15 under 40

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Kyle Allison ✤Jana Cline ✤

Patrick Grace ✤

Scott Hofmann ✤

Todd Kahoe

Sara Kaplan ✤ Tim Kenney ✤ Summer McGuire ✤ Scott Martin ✤ Autumn McMahon

Mic

hael

Tup

per✤

Case

y Vi

neya

rd ✤

Kath

ryn

Wal

ker ✤

Brad

Wor

ster

✤Br

ian

Yeam

an

was to be a social studies teacher. I did-n’t know anything about college, didn’thave anyone in my family who hadgraduated from college, so at that timeI really wasn’t sure I was capable of com-pleting the schooling to become alawyer.”

Walker said her most significant per-sonal accomplishment was completingthe half-marathon at the Oklahoma CityMemorial Marathon last April.

She said, for a variety of reasons shehad never run more than four miles atonce during her training for this race.

“The reason behind this particularmarathon makes it a special race andthe atmosphere really inspired me torun the full 13.1-mile distance of the race andmeet my goal for time of completion. I paidfor my lack of preparation in injury, but it wascompletely worth it. I am training correctlythis year and can’t wait to run it again.”

Walker said her children inspire her to do

her best at everything she attempts.“When my children become adults, I want

them to look back and remember a motherwho always did her best, who loved her fam-ily, and who loved and contributed to hercommunity. It is my hope that my actionsnow inspire them to do great things later.”

Congratulations to

Kathryn WalkerNorman Assistant

City Attorney

& all other honorees of the Norman Next Class of 2011

We are proud of you!

from your friends and co-workers at the City of Norman

15 UNDER 40THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT PAGE 15

FAVORITEQUOTATION

“IF ALL YOUR LIFE YOUREMAIN WITH A CLEARCONSCIENCE, YOU NEED NOTFEAR A KNOCK AT THE DOORAT MIDNIGHT.”

— UNKNOWNBW

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: Gas grill for patioQ: Dream job? A: Redevelop buildings and neighborhoodsQ: Favorite dessert?A: Anything chocolate

Q: Travel destination? A: Belize for scuba and snorkelingQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon

Q&A

KATHRYN WALKER

ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY

• From Page 14

Brad Worster credits his father, Jer-ry Worster for providing him guid-ance and mentorship throughout hispersonal and professional life.

“I began my real estate careerworking for him and throughout my12 year tenure he gently instilledsome simple values that could easilyhave been overlooked in my rush tobe successful.”

The 38-year old said small stepshave combined to help him reach thispoint in his life. “The things that haveallowed me to grow the most havealways been those that I resisted themost.”

Worster said one of those hurdles

was facing his fear of public speakingto teach real estate courses with asmany as 60 students.

“Getting through that first classwithout bolting for the door was quitea personal accomplishment!”

Now, as a branch broker with JRFulton & Associates, Worster said heis enjoying the professional challengeof redeveloping the former Chevro-let dealership on Main Street.

“Though the project as a whole isfar from complete, closing the firstsale to Whataburger in October 2010was very gratifying and I look forwardto additional transactions to completethe entire development.”

BRAD WORSTER

JR FULTON & ASSOCIATES

15 UNDER 40PAGE 14 THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

Congratulations Todd on being a positive leader in the Norman

community.

Todd Kahoe

360-4444 • 712 Wall St. • Norman

KW

TKFAVORITEQUOTATION

“TRY NOT TO BECOME AMAN OF SUCCESS BUT A MANOF VALUE.”

— ALBERT EINSTEIN

Q: Last impulse buy you madeover $50?

A: iPhoneQ: Dream job? A: Social studies teacherQ: Favorite dessert? A: Anything Q: Travel destination? A: Greece for its history and

beautyQ: What's the top item on your

bucket list? A: Spend extended time in

Europe

Q&A

TODD KAHOE

INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

Todd Kahoe is honored to have beenrecognized by peers for his leadershipskills.

Kahoe, 36, was awarded the 2010 EarlSneed Leadership Award by his Lead-ership Norman class.

“It was such a humbling experience towin the award, made more so as it wasan award voted on by my peers.”

He considers being chosen as hismost significant personal accomplish-ment to date.

“I only hope to be the leader that thenamesake of the award was.”

Kahoe said his wife is an inspiration

and his parents instilled in him the val-ues of working hard for yourself, butmore importantly working hard for oth-ers and giving unselfishly of yourself.

In high school, Kahoe said his dreamjob was to become a doctor. But now asan agent with Insurance Solutions, heconsiders being able to help others pro-tect their largest investments everydayas his most significant professionalachievement.

“By educating them on the potentialrisks and helping them achieve a plan tomitigate that risk, I feel is a great accom-plishment that I get to do every day.”

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: 2007 YukonQ: Dream job? A: DoctorQ: Favorite dessert? A: German chocolate lake and mother-in-law’s

bread pudding.

Q: Travel destination? A: Italy and South AfricaQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Golf at Augusta National

Q&A

Kathryn Walker would like to see more peoplebecome involved in their community.

“I feel strongly that citizens should strive to engagethemselves in creating a better community in whichthey live. It gives one a sense of ownership in theactivities that make Norman the kind of communitypeople want to live and work in.”

Walker said, as assistant city attorney, she is proudto have a job where the goal is to create a better com-munity for Norman residents to live in. She consid-ers this opportunity to make a difference through herwork as her most significant professional accomplish-ment.

