Kendra Orcutt, OTR, SCEM, CAPS
Home Mods, PC
As a small business owner of Home Mods, PC, since 2002, Kendra is committed to providing her clients with the best possible care. She holds several certifications, including the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) certification from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in 2013 and the Specialty Certification in Environmental Modifications (SCEM) from the American Occupational Therapist Association (AOTA) in 2015.
Kendra’s expertise and dedication have earned her recognition in her field. She is a certified CAPS course instructor through NAHB and a popular speaker on home modifications. Kendra also volunteers for AARP, where she conducts Home Fit Guide presentations, and is an Oklahoma AARP Executive Council member.
Apart from her professional accomplishments, Kendra is also an adjunct professor at OUHSC and volunteers for the Norman Area for Autism Oklahoma. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Science in the Rehabilitation Sciences Program. With her extensive knowledge and experience, Kendra is a valuable asset to occupational therapy, and her commitment to her clients is unmatched.
405-664-0956 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, August 2nd @ 12:00pm
Lori Basey
No Boundaries International
Lori Basey knows no limits when working with traumatized populations and mobilizing others to respond to devastation.
She is a keynote presenter, delivering presentations to thousands and quoted throughout the globe in publications such as the Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, Daily News America, Orange County Register, People, Times of Mumbai, Daily Oklahoman, and Sierra Leone Times. Dr. Basey has been broadcasted within the United States and internationally, and had an article published in Advance, a therapeutic magazine.
Since 1991, she has specialized in acute psychiatric care, including trauma-informed therapeutic intervention following the Oklahoma City Murrah Federal Building bombing as well as the 9/11 disaster in NYC and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. She is an expert consultant in trauma associated with war, exploitation, and natural disaster.
In 1997, Dr. Basey and her husband, Dr. Tom Basey, DDS, began responding internationally with their professional expertise. Dr. Lori Basey has traveled to many countries, including Israel, Honduras, Haiti, Belize, Moldova, India, Turkey, and Sierra Leone, in response to manmade and natural disasters.
In 2006, Dr. Basey co-founded No Boundaries International (NBI), a non-profit organization run solely by volunteers in Oklahoma City, OK. As President of NBI, Dr. Basey provides training on trauma-informed care and mobilizes volunteers to help those in the local community, especially those affected by human trafficking.
405-513-5453 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, August 9th @ 12:00pm
Chelsey Simpson
Co-owner Urban Agrarian
An Oklahoman by birth, Chelsey has worked as editor of Oklahoma Living, written for other Edible Communities’ titles around the nation, and held leadership roles in the National Young Farmers Coalition, National Farm to School Network, and Oklahoma Food COOP. Since 2017, Chelsey has been the Director of Outreach and Opportunities at Urban Agrarian, one of OKC’s finest markets for local farmers and ranchers to sell their products. She is a contributing editor and sometimes writer for EdibleOKC.
405-684-7608 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, August 23rd @ 12:00pm
Chad Detwiler
A native of Oklahoma and an active volunteer team leader, Chad got his first experience in mission during his middle school years serving with his church in the Appalachia Mountains of Kentucky repairing homes. Since that time Chad has led over 25 missions internationally and nationally, and as many local missions. With a background in management, Chad gained valuable work experience with a wide range of global and national companies preparing him for his role with ROAD.
Following the devastating tornados in May 2013, Chad had the opportunity to join Oklahoma United Methodist Disaster Response utilizing his skills in mission and management. When that ministry closed in October 2018, Chad and two of his co-workers, Kevin Walker and Hal Wright started a new nonprofit to carry on this work called Recovering Oklahomans After Disaster.
Chad and his wife Shari serve in the mission field together, have two grown daughters, and enjoy hiking and kayaking.
405-698-8610 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, September 6th @ 12:00pm
Amy Bruce
Director, Whiz Kids
Whiz Kids is working to reduce the opportunity gap for students through one-on-one mentorship and literacy support. We help students learn to read, so they can read to learn. For over 25 years, our program has focused on serving the whole child: academically, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Whiz Kids is a faith-based, one-on-one volunteer tutoring and mentoring program that cares for students in kindergarten through 4th grade, by providing a space for them to be known, loved and nurtured, just as they are. Whiz Kids is caring for students who are reading below grade level, navigating inequitable systems and circumstances, and could benefit most from a mentor relationship with a compassionate adult. After one year in our program, Whiz Kids significantly reduce the opportunity gap caused by life’s circumstances and score an average of 32 points higher than their peers on state-administered reading tests.
