Leadership Notes: Inspired for the future

Upper Scissortail Park, Oklahoma City Convention Center and downtown skyline.

I am honored to join the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and begin our work together. During my time as a Chamber executive, I have followed the story of this community and this organization and the work you have done here. You have made this a destination city for investment, for visitors and for families like mine.

I feel privileged to join an organization with such a long history of leadership and innovation and am humbled to follow in the footsteps of Roy Williams. He made an indelible impact here in his 20 years. His work inspired many in the Chamber profession, and I have admired his leadership and vision.

This work that we do, to grow communities and improve the economy of our cities and region, is one that I feel passionate about doing. I was so fortunate to intern at The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce during my time at Indiana University. Immediately, I knew this was where I could best contribute. Several years later, I served as President of the Bloomington Chamber, so keep an eye on those interns, they have big plans!

Oklahoma City has big plans, and that is what excites me the most about being here. I have seen how this community works together to make those plans a reality, no matter how big the challenge or how audacious the dream. You inspire other communities to do the same, and you have inspired me to be a part of this effort.

I look forward to learning more about Oklahoma City and the Chamber’s efforts to make this region the best it can be. I am anxious to meet our members and our partners and understand more about how we can build on the incredible success our city enjoys.

Thank you for this opportunity – now let’s get to work.

Christy Gillenwater
President & CEO
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber

This article originally appeared in the January 2023 edition of the VeloCity newsletter.