Fellowship
The 1050 Fellowship focuses on developing skills and competencies that enable participants to galvanize local communities, implement civic engagement strategies, and leverage results-based leadership. The program also emphasizes measurable impact and accountability. It includes a focus on increasing civic engagement and statewide collaboration for pressing issues of the day, like access to childcare and housing needs, to help build thriving communities.
Participants actively engage in a 10- 12 month arc of learning in collaboration with Partners for Rural Impact. The learning and fellowship design broadly seeks to accelerate progress toward positive outcomes for children, families, and citizens in micropolitan communities while developing capacity to sustain collective impact efforts long-term. This initiative is not a grant-funding program. Rather, it provides a set of resources and supports intended to align and maximize the results of existing local efforts (programs, activities, systems, and policies). The strategies for advancing community efforts include:
Local partnership development
Leadership development
Networking with a broader learning community
The 1050 Forward Fellowship
Includes components of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Results Count® frame and methodology - and will support community leaders to develop and execute a shared results action plan. The primary task of the participants will be to make a measurable difference in the lives of citizens in each community
The fellowship learning is typically comprised of:
Five skill-building and learning seminars;
Application work between sessions designed to advance and accelerate participants’ results work and deepen their practice of core Results Count skills;
Coaching with 1050 Forward leaders and Partners for Rural Impact faculty; and
Practice calls in between sessions.
The fellowship is currently serving micropolitan communities in Oklahoma. If you are interested in participating, please complete this brief information survey.
2024 FELLOWS
Congratulations to the 2024 inaugural class of 1050 Forward Fellows!
Angie Stout
ADA, OK
Angie is the Assistant City Manager of Ada, overseeing city management and advancement. She’s served in this role for almost a decade, managing daily operations and over $50 million in capital projects. Angie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from East Central University, a Master of Educational Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. She is a licensed attorney and a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association. Angie is committed to improving city services through outcome-based leadership and community partnerships.
Wendell Godwin
ADA, OK
Wendell became East Central University's 10th president on July 1, 2022, following a 26-year corporate career and over a decade in academia, where he led ECU's Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business to national recognition. He holds an Executive MBA from Southern Methodist University and a business administration degree from ECU. Appointed Dean of the School of Business in 2010, Godwin helped raise $14 million for the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center and launched Oklahoma Business Week and U.S./Africa Business Week. He is a proud graduate of Pauls Valley High School.
Angela Wilson
MUSKOGEE, OK
Angela became President and CEO of the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce in November 2019, overseeing daily management and working with the board of directors to achieve the Chamber’s mission. She previously served as Vice President and Director of Programs, managing all programs, events, and non-dues revenue projects. Angela joined the Muskogee Chamber in 2012 after four years with the Chamber of Commerce in Coffeyville, KS. She holds a BA in communications from Metropolitan State University of Denver and is a graduate of several leadership and management institutes. Angela serves on multiple boards, including the OCCE and MAKO Conference Board of Directors.
Mike Miller
MUSKOGEE, OK
Mike, a native Oklahoman from Tulsa, graduated from Jenks High School, Abilene Christian University, and the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He spent over a decade with the Cherokee Nation, where he served as communications director, senior policy advisor, and helped establish Cherokee Nation Businesses. Miller has also been a senior executive for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and a consultant for other tribes. For the past eight years, he has been the city manager of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Previously, he was an award-winning broadcaster in Texas and Florida.
Uwe Gordon
STILLWATER, OK
Uwe, a resident of Stillwater since 1979, attended OSU, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in education. He taught civics at Stillwater Junior High School for ten years before serving as assistant principal for five and a half years. Uwe then became principal of Yale High School in 2000 and later served as principal and superintendent at Hennessey High School for three years. Returning to Stillwater in 2006, he served as principal of Stillwater High School for 16 years, the longest tenure in its history. On July 1, 2022, he became Superintendent of Stillwater Public Schools.
