Business and People Notes February 2020

Through an extensive recruitment effort led by Tulsa-based consulting firm Schnake Turbo Frank, Krista Hemme has been selected vice president of marketing and communications for the Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW). She will lead the marketing/communications team in promoting the TAUW and its 59 partner agencies that improve people’s lives through education, financial stability and health/safety.  
Hemme is a graduate of Oral Roberts University and received a B.S. in Mass Media Communications. She is an award-winning communicator who most recently spearheaded campaigns for the City of Broken Arrow through news stories, video production, digital media and public relations.  
“I love the Tulsa community and the people who work every day to make it the kind of place where we want our children and our children’s children to grow up,” said Hemme. “When everyone has access to the resources needed to succeed, it has a ripple effect on the entire community that leads to better outcomes in education and the economy. I look forward to working with Alison Anthony and the passionate team members of the Tulsa Area United Way to provide even more people with the tools they need to reach their full potential.” 
The Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) is the only nonprofit organization in the six-county area funding 59 partner agencies whose critical services deliver the three building blocks to a better life: education, financial stability and health/safety.  
Since 1924, TAUW has raised and invested more than $825 million to assist the lives of people in need in Creek, Oklmulgee, Osage, Rogers, Wagoner and Tulsa counties. All contributions to the TAUW are invested locally.  Governance is maintained by a highly dedicated local board of directors.
Ken Holdman, senior vice president at SodexoMAGIC, recently joined the American Red Cross of Northeast Oklahoma Advisory Board in Tulsa. 
“I am excited about the opportunity to serve,” Holdman said. “Joining the Tulsa Advisory Board for the Red Cross allows me to make an impact in my community and state where I grew up.”  
Holdman currently leads SodexoMAGIC, the joint venture between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Sodexo. He is an experienced operator and leader with nearly 20 years of service. His career is underscored by a commitment to excellence and growth of both the business and members of his teams. Holdman actively engages with clients and partners to support and enhance underserved communities.
In Holdman’s free time, he is a role model, supporting a range of youth and young adult activities- including coaching and refereeing college basketball.  He grew up and currently resides in the Tulsa area with his family.
The Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association (OH&LA) has announced its 2020 board of directors. Tulsa-area members include Chair – James Cunningham, Hyatt Regency; Treasurer – Michelle Hartman, Courtyard by Marriott Downtown; Chad Horvath, Tulsa Club Hotel; Trisha Kerkstra, POSTOAK Lodge & Retreat; Charles DiClemente, Doubletree Hotel Downtown; Heather  McGregor, McGregor Insurance Group; Pete Patel, Promise Hotels; Chelsea  Penn, Metro Tulsa Hotel & Lodging Association; and Kyle Reans, River Spirit Casino & Resort; Travis Taylor, Hotel Indigo Tulsa Downtown;.
The Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA) announced its board of directors for the year 2020. Tulsa area board members include Mike Bausch, Andolini’s Pizzeria; Jeff Castleberry, Caz’s Chowhouse; Momodou Ceesay, Mamadou’s Restaurant, Glenpool; Bo Davis, RB American Group; Robert Founds, Tulsa Drillers; John Gaberino III, Topeca Coffee; Thomas Hunter, Ricardo’s Restaurant; Jared Jordan, Summit Club; Amy Moss, McGill’s; Elliot Nelson, McNellie’s Group; Erik Reynolds, Smoke Woodfire Grill; Eric Selby, Mazzio’s, LLC; and Alex Stodghill, GoFresh Produce.
Founded in 1933, the Oklahoma Restaurant Association is the trade association of restaurants and foodservice operations, the state’s largest private industry employer.

Keri Fothergill has been appointed District 2 Commissioner Karen Keith’s chief deputy. Fothergill replaces John Fothergill who moved to the Tulsa County Treasurer’s Office to serve as first deputy. 
 Keri Fothergill comes to Tulsa County from the City of Tulsa where she most recently served in the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development as Development and Constituent Services Liaison. In this capacity, Fothergill coordinated and facilitated business and land development procedures, projects, and programs for the City.
Throughout her career, Fothergill has served in numerous related functions including: Community Involvement Coordinator for City of Tulsa Refuse and Recycling Department; Constituent Services/Real Estate for Mayor Dewey F. Bartlett, Jr.; Commercial Project Manager/Government Liaison for Williams & Williams Auction; Council Legislative Aide for Tulsa City Council; Mayoral Aide for Mayor Bill LaFortune and Mayor Susan Savage and Event Coordinator for the Tulsa Metro Chamber
The Sand Springs resident has also served as Commissioner for the Sand Springs Planning and Development Commissions. She was also a Tulsa Global Alliance Board Member.
“I’ve worked as a public servant since 2001, but this is the first opportunity for me to have my day job impact my own community,” said Fothergill. “Working for the City of Tulsa was wonderful; I look forward to working in District 2 with the people I call friends and neighbors. I will be their champion and help them make an impact not only in District 2 but through all of Tulsa County.”
Echoing Fothergill’s sentiments, Commissioner Keith said “The common thread through all Keri’s extensive experience, which I saw firsthand when I worked with her at the City, is her focus on serving as a liaison between the government and its constituents. This simply made her the best choice for my new Chief Deputy. The ease with which she can develop, coordinate, and implement initiatives that positively affect the community and the local government is just one of the many reasons I approached her about this position. I am so pleased she is on board and am looking forward to all she will accomplish.”
Jack Blair, chief of staff for Mayor G.T. Bynum, said of Keri’s movement to the County, “Keri is the most diligent and hard-working person I’ve worked with on a regular basis since I started working with the City.”