Fellowship
The 1050 Fellowship focuses on developing skills and competencies that enable participants to galvanize local communities 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 designed to accelerate progress toward positive outcomes for children, families, and citizens in micropolitan communities.
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
More about the 1050 Forward Fellowship
The program includes supporting 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:
Four skill-building and learning seminars;
Application work between sessions designed to advance and accelerate participants’ results work and deepen their skills;
Coaching with 1050 Forward leaders and other accomplished leaders; and
Relationship building across communities and industries.
The fellowship is currently serving micropolitan communities in Oklahoma.
2026 FELLOWS
Congratulations to the 2026 cohort of 1050 Forward Fellows!
Katie
Archer
ELK CITY, OK
Katie is an architect and business leader who serves as Director of Business Operations and Vice President at REES. With more than 18 years of experience, she has guided clients through every stage of the architectural process while helping shape the firm's operations and long-term strategy. Katie is known for building strong relationships and creating thoughtful solutions that serve both clients and communities.
In addition to her work at REES, Katie is deeply committed to civic leadership. She serves on the Elk City School Board, the Elk City Education Foundation, the Elk City Carnegie Library Board, the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Board, and the University of Oklahoma School of Architecture Professional Advisory Board. She is also a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma and Leadership Elk City and was a founding member and mentor of ElkUp, supporting the development of emerging leaders in western Oklahoma.
John
Bob-Semple
SHAWNEE, OK
John serves as Executive Director of Pottawatomie Go (POGO), the action arm of the Avedis Foundation and the backbone organization supporting community well-being initiatives across Pottawatomie County. In his role, John brings together leaders from healthcare, tribal and local government, education, business, and nonprofit organizations to advance collaborative strategies that improve health, economic opportunity, and quality of life.
Prior to joining POGO, John served as Senior Director of Community Impact at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, where he helped expand a network of Food & Resource Centers serving communities across central and western Oklahoma. A frequent speaker on leadership, collaboration, and community well-being, John is passionate about helping communities move from good ideas to coordinated action that creates lasting impact.
Dakota
Cole
ADA, OK
Dakota serves as Secretary of Treasury for the Chickasaw Nation, where he oversees financial operations supporting one of the nation's largest tribal governments. His responsibilities include managing payroll for more than 14,000 employees, overseeing federal awards, and helping steward the Nation's financial resources to support long-term growth and stability.
A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner, Dakota brings extensive expertise in public finance, accounting, and strategic financial management. He serves on several Chickasaw Nation committees, including those focused on investments, retirement planning, and federal funding, and remains actively involved in professional and civic organizations. A graduate of Leadership Oklahoma, Dakota previously served as chair of the organization's audit committee and continues to support leadership development across the state.
Korrey
Kerstetter
MUSKOGEE, OK
Korrey serves is VP of Operations for Georgia-Pacific's Muskogee Mill, where he leads one of the region's largest manufacturing operations. Throughout his career, Korrey has built a reputation for developing high-performing teams, strengthening workplace culture, and driving operational excellence in complex manufacturing environments.
With experience leading both union and non-union operations, Korrey is known for aligning people, processes, and long-term strategy to deliver sustainable results. He has led cross-functional teams spanning operations, maintenance, engineering, and capital planning, with a leadership approach grounded in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As the Muskogee Mill celebrates its 50th anniversary, Korrey is focused on positioning the facility for continued success and growth for generations to come.
Corey
Lively
ELK CITY, OK
Corey serves as Chief Executive Officer of Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City, where he leads one of western Oklahoma's largest independent, community-based healthcare systems. Since becoming CEO in 2014, Corey has guided the organization's continued growth, expanding access to specialty care and strengthening healthcare services for patients across western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle.
With more than two decades of executive leadership experience in healthcare, Corey has built a reputation for fostering collaboration, developing high-performing teams, and creating strategic partnerships that improve patient care and organizational performance. He is an active leader in the healthcare community, serving on the boards of the Oklahoma Hospital Association, Lifecare Oklahoma, Vizient, and several regional organizations dedicated to advancing healthcare across the state.
Kari
Moore
STILLWATER, OK
Kari serves on the Economic Development team at the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, where she works to strengthen local partnerships, support business growth, and advance initiatives that contribute to the long-term vitality of the Stillwater region. She collaborates with leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to align economic development efforts and create opportunities that benefit businesses, residents, and the broader community.
Before joining the Chamber, Kari spent seven years supporting commercial real estate organizations, where she developed expertise in relationship management, business operations, and organizational leadership. During that time, she served on the boards of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). She also completed four years of leadership, management, and sales training through Sandler Custom Growth Solutions, strengthening her ability to lead teams and build meaningful partnerships.
Saba
Tahmassebi
ADA, OK
Saba serves as Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center in Ada, Oklahoma, the agency's only research facility dedicated to groundwater science. He leads applied research that helps address complex environmental challenges while strengthening partnerships among communities, industry, universities, and tribal nations.
