2018 OkEq Board Election and  Voting Information The annual meeting of Oklahomans for Equality shall be held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center on September 6th, 2018 beginning at  7:00 pm. Presently, nine Board of Director spaces are up for election.

2018 OkEq Board Candidates

Paul Allen Incumbent Paul Allen is a principal consultant with Culbert Healthcare Solutions and resides in Bixby, Oklahoma.   Paul strives to live by the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson " "To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - that is to have succeeded" He has worked with OkEq for over 18 years as a volunteer and board member because he feels the mission of OkEq will leave the world better.

Jan Baldwin Incumbent Jan Baldwin has served on the Board of Directors for OkEq for the last four years and has been the secretary for the last two years. She is passionate for the mission of Oklahomans for Equality and is proud of the work that is done to serve the community. She would appreciate your vote so she can continue being a part of the important work being done by the Board of Directors for Oklahomans for Equality

Chris Brecht   Incumbent I, Chris Brecht-Smith, am seeking re-election for a second term on the OkEq Board of Directors. For the last two years, it has been my privilege to serve the LGBTQ+ community and I would be equally honored to continue this service. My husband, Michael, a former OkEq president, and I have actively supported this organization and our community for many years now. I believe in its mission. I am also a local attorney, specializing in LGBTQ+ custody cases and adoptions. While I believe that we have made enormous and tremendous strides for equal rights, both in the courts and the public, I still feel there is much work to be done and I am excited to be able to do that work with you all.

Rev. Geoffrey Brewster Incumbent The Reverend Geoffrey Brewster has dedicated his life to LGBTQ advocacy and faith-based education. He currently works at Phillips Seminary as the Senior Director of Development, managing the fundraising work for the school. Geoff has been on the board for 4 years, with three of those years serving as a member of the executive committee of OKEQ. If elected, Geoff will bring a significant network of faith communities and allies from throughout the region to the OKEQ board, along with years of experience as a board member. Geoff sees the opportunity to continue to expand the footprint of OKEQ as a strategic step in the next chapter of this organization's life and will work diligently to help this work be successful and sustainable.

Dr. Darci Hazelwood  Incumbent Darci Hazelwood is a physician for Premise Health Clinic at American Airlines. She was a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy. She has been married to Sharon Kimberlin for 5 years. Darci has completed her first term on the board of directors and would be honored to serve another term for Oklahomans for Equality. She believes in the mission and work of the organization 100% and is passionate about LGBTQ health care.

Rosa Hernandez I am a DACA recipient and native Mexican immigrant. I have been a Tulsa resident since immigrating to the United States at the age of 4. I work closely with the undocumented community here in Tulsa. There is a need for a more diverse representation of the LGBTQ+ community especially in leadership positions. I am the president of Dream Act Oklahoma - Tulsa, a program which housed at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman is excited at the opportunity to join the board for Oklahomans for Equality. She was elected Oklahoma Senator to District 37 in November of 2017. In the Oklahoma Senate she serves on committees for Health and Human Services, Health and Human Services Appropriations, Education, and Appropriations. During the 2018 legislative session she helped to keep Okeq informed on the status of anti-lgbt legislation and actively fought those pieces of legislation in her committees and on the Senate floor. As the first openly LGBT elected official in Tulsa County Senator Ikley-Freeman actively seeks opportunities to help make Tulsa and Oklahoma a better place to live for all who find home under the umbrella of the rainbow.

Marcia Keesee  Incumbent Marcia Keesee is the Vice President of organizational development and community relations for Creoks Behavioral Health Services. Marcia and Dewan, her husband of 18 years have a son Jayden. She has been volunteering with Oklahomans for Equality for two years and served on the board of advisors and now as a director for a year. Marcia has LGBTQ family and friends and is passionate about expanding OKEQ chapters across the state and educating employers and addressing anti-LGBTQ bias in the workplace.

Justin Ross Justin Ross is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Life and a proud member of the Cherokee Nation as his great grandmother, Sally Ross, served as the first female mayor of Tahlequah, OK.    He along along with his team have a goal to provide LGBTQ families with non bias resources and education through the entire home buying process.     With the support of OKEQ, Justin's goal is to eliminate intolerance toward the LGBTQ community through his affiliation with the Women's Council of REALTORS®, relationships with distinguished members of the real estate industry and northeast Oklahoma.

Al Triggs  Incumbent  My name is Al Triggs, current board member and have served on the board for many years. I have a background in graphic arts and currently an Insurance Broker specializing and teaching Medicare which has allowed me to be a resource for our older LGBTQ community specifically our SAGE group. I have enjoyed serving on the board the last few years and looking forward to an exciting further ahead.

Will Vaughn My name is Will Vaughn and I am running for a spot on the Board of Directors for OKEQ. I am 39 years old, am a partner in my family business and a weekly volunteer at the center. I have also served a year on the Board of Advisors, I believe In this organization and would like to be involved at a greater level.

Voting Begins August 30th Ballots can be cast by eligible members, online or in person at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. All current OkEq voting members are eligible to vote.

Oklahomans for Equality | www.okeq.org | 918.743.4297

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