Amy Dzialowski
STILLWATER, OK
Amy, Vice Mayor of Stillwater, Oklahoma, has been a member of the Stillwater City Council since May 2018. In her role, she shapes policies on infrastructure, land use, economic development, and more. Additionally, Amy serves on the board of Mya’s Promise, a nonprofit focusing on early childhood opportunities for children with special needs. She recently spearheaded the Playability Project, a collaborative effort to build an inclusive playground. Amy is a Senior Principal at Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., with over 22 years of experience in public-private partnership development and community planning. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Master of Science in Urban Planning from the University of Kansas.
Cody Holcomb
ADA, OK
Cody is a civil engineering and public administration expert with over 20 years of experience. He holds a bachelor’s in civil and environmental engineering from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from the University of Central Oklahoma. Cody has held key roles at Tetra Tech/FHC, Contech Construction Products, and NRS Consulting Engineers. As President of Civil Design Solutions PLLC, he has managed significant projects, including a $55 million sales tax capital infrastructure plan for Ada, where he also served as City Manager. Cody is active in professional associations and has served on various boards, reflecting his commitment to public service and strategic leadership.
Becky Taylor
STILLWATER, OK
Becky, with a Master of Public Health from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Divinity from Golden Gate Theological Seminary, brings a diverse background in public health, community development, higher education, and nonprofit management to her leadership roles. Currently, serving as the Assistant Vice President for Provost's Priorities and Strategic Initiatives at Oklahoma State University where she works to implement strategic plans. Previously, Becky served as Chief Civic Innovation Officer for the City of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and as the founding Executive Director of Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and social impact.
Lisa John
ADA, OK
Lisa has served the Chickasaw Nation for 30 years and currently holds the executive role of Secretary of Culture and Humanities. She sits on several boards, including the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation, First Americans Museum, Oklahoma Zoological Society, Higher Learning Commission, and others. Lisa holds a BA in political science and an MPA from the University of Oklahoma. Her roles have included Special Assistant to the Governor and various administrative positions. As Secretary, she oversees divisions dedicated to preserving Chickasaw history, culture, and language.
Dr. Kim Dyce
MUSKOGEE, OK
Kim's educational journey began in 1990 in Rochester, New York, where she taught social studies and government for grades 6 through 12. She earned a Masters in Education and a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Rochester, transitioning to administration in 1996. As principal of Benjamin Franklin Educational Campus, she established three small learning communities and a Montessori elementary school. After completing her Doctorate in Educational Administration, Kim served in various roles within the Rochester City School District for 20 years, including teacher, principal, and chief of staff. Since 2017, as Deputy Superintendent of Muskogee Public Schools, she has focused on strategic planning, principal supervision, and fostering high-performing learning communities.
Jeff Underwood
MUSKOGEE, OK
Jeff has served as Deputy Director of Port Muskogee for the past 2.5 years, assisting with its strategic direction and daily operations. Previously, he was the Northeast Oklahoma field representative for U.S. Senator James Lankford for 6.5 years, working closely with constituents and stakeholders. Before his public service, Jeff spent three years as a claims specialist with USAA, developing strong customer service and problem-solving skills. He began his career in real estate and holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in economics from Missouri State University. Jeff is dedicated to driving economic growth and fostering community collaboration.
Dr. Clyde Wilson
STILLWATER, OK
Clyde is the Associate Vice President for Access and Community Impact and Director of the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program at Oklahoma State University. With a Doctorate in Education and 18 years of administrative experience at institutions like UNC Charlotte, NC State, and Bethune Cookman, he has earned numerous awards. Dr. Wilson champions undergraduate research and has held leadership roles in the McNair Association of Professionals and the Oklahoma Division of Student Assistance. In Stillwater, he is active in the community, recognized with the Leaders Under 40 Young Community Leader Award and the Overall Lead Orange Staff Award.
Our Mission
Equip micropolitan communities with the leaders, tools and connections needed to remain vibrant for generations to come.