Congratulations to 2021 Zach D. Taylor, Jr. Servant Leadership Award Recipent Dan Straughan

Check out Leadership Oklahoma City’s video honoring Dan Straughan

We are thrilled to announce that Dan Straughan is the 2021 Zach D. Taylor, Jr. Servant Leadership Award recipient.

Zach Taylor, Jr. served Leadership Oklahoma City in a variety of positions including as Signature Program Co-Chair and President of Leadership Oklahoma City, and contributed his energy to LOKC in a myriad of ways.  After his passing, the Leadership Oklahoma City Board was pleased to create an award in his memory, the Zach D.  Taylor, Jr.  Servant Leadership Award, honoring an individual who has provided in-depth service to Leadership Oklahoma City. In the beginning, the organization gave a “Founder’s Award,” honoring those who created and sustained Leadership Oklahoma City in the early years.  Now, with the ZDT Award, that tradition is carried on by honoring those who have served the organization over many years and through many tasks, as Zach did, as LOKC continues to develop leaders for this community. We are thrilled to announce that this year’s recipient is Dan Straughan.

As a servant leader, Dan selflessly focuses on the well-being of others and leads accordingly. Vision, understanding, inclusiveness, compassion, hope, and encouragement are just a few words that describe him. Dan was a member of Signature Class XXIV but his services to Leadership OKC embraces many roles. Anchoring the Human Service’s Day for the Signature Class for many years, he served as day chair for 12 years and was a presenter for the different classes numerous times. Dan also served as the Youth Leadership Exchange’s Youth in Action program co-chair for two years, served on the YLX Board of Directors and took on the role of Chairman of the Board in 2011. He represented Class XXIV on the Alumni Board from 2017 to 2019. Always ready to say “yes,” Dan never turns down a request to help, serving on various committees throughout the years for both YLX as well as LOKC. His most challenging and rewarding role is currently serving as the Signature Program Co-chair during the pandemic. His commitment to LOKC and to the community is a true example of a leader in action, and Zach would have whole-heartedly endorsed Dan Straughan as this year’s recipient of this award.