405-205-4855 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, September 13th @ 12:00pm
Ashley Simpson
Executive Director, Cavett Kids Foundation
Ashley is the Executive Director of the Cavett Kids Foundation, an OKC based non-profit serving Oklahoma’s children and youth battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Ashley was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma and now lives in Edmond, OK with her husband Devin and fur-babies, Finn, Andy and Zazu. Ashley completed her Bachelor of Arts degree from Oklahoma State University and earned a dual Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Ashley is a nationally licensed Art Therapist achieving her ATR (Registered Art Therapist) in 2015. After grad school, Ashley began an internship with the Cavett Kids Foundation providing Art Therapy services to the patients of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital and was hired on as the Director of Diversionary Play for Cavett Kids. In 2018, she was named the Executive Director of the foundation.
A few of her awards include Nonprofit of the Year for three consecutive years
by the OKCYP, voted OKC’s 50 Most Influential Young Professionals, voted
Oklahoma City’s Most Powerful Young Professional in 2022, 2023, and 2024 by
OKC Friday, and featured in the top 100 “Wildly Capable Women” by Hundred
Magazine. When Ashley is not at work, you can most likely find her enjoying
time at Lake Eufaula, traveling, volunteering, watching OSU sports or trying to
convince her husband to get another Golden Retriever.
405-271-2271 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, September 27th @ 12:00pm
Gary Brooks
This spring will be an exciting time for Oklahoma City, Gary Brooks and the team at Cornerstone Development as they bring one of our most significant and iconic landmarks, the First National Center, to life again, 90 years after it first opened.
The First National Center is a mix of a 146-room Marriott Autograph Hotel, 193 apartments, restaurants, 20,000 square feet of retail and meeting rooms. Tellers Café will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Great Hall, the lobby to the hotel, living room for apartment residents and an event destination with its dramatic, hand-restored 50 foot ceiling. Also opening are Stock and Bond Steakhouse, Library of Distilled Spirits in the former bank vault, two private dining rooms – the Mint and the Beacon – and the much-anticipated Guilded Acorn, led by Chefs Andrew Black and Rudy Koury. The hotel will open in March, along with several of the restaurants, and the apartments will see first residents in February.
First National is also an outstanding example of a complex economic development project. Gary Brooks credits the support of the city of Oklahoma City and the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City as being essential for making the purchase and restoration possible. Several economic development incentives were utilized.
The First National is located in a TIF district, which allows the development team a period of time to utilize property taxes above the pre-renovation level to develop the property. Additionally, the property qualified for a federal Section 108 loan. Every year, the city of Oklahoma City receives Community Development Block Grants to be used to support community development activities. The city borrowed against the CDBG, loaned it to the owners of First National and pledged a portion of it to “backstop” the funds and protect the city from risk. Because the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it qualified for Historic Tax Credits.
First National is expected to add approximately 300 permanent jobs in Oklahoma City with a payroll of more than $11 million a year and is expected to draw new events and more tourism. The undertaking is also about preserving our history and bringing a stunning Art Deco icon back to life to serve our city for another 90 years.
405-850-0399 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, October 4th @ 12:00pm
Kristy Wicker
Director of Education – Wildcare Oklahoma
Kristy works with the public to effectively and compassionately handle wildlife emergencies and human-wildlife interactions in mostly urban environments. She also conducts most of WildCare’s education programs. Originally from Illinois, Kristy earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois, working as a social worker for several years before returning to school to pursue a graduate degree from Texas A&M University where she received her master’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. Kristy is also an independent researcher, consulting on several projects to improve and understand animal well-being. She was the principal investigator and co-author of The Oklahoma Animal Study, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive assessment of statewide animal welfare. She also serves as a citizen member of the City of Norman’s Animal Welfare Oversight Committee.
405-872-9338 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, October 11th @ 12:00pm
April Gonzalez
Executive Director – Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City
April Gonzalez serves as the Executive Director for Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City, as the primary advisor on matters related to organizational and fiscal management, policy, program, and fundraising.
With 30+ years of experience as a managing director and corporate leader across
diverse industries, she has developed and executed successful business initiatives that have increased profits for local, regional, national and international business and consumer brands.
She recently served as the Director of Administration for Service Oklahoma managing administrative services to ensure efficient operations for 30 guest service locations, and as the Deputy Executive Director for the Oklahoma Tax Commission directing operations, and steering agency culture and reputation while navigating political and legislative obligations with objective authority.
