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 designed broadly 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
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. If you are interested in participating, please complete this brief information survey.
2025 FELLOWS
Congratulations to the 2025 cohort of 1050 Forward Fellows!
Drew Adams
ADA, OK
Drew Adams is Vice President and Loan Officer at First United Bank, bringing 17 years of banking experience and a deep understanding of financial operations and community lending. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. Known for his client-centered approach and leadership in financial services, Drew plays a key role in supporting local business growth and financial stability across his region.
Ruth Cavins
STILLWATER, OK
Ruth Cavins is the Executive Director of United Way of Payne County, where she has led six consecutive campaigns surpassing one million dollars in contributions. With a Master’s in Education and a background as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Ruth has dedicated her career to strengthening communities in Oklahoma. She was the founding board member and later Executive Director of the Oklahoma WONDERtorium and previously led CASA for Kids serving Payne and Logan Counties. Known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to child advocacy, Ruth brings decades of nonprofit experience and deep local knowledge to her work.
Keith Harlin
MUSKOGEE, OK
Keith Harlin oversees critical crisis response services across Oklahoma as Chief of Crisis Services at Green Country Behavioral Health. He leads two 24/7 stabilization units, a Family Wellness Center, mobile crisis response teams, and 988 response services. With a career spanning four decades, Keith has held leadership roles in housing, mental health, and youth services across Texas and Oklahoma. He has launched transitional housing programs, expanded behavioral health systems, and led multi-million-dollar initiatives for vulnerable populations. Known for operational expertise and deep compassion, Keith brings a legacy of service to improving mental health outcomes statewide.
Bryan Larison
STILLWATER, OK
Bryan Larison is CEO of Lions Meadows of Hope, a foster care agency rooted in a legacy of care dating back to 1938. A Licensed Professional Counselor with over two decades of experience, Bryan holds a master’s in counseling from Oklahoma State University and advanced training in trauma-informed care. He has played a key role in expanding services to children of all ages and is a dedicated advocate for vulnerable youth across Oklahoma. Bryan serves on multiple statewide boards and is a Leadership Oklahoma alumnus. He is a proud father of three daughters and a fifth-generation Oklahoman.
Denise Webber
STILLWATER, OK
Denise Webber is President and CEO of Stillwater Medical, a regional healthcare system serving North Central Oklahoma. Since joining the organization in 2003, she has held multiple leadership roles and became CEO in 2016. Under her leadership, Stillwater Medical has earned national recognition for patient satisfaction, staff engagement, and quality of care. Denise holds a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and a master’s in healthcare administration from Oklahoma State University. A board-certified fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, she was named one of Becker’s “25 Healthcare Leaders Under 40” and is active in numerous civic organizations.
Eric Wells
MUSKOGEE, OK
Eric Wells is Regional Director of Operations at Trafera, where he leads technology initiatives that support education and government clients. A native of Muskogee, Eric holds a BBA in Information Systems from Northeastern State University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University. Prior to joining Trafera, he served as Technology Director and Chief of Operations for Muskogee-area schools, driving innovation and access in public education. Eric is active in local boards and community initiatives and is a strong advocate for using technology to empower both educators and students in the digital age.
Want to learn more?
You can read about our 2024 cohort of 1050 Forward Fellows here.
Kara Berst
ADA, OK
Kara Berst is Under Secretary of Outreach and Services for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce, where she oversees environmental health, natural resources, legal affairs, and risk management. A Chickasaw citizen, Kara began her career with the Nation as a youth worker and rose through multiple leadership roles, combining a background in biology with an MBA to expand services and strengthen tribal infrastructure. She is known for her steady leadership and deep sense of responsibility to future generations. Kara and her husband, Justin, have three children and are actively involved in their community and tribal life.
Earnie Gilder
MUSKOGEE, OK
Earnie Gilder is President of Interstate Properties, Inc., a real estate development and management firm with deep roots in Muskogee. A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering, Earnie is a licensed real estate agent in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New York and holds the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation. He serves as Chairman of the Muskogee City/County Port Authority and as a board member of the City of Muskogee Foundation and the Kansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River Commission. Earnie has dedicated decades of leadership and civic engagement to his community.
Karen Hudson
ADA, OK
Karen Hudson is Mayor of Ada and founder of Hudson Advancement Strategies. A fifth-generation Adan and ECU alumna, Karen has been a longtime leader in business, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship. She developed Ada’s first open-air venue, The Lot, and previously served as President and CEO of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce, where she launched initiatives like Young Professionals of Ada and Leadership YOUniversity. Karen also serves on multiple boards, including Ada City Schools, Big 5 Community Services, and Pontotoc County Tourism. She is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma and was named ECU’s 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year.
Michelle Nabors
STILLWATER, OK
Michelle Nabors is an attorney at Harrison and Mecklenburg, Inc., specializing in oil and gas, real estate, and commercial litigation. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law, she earned highest honors and was elected to the Order of the Coif. Michelle’s background includes serving as Assistant General Counsel for the OSU Foundation and two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Azerbaijan. She is active in numerous civic organizations in Stillwater and was recognized as a “Leader Under 40” by Young Professionals of Stillwater. Michelle lives in Stillwater with her husband and three children.
Kimberly Williams
MUSKOGEE, OK
Kimberly Williams is Community Affairs Manager for OG&E Energy Corp., serving Muskogee and surrounding counties. Prior to this role, she spent three decades in education, most recently as Dean of Northeastern State University’s Muskogee Campus. A lifelong Oklahoman, Kimberly holds degrees from NSU, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and a doctorate from Baylor University. She serves on multiple local boards, including the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce (Chair), City of Muskogee Foundation, and Lake Area United Way. Kimberly is a former college athlete, a proud community advocate, and is married to educator John Williams. They have four adult children.
Our Mission
Equip micropolitan communities with the leaders, tools and connections needed to remain vibrant for generations to come.