Foundation for OKC Public Schools announces new board leadership

Along with other positions, the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools recently announced the appointment of Claudia San Pedro as chair of its board of directors. San Pedro has served as both treasurer and vice chair since joining the board in 2010. She fills the role previously held by Percy Kirk who recently relocated out of state.

Kirk joined the board in 2014 and served as chair since 2019. In honor of Kirk’s commitment and contributions to The Foundation’s mission, the board announced the complete funding of two Partners in Action projects for local schools that include a permanent chess table for the courtyard at Classen SAS Middle School and a renovated staff lounge at Star Spencer Mid-High School.

“I’m honored to serve as chair of The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Our work is critically important and our mission is one that I’m passionate about. A quality education is the most important foundation for future economic success. Our work is changing lives by strategically focusing in key areas to improve public education. I’m especially grateful that I’ve had the honor to work with Percy Kirk for so long. Our board couldn’t think of a better way to honor Percy for his years of commitment to the Foundation and OKCPS than to invest directly into the schools through our Partners in Action initiative,” San Pedro said.

San Pedro was formally appointed at The Foundation’s board meeting on July 29, along with Brent Hensley as chair-elect and Cristina McQuistion as vice chair. Bryan Coleman remains treasurer and The Foundation’s President and CEO Mary Mélon serves as secretary.

“I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with amazing board leaders during my time at the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Claudia, Brent and Cristina have been on the board and making an impact since the day I started and I’m thrilled to be working with each of them in their new roles. Our board is made up of dedicated professionals who share a passion for our mission and for public education. There is a lot of exciting work ahead and I’m thankful we have such an amazing group of individuals supporting our efforts,” said Mélon.

Claudia San Pedro serves as Head of the Limited Service Category and President of SONIC Drive-In, part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. Prior to joining SONIC, she served as the director for the Oklahoma Office of State Finance. Appointed by Governor Brad Henry in 2005, San Pedro was the first female and first Hispanic to serve in the role. 

Brent Hensley has been president and general manager of Oklahoma City’s ABC affiliate, KOCO-TV for over 20 years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Oklahoma State University.

Cristina F. McQuistion serves as Vice President – Corporate Responsibility and Stewardship for OGE Energy Corp and OG&E. She serves on the boards of the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools and John Rex Downtown Charter School. She also serves on the University of Idaho’s Energy Executive Course Advisory Committee.

Bryan Coleman is a partner in PricewaterhouseCooper's Digital Assurance and Transparency practice. He has over 17 years of experience providing assurance and advisory services to clients across a number of industries and sectors.

 ABOUT PARTNERS IN ACTION

The Partners in Action initiative strives to connect Oklahoma City Public Schools with community partners interested in making an impact. Through the gift of time, talent, and treasure, community partners can have a lasting impact on every classroom within OKCPS. The Partners in Action website is principal driven and allows principals to post projects related to school-wide strategic needs. This interactive platform gives community partners the opportunity to explore needs, post offers, and fulfill requests.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Created in 1984, The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance excellence, create champions and build strong community support for lasting success in Oklahoma City Public Schools. The Foundation works closely with the District and business community to align strategies and priorities for sustained performance improvement. Please visit us online at www.okckids.com for more information on our focus areas and volunteer and giving opportunities.