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Tsoodle selected to lead Alliance

By Staff Reports / Economy / April 4, 2022

Photo: Steve Johnson

The board of directors for the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City have selected Assistant City Manager Kenton Tsoodle to succeed Cathy O’Connor as president and CEO of the Alliance. Tsoodle started in his new role March 25. 

O’Connor, who created the Alliance in 2011, is starting Coalign Group, a consulting firm for developers. 

“In Kenton’s 20 years with the City of Oklahoma City, he has been a trusted and invaluable asset. We are thrilled to have him as the next president of the Alliance where he will bring his significant policy and finance experience to our mission of coordinating land, incentives and economic tools to help Oklahoma City continue to grow,” said Larry Nichols, Alliance board chair.  “He will continue to improve our city for developers, employers and residents.” 

Tsoodle began his career with the City of Oklahoma City in 2002 as a management and budget analyst, earning promotions to management and budget specialist, assistant city treasurer, finance business manager and assistant finance director. He was promoted to assistant city manager in 2019.  

Tsoodle is a Certified Public Finance Officer who’s two major accomplishments as assistant city manager were his work as the facilitator for the Police Community Working Group and his role in the City’s redistricting process.  

“Cathy’s exceptional work at the Alliance has been a point of inspiration for me over the past ten years,” said Tsoodle. “I hope to build off her successes by continuing to find ways to strengthen our economy, bring quality jobs to OKC and make housing more affordable for our residents. I love living in Oklahoma City and want to make this a better, more economically sustainable place for everyone.” 

The Alliance for Economic Development was formed in 2011 to better coordinate land, incentives and economic tools that make Oklahoma City even more attractive to companies and developers. This includes the coordination, management, planning and implementation of: 

  • The city’s general obligation limited tax bond program 

  • Tax increment financing districts 

  • The city’s retail strategy and incentives 

  • City and urban renewal redevelopment programs 

  • Identification and development of job creation sites 

  • Public-private redevelopment opportunities