Oklahoma Government Leaders and Politicians

Ann Bartlett

Ann served the state of Oklahoma alongside her husband, Dewey Bartlett.

Betty Boyd

Tulsa's unlikely TV personality and state legislator who captured the hearts of many.

Bill Anoatubby

As leader of the Chickasaw Nation since 1987, the governor has shepherded it to social and financial stability.

Bill Nash

Bill Nash shares the stories of how he founded United Bank, which he sold and later became Bank of America, serving as chairman of the Tulsa County Election Board and the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, and many other stories from his life.

Buddy Fallis

As a prosecutor for Tulsa County, he has taken some of the most notorious criminals to court.

Carrie Dickerson

An unlikely activist, she educated herself about nuclear energy and risked everything to stop the Black Fox Plant.

David Hall

He won Oklahoma's closest gubernatorial race to become the state's 20th governor.

David L. Boren

The first person in state history to hold office as governor, U.S. Senator, and President of the University of Oklahoma.

David Walters

A business and public policy enthusiast, David Walters founded Walters Power International and was the 24th Governor of the State of Oklahoma.

Denzil Garrison

After serving the US in WWII and the Korean War, he served Oklahoma in both state houses.

Drew Edmondson

Oklahoma Attorney General for 16 years, Drew Edmondson led landmark lawsuits, championed open government, and protected our states natural resources.

Enoch Kelly Haney

Native son with a heart to serve people; as a politician, Seminole Chief, and an internationally-recognized artist.

Ernestine Dillard

Her passionate, award-winning voice has taken her across the globe and brought joy and comfort to many.

Frank Keating

As governor of Oklahoma in 1995, he guided our state through the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Bombing.

Fred Harris

Served as a United States Senator for Oklahoma from November 4th, 1964 to January 3rd, 1973.

Frosty Troy

Member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and nationally-acclaimed advocate for public education.

Gene Stipe

Gene Stipe, the longest-serving Oklahoma State Senator, talks with John Erling during a KRMG interview in the year 2000 about his book “A Gathering of Heroes,” which features the stories of many of Oklahoma's unsung heroes.

George Nigh

George served four different terms as governor, more than anyone else in state history.

Henry Bellmon

From the farm, to the war, to the Governor's mansion. Then finally back to the farm.

Howard Barnett

Businessman, public servant, and OSU-Tulsa President Emeritus Howard Barnett reflects on a career that spanned the private sector and state leadership—including his time as Chief of Staff to Governor Frank Keating—and shares advice on what it really takes to lead.

James R. Jones

His distinguished career in politics includes time spent on LBJ's staff, as well as serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.

Jeannie McDaniel

Dedicated more than 25 years to bettering her city and state, while also becoming an accomplished distance runner.

Jim East

A legendary Tulsa journalist, Jim East lived a rich life of service and pursued many diverse interests, including serving as the Chief of Staff to former Mayor Susan Savage and enjoying a successful career in the car rental industry, all while championing the works of many nonprofits and community initiatives.

Jim Hewgley

An oilman who was instrumental in advancing Tulsa's economic and social landscape.

Jim Inhofe

Oklahoma U.S. Senator, army veteran, businessman, pilot, and former Tulsa mayor.

Joe Carter

Listen to Joseph H. Carter, an Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame Member, tell the story of his life, including his personal account of the assassination of John F. Kennedy as he experienced it from the press bus — five cars behind the presidential limousine.

Joe McGraw

Joe McGraw, one of the founders of the McGraw Realtors and McGraw Commercial Properties, shares the lessons he's learned about business, life, and a legacy of success.

Joe Morris

A lover of law whose remarkable career includes serving as U.S. District Court Chief Judge.

John Massey

John L. Massey, a true Oklahoma success story, built a remarkable career that spanned politics, business, banking, entrepreneurial education, and philanthropy.

L. Francis Rooney III

A leader on the homefront at Manhattan Construction and former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican.

LaDonna Harris

A loyal and tireless advocate for the civil liberties of women and Native Americans.

Lee Roy West

"Life should be fun." Wests's refreshing motto has been his guide for over 80 years.

Marian Opala

From the Polish underground to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

Maxine Horner

One of the first African-American women in the Oklahoma State Senate, serving from 1986 to 2004.

Neal McCaleb

A determined civil engineer, member of the Chickasaw Nation, and Republican politician.

Norma Eagleton

A pioneering public official and true servant to her community and fellow citizens.

Paul Thornbrugh

Known as "Mr. Republican," Paul was a businessman, patriot, public servant, politician, and -- most proudly -- a family man.

Penny Williams

A political champion for education in the state of Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa.

Rick Brinkley

Rick Brinkley, a minister, TV producer, COO of the BBB, and State Senator, tells the story of his gambling addiction, what it did to his life, and what others can do to regain control of theirs.

Robert J. LaFortune

A native Tulsan and father of six, LaFortune shaped his city through civic leadership and public service.

Ron Norick

A tireless civic leader and businessman who never lost faith in Oklahoma City.

Ross Swimmer

Ross Swimmer shares his journey from pro bono legal work with the Cherokee Nation Housing Authority to serving as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, later holding key roles in the U.S. Department of the Interior, where he worked to secure water rights for tribes and improve Indian trust management.

Stephanie Seymour

With a strong will and encouragement from family, she's been blazing trails for women in law since 1965.

Tom Coburn

A physician and Republican politician known for being fiscally and socially conservative.

Wes Watkins

Determination and leadership led him from rural Oklahoma agriculture to 02 years as a congressman.