April directed corporate and administrative services for Williams Companies where she led conceptual project planning development and managed integrated core services to enhance productivity. Prior to Williams Companies, she joined Chesapeake Energy as the Creative Services Director. Before joining Chesapeake, she held Director positions at several organizations in Oklahoma and Texas.
April holds a Master’s Degree in Human Relations and Organizational Development
from the University of Oklahoma and is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications.
April’s civic and community support includes Allied Arts, American Heart Association, Impact Oklahoma, as well as having served on the Boards of Women’s Energy Network Greater Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University Alumni, Oklahoma City Beautiful and Partnership for a Drug Free Oklahoma.
405-486-0771 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, October 25th @ 12:00pm
Sgt. Jeff Morefield
Executive Director/Founder – On Call Project
Jeff is an Edmond Police Officer who has served for 25 years. He is married to his lovely wife, Emily and they have one daughter, Olivia.
Jeff grew up as an Air Force brat where he graduated high school in Rammstein, Germany. He then attended the University of Central Oklahoma and Air Force ROTC at Oklahoma University. Due to previous medical issues, he was not able to pursue his Air Force dream, but began his career path as a Law Enforcement Officer at the University of Central Oklahoma. He began this journey as a junior in college, specifically Aug 1st, 1997. He spent approximately one year at UCO, before being hired by Yukon Police Department on Jan 19th, 1999. He spent almost 3 years there, before being hired by Edmond Police Department on November 16th of 2001.
SGT Morefield found his home and began getting involved heavily within the PD. He served on EPD’s SWAT team for 12 years, EPD’s Under Water Search and Recovery for 14 years, was a Field Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Officer, Honor Guard member, served on the Oklahoma Gang Investigator Executive Board as the Central Director, Lead Intelligence Officer and several others.
He is highly decorated as being the recipient of the
-2003 State of Oklahoma Police Officer of the Year
– Two Life Saving Medals
– Two Medal of Valor Medals
– Seven Officer of the Month
– The Tony Calvert award winner from the Committee of 100
He is very active in the Special Olympics Torch Run, Folds of Honor, Tunnel 2 Towers, Baker 2 Vegas Race and many other outside the agency entities.
He is a committed member to his family and community and continues to do so currently!
Our perpetual appreciation goes to the individual who, with valor, empathy, and courage, serves as the Director of OCP.
405-517-4882 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, November 1st @ 12:00pm
Ryane Gordon
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We’re advocating for policies to protect them. We’re working to radically improve the health care they receive. We’re pioneering research to find solutions. We’re empowering families with programs, knowledge and tools to have healthier pregnancies. By uniting communities, we’re building a brighter future for us all.
405-288-5088 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, November 8th @ 12:00pm
Michael Dillard
President – Century Martial Arts
Michael Dillard is the second-generation CEO of Century Martial Arts. Michael attended the University of Oklahoma graduating from the Price College of Business with double majors in Entrepreneurial Venture Management and Business Accounting degrees. In addition to his position at Century, Michael is a managing partner of Raptor Properties commercial real estate development group run through his family office.
Century is an Oklahoma based company that has become the world largest martial arts distributor since its founding in 1967. Michael has spent his career learning the business from the ground up having worked in every department of the organization before taking on his executive roles. The organization has over 250 employees and exports its Oklahoma made products worldwide.
405-640-3336 [email protected]
Speaking Date: Friday, November 22nd @ 12:00pm
Ken & Sally Newey
WINGS of Rotary Experience
Ken and Sally Newey are both Rotarians. Ken joined in 2008 and Sally in 2015, they are both Paul Harris Fellows in the MWC Club and serve as the Youth Services Chairs. They oversee Student Rotarian activities at Carl Albert and Interact at MWC HS where they serve about 150 kids altogether.
Ken graduated from University of Oklahoma in 1985 and became a Tag Agent the ripe age of 23. He was the youngest agent ever appointed by the State of Oklahoma. At that time, he still had hair and it was black. Ken still owns and operates Tinker Tag Agency on Douglas. Sally graduated from Washington
University in Saint Louis in 2001 where she immediately returned to Oklahoma to commence a career in banking at Chase Bank in MWC. In 2020, Sally transitioned to Allstate.
Ken and Sally married 4 years ago. Their family includes 6 children, 3, soon to be 4, grandchildren. They love to travel, spend time watching their grandkids, hangout at their home at Texoma and Ken think it’s Christmas during football season when we have all the family together for the home games.
[email protected] 405-408-8247
Speaking Date: Friday, December 6th @ 12:00pm