Congratulations to 2021 Distinguished Leadership Award Recipient Mike McAuliffe

Check out Leadership Oklahoma City’s video honoring Mike McAuliffe

We are honored to announce that Mike McAuliffe will posthumously receive the 2021 Distinguished Leadership Award.

Mike McAuliffe, Class VII, passed away on November 29, just weeks after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Mike was a long-time civic leader, visionary, event planner extraordinaire, consummate promoter, advocate, and tireless volunteer of all things Oklahoma City. His love for his city, his state, and the people in it was unrivaled.

He was the architect for many iconic events, including co-chairing one of the earliest Opening Nights New Year’s Eve Celebration in downtown, the Oklahoma City Jazz Festival, Festival of the Pig, OKC Navy Days, River Fest, drag boat races, the much-loved OKC Holiday River Parade and he led the efforts to establish the Oklahoma River Foundation. His community and board service included but was not limited to: Allied Arts, Arts Council of Oklahoma City, American Red Cross, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, OKC Rotary Club 29, OKC Philharmonic, United Way, USS Memorial at Pearl Harbor and Variety Health Center. Mike’s last contribution to the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City was the reactivation of the annual golf tournament, and up until his death, he was working with the Will Rogers family to bring a comedy festival to the city.

The Distinguished Leadership Award honors a Leadership Oklahoma City alum for their outstanding volunteer work in the community. Mike McAuliffe epitomizes what the award stands for and Leadership OKC is proud to name Mike among its recipients.


Congratulations to all the 2021 Distinguished Leadership Award Nominees

Susan Agel, Class XXIV

Susan Agel, Class XXIV

Elizabeth Anthony, Class 34

Elizabeth Anthony, Class 34

Miriam Campos, LOYAL Class XI

Miriam Campos, LOYAL Class XI

Chip Fudge, Class XII

Chip Fudge, Class XII

Brenda Hernandez, Class 34

Brenda Hernandez, Class 34

Jorgé Hernandez, Class XIX

Jorgé Hernandez, Class XIX

Jane Jayroe Gamble, Class IV

Jane Jayroe Gamble, Class IV

Judge Bernard Jones, LOYAL Class III and Signature Class 30

Judge Bernard Jones, LOYAL Class III and Signature Class 30

Elizabeth Larios, LOYAL Class XV

Elizabeth Larios, LOYAL Class XV

Justin Lawrence, LOYAL Class XIV

Justin Lawrence, LOYAL Class XIV

Edie Roodman, Class XI

Edie Roodman, Class XI

“As a nonprofit agency leader, Susan Agel’s goals are to meet the needs of clients, while protecting community resources by taking care not to duplicate services. As a result, she’s implemented innovative practices including the establishment of dozens of partnerships and collaborations with other local organizations.”

 

“During an incredibly tough time, Elizabeth has helped literally hundreds of people, mostly older Oklahomans, navigate the vaccine sign-up system. She has worked diligently to help her fellow Oklahomans because she can and knows that to whom much is given, much is expected.”

 

“Miriam Campos is a force for good in our community and actively demonstrates a compassion for service in everything that she does. Her depth and breadth of commitment is extraordinary, and touches education and job creation, community building, economic development, public service, and fundraising.” 

 

“Chip Fudge has become a fixture of leadership in Oklahoma City through extensive contributions to his local community and service to economic development organizations. Chip’s passion for community service extends beyond the walls of the office. He is particularly dedicated to arts organizations which improve quality of life and encourage economic development.”

 

“Both on the job and in her volunteer positions, Brenda, works to identify partnerships among nonprofit organizations and businesses to improve the quality of life in the community. She also is very deliberate in making sure to develop skill sets and the desire to serve in the next generation.”

 

“Jorge Hernandez began his professional career in OKC working to develop and promote Youth Leadership Programs for the Latino Community Development Agency. It was the first of many opportunities – both professional and volunteer – in which he demonstrated his servant’s heart.”

 

“Jane’s volunteerism spans over 50 years in the state of Oklahoma. Her dedication to service has directly influenced higher education, the United Methodist Church, and the growth of our city, all while building a career as a journalist and community leader. Jane willingly gives the time and resources she has to enrich the lives around her. Through a lifelong commitment to volunteer efforts, Jane has left a tremendous impact upon others.”

 

“Judge Jones has not only served dozens of organizations voluntarily but has had an impact in assisting them carry out their noble missions. He is driven to impact change, leads and gives unselfishly of his time and makes sure that when he takes on serving an organization, he leaves it stronger.”

 

“Elizabeth has an incredible sense of public service, community involvement and growth, and a passion for giving to others. She is young, but she truly has an amazing sense of BREADTH in her work. When you’re so young, as Elizabeth is, it may seem hard to achieve LONGEVITY in any particular field, but that’s not the case with Elizabeth. It is so impressive that she has proven staying-power in such a short period of time.”

 

“Despite a worldwide pandemic, Justin has not only been a buoy for his family and his business, but he has also made a continued priority of serving his community. Justin’s compassion and desire to advocate for the equality of all people inspired him to run a “Love All Thy Neighbors” campaign fundraising for the Equal Justice Initiative.”

 

“Edie harbors a deep commitment to shine a bright light on the organizations she supports. Under Edie’s leadership, events never fail to have high visibility, reach further into the community, raise more money, and dazzle with creative energy. There is always unerring attention to every detail and genuine passion for the cause in each element of an event.”