill and Convention Center
Rex Van Meter, St. Mary's Regional Medical Center
Jody Vivion, Flintco, LLC
Matt Watson, Guernsey
Derek White, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
Sonny Wilkinson, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Jamie Williams, Smiles Family Dental
Riley Williams, CStar Management
Matt Wright, Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma
Jeremy Zweiacker, Meridian Technology Center

Leadership Oklahoma is a prominent organization dedicated to recruiting, educating, and connecting caring and committed Oklahomans. Through its comprehensive programs, Leadership Oklahoma equips individuals with the knowledge, networks, and resources necessary to make lasting, positive change within the state. With a focus on cultivating outstanding leadership and addressing critical issues, Leadership Oklahoma plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Oklahoma. Contact Leadership Oklahoma president and CEO, Jodi Lewis, via email for more information.