Honoring Our 2024 1050 Forward Fellows
Celebrating the leaders who shaped our first year.
When 1050 Forward launched in 2024, our vision was clear: strengthen Oklahoma’s micropolitan communities by investing in local leadership, civic engagement, and cross-community collaboration.
We knew this work would require bold, trusted, and deeply rooted leaders—people already working in the heart of their communities to solve problems, create opportunities, and build momentum. That’s why we created the 1050 Forward Fellowship.
The 1050 Forward Fellowship, a flagship program of 1050 Forward, is designed to equip participants with the skills and competencies necessary to galvanize local communities, implement effective civic engagement strategies, and leverage results-based leadership. Fellows engage in a 10–12 month arc of learning, including leadership seminars, community-based application work, and one-on-one coaching with 1050 Forward staff and national partners.
These inaugural Fellows came from Ada, Muskogee, and Stillwater. They brought with them a wide range of experience across public service, education, healthcare, tribal governance, small business, youth development, and more. But what united them was a shared commitment to making life better for the families, neighborhoods, and communities they serve.
“Here in Stillwater, we’ve seen significant progress due to strong public-private partnerships,” said Amy Dzialowski, 2024 Fellow and Vice Mayor of Stillwater. “I’m excited to share our triumphs as well as the lessons we've learned with other leaders across the state. By working together across like-sized communities, I’m hopeful we’ll create a strong network of vibrant communities where even more Oklahoma children, families, and businesses can flourish.”
What the 2024 Fellows Helped Us Build
Over the course of the year, the 2024 Fellowship cohort:
Participated in first-ever immersive site visits and strategy sessions in each of the three partner communities
Collaborated across cities and sectors to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and build capacity
Helped define what effective micropolitan leadership looks like—and how it can be supported at scale
Their insight shaped our programming, strengthened our partnerships, and brought the mission of 1050 Forward to life.
1050 Forward - 2024 Cohort
Meet the 1050 Forward Fellows – Class of 2024
ADA
Wendell Godwin – President, East Central University
Cody Holcomb – President, Civil Design Solutions
Lisa John – Secretary of Culture and Humanities, The Chickasaw Nation
Angie Stout – Assistant City Manager, City of Ada
MUSKOGEE
Mike Miller – City Manager, City of Muskogee
Jeff Underwood – Deputy Director, Port Muskogee
Angela Wilson – President and CEO, Muskogee Chamber of Commerce
Kim Dyce – Chief Talent Officer, Tulsa Public Schools (Tulsa/Muskogee)
STILLWATER
Uwe Gordon – Superintendent, Stillwater Public Schools
Amy Dzialowski – Senior Principal, Geosyntec Consultants; Vice Mayor, City of Stillwater
Becky Taylor – Assistant Vice President for Provost’s Priorities and Strategic Initiatives, Oklahoma State University
Clyde Wilson – Associate Vice President for Access and Community Impact and Director of the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, Oklahoma State University
The 2024 Fellows will always hold a special place in 1050 Forward’s story. They helped us launch not just a program—but a network. A movement. A new way of thinking about what’s possible when Oklahoma’s micropolitans share momentum and common goals.
We are grateful for their service, inspired by their leadership, and proud to carry their work forward as we welcome new Fellows in 2025 and beyond.
Interested in learning more about the Fellowship? Fill out our interest form.