Prior to joining the EPA, Saba served as Chief Engineer for the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, where he contributed to a wide range of environmental programs and initiatives across the state. In addition to his public service, he teaches environmental technology and chemistry as a university faculty member, reflecting his commitment to developing the next generation of scientists and engineers. His work is guided by a belief that practical, collaborative research can help communities make informed decisions and build a more sustainable future.
He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Oklahoma and participates in the 1050 Forward Fellowship in his personal capacity.
Andrea
Bendele
STILLWATER, OK
Andrea serves as Market President for Exchange Bank in Stillwater, where she oversees commercial lending, operations, and strategic leadership for the bank's two Stillwater locations. Throughout her career, Andrea has focused on helping businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities grow by expanding access to capital and fostering strong local relationships.
Before joining Exchange Bank, Andrea built her expertise in rural and community lending through roles with USDA Rural Development and Rural Enterprises Inc., where she worked with small businesses and start-up ventures across Oklahoma. In addition to leading a commercial lending portfolio, she serves on the bank's Board of Directors and remains actively engaged in community leadership through service with REI Oklahoma, the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, and the Stillwater YMCA.
Matthew Bradshaw
ELK CITY, OK
Matthew serves as Director of Special Projects for the City of Elk City, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on economic development, emerging technology, and the future of work. His work centers on helping rural communities prepare for technological change while ensuring innovation strengthens local economies and improves quality of life.
Matthew's career spans civic leadership, education, ministry, and technology. Drawing on that diverse background, he works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, workforce development, and community resilience, helping organizations adopt new technologies in practical and responsible ways. He is also the founder and CEO of Luxsupremo AI, where he develops tools and coaching resources designed to make artificial intelligence more accessible and useful for individuals and organizations.
Xerxes
Griffin
ADA, OK
Xerxes serves as Executive Director at Chick-fil-A Ada, where he leads daily operations, develops leadership teams, and cultivates a culture centered on service, growth, and excellence. With nearly a decade of leadership experience, he is passionate about developing people and building organizations that create lasting impact both inside and outside the workplace.
Beyond his professional role, Xerxes is deeply invested in the Ada community. He serves as Vice President of Ada Main Street, helping advance economic development, support local businesses, and strengthen downtown through community events and partnerships. He also coaches youth sports, where he enjoys mentoring young athletes and helping them build confidence, teamwork, and character.
Marissa Lightsey
SHAWNEE, OK
Marissa serves as Program Director of the Student Development Office, where she leads strategic initiatives that support student success through school-based mental health services, college and career readiness, prevention and intervention programs, and comprehensive school counseling. With more than 15 years of experience in public education, Marissa is committed to creating systems that help students, families, and schools thrive.
Throughout her career, Marissa has led Upward Bound and GEAR UP initiatives, expanding access to college and career opportunities for students across eastern Oklahoma County. Her leadership extends beyond education through service on the Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development and the U.S. Air Force Materiel Command Advisory Committee. She has also served as a trustee for the Pioneer Library System and the Oklahoma AmeriCorps Commission, contributing to statewide efforts that strengthen education, workforce development, and community service.
Rachel
Melot
SHAWNEE, OK
Rachel serves as Vice President of Business Development at Sovereign Bank, the nation's largest tribally owned bank. A business leader, author, speaker, and John Maxwell Certified Coach, Rachael has built a career spanning business development, entrepreneurship, economic development, and leadership development. She is passionate about helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential while creating stronger communities.
Rachael's leadership has been recognized through the George W. Bush Institute's Women's Initiative Fellowship, an honorary doctorate from MizCEO, and as a finalist for the Journal Record Woman of the Year. She played a leadership role in bringing Oklahoma's first Blue Zones Project to Shawnee and has championed initiatives that support women entrepreneurs and community well-being.
Jeremy
Colbert
MUSKOGEE, OK
Jeremy serves as a Community Engagement and Health Planning Coordinator with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, where he works alongside Community Health Workers and Pregnancy Resource Navigators to strengthen maternal health, expand access to community resources, and improve health outcomes across Oklahoma. His work focuses on building partnerships, supporting local leaders, and connecting families with services that promote healthier and more resilient communities.
Jeremy leads with a servant leadership philosophy, believing lasting change begins by investing in people and empowering communities to develop solutions together. Throughout his career, he has worked to foster collaboration among community partners while advancing initiatives that improve public health and strengthen families.
Matt
Waits
STILLWATER, OK
Matt is an entrepreneur, investor, and community leader whose career has spanned agriculture, technology, aviation, and finance. As former CEO of SST Software, he helped pioneer innovations in precision agriculture, leading the company's growth before its acquisition by RELX in 2018. Today, Matt continues to invest in businesses and initiatives that strengthen Oklahoma's economy and create opportunities for future generations.
Matt is a co-owner of Crosswind Aviation, an owner and board member of Stillwater Flight Center, and a founding investor and board member of Novus Bank. His commitment to community leadership is reflected through service with organizations including the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and the Stillwater Medical Foundation. He has also been recognized with numerous honors for his contributions to agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Our Mission
Equip micropolitan communities with the leaders, tools and connections needed to remain vibrant for generations to come.