“I am privileged to work in a profession and posi-tion that allows me to play a vital role in developingpolicies and procedures that affect the overall healthand welfare of the Norman community.”

Walker, 33, began thinking about becoming alawyer in high school.

“In my high school yearbook, I said my career goal

KATHRYN WALKER


• See Walker, Page 15

FAVORITEQUOTATION

“I DO NOT BELIEVE IN AFATE THAT WILL FALL ON USNO MATTER WHAT WE DO. I DOBELIEVE IN A FATE THAT WILLFALL ON US IF WE DO NOTH-ING.”

— RONALD REAGAN TKFAVORITE QUOTATION


represents the nextgeneration of

leadership for Norman’s business community.The Transcript and Norman Next accepted

nominations late last year for the inauguralclass of young professionals who are making apositive difference in the Norman community.

A committee selected 15 of the nominees.They are featured in this special newspapersection and will be honored during the NormanChamber of Commerce’s annual banquet May 3at the Embassy Suites Norman Hotel andConference Center.

15 Under 40 is a collaboration betweenNorman NEXT and The NormanTranscript. It exists to honoryoung professionals, 21 to 40years of age, dedicated tomaking a difference in Norman.Honorees are determined basedon demonstrated leadershipand an interest in makingNorman a great community.

Norman NEXT is anorganization for young

professionals, 21 to 40 years of age, working orliving in Norman. NEXT's mission is to attract,retain and propel the best and the brightestyoung professionals to be the NEXT generationof leaders in the Norman community. Throughits five teams, Government Relations, NEXTGenerational Leadership, Special Events,Community Activism and MembershipDevelopment, Norman NEXT provides differentavenues for young professionals to take anactive role in making a positive impact in thecommunity.

For more information about the 15 Under40, contact Kyla McMoran at 321-7260 or byemail at [email protected].

Visit www.NormanNEXT.com for informationon upcoming events and how to get involvedwith Norman NEXT.

Andy RiegerTranscript Executive Editor

15 UNDER 40

Tim Kenney, 31, lists his family ashis greatest personal accomplish-ment.

“My wife and my two sons are dai-ly reminders to me of what is impor-tant in life and why I work hard to besuccessful. I am both proud andblessed to have a strong environmentof trust, love and friendship in myhome that we have worked hard tocreate and maintain.”

Kenney said he can’t rememberwhat his dream job was in highschool, but he is proud of his accom-plishments since starting a career inbanking.

Kenney was one of the youngestmembers of his class at the SouthwestGraduate School of Banking at South-ern Methodist University.

Recently, he was involved in facilitating and drafting astrategic plan including priorities and one vision for thefuture of First American Bank, where Kenney works as vicepresident and credit analysis manager.

He said his parents, Tim and Debbie Kenney, are themost important influences in his life.

“They gave me a strong system of values that drive myactions every day and help me work hard to be successful.”

The Norman High School graduate also has enjoyed serv-ing as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cleve-land County.

“I am extremely proud of this organization and thegrowth it has experienced,” he said.

On his personal horizon is plans for a trip to easternEurope.

“We haven’t been there before or experienced anythinglike it!”

TIM KENNEY

FIRST AMERICAN BANK“INSANITY — DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER

AGAIN AND EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS.”— ALBERT EINSTEIN

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50?A: Fishing waders

Q: Dream job? A: Unknown but always enjoyed bankingQ: Favorite dessert? A: CheesecakeQ: Travel destination? A: PragueQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Outfish his relatives on the Los Pinos River in Southern Col-orado

Q & A

Kyle Allison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9

Jana Cline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Patrick Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13

Scott Hofmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7

Todd Kahoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14

Sarah Kaplan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10

Tim Kenney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Summer McGuire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11

Scott Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Autumn McMahon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10

Michael Tupper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6

Casey Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8

Kathryn Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

Brad Worster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

Brian Yeaman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12

THE TRANSCRIPT CONGRATULATES THESE HONOREESText . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy David, for The Transcript

Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jerry Laizure, The Transcript

Kyle Phillips, The Transcript

Section Design . . .Debra A. Parker, Transcript editor

ABOUT THIS SECTION


FAVORITEQUOTATION

“EVERY MANDIES. NOT EVERYMAN REALLY LIVES.”

— WILLIAMWALLACE

PATRICK GRACE

OKLAHOMA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

PGPatrick Grace wants toprovide future generationsthe same Norman experi-ence he grew up with. Thatis why he spends much ofhis time volunteering andgiving back to the commu-nity.

Grace said he hopes bydoing his part, it helps tocontinue the quality of lifehere in Norman and evenmake it better.

“Everybody helps eachother out and that is whatmakes Norman great. Thatis what I am trying to do aswell.”

The 33-year-old returnedto Norman after attendingcollege in Indiana and wassoon hired by OklahomaElectric Cooperative wherehe plans to retire.

Grace said by demon-strating leadership andvision in the company, hewas promoted to engineer-ing manager at age 28,

which is his most signifi-cant professional accom-plishment.

He considers his mostsignificant personal accom-plishment as finishing the2009 Redman Half-IronmanTriathlon in Oklahoma Cityin 5:55:31.

Grace said he trained fornine months for the compe-tition that was the biggestchallenge he had everfaced.

“I have other accom-plishments, most notablythe completion of threemarathons. However, theamount of time, effort, dis-cipline and courage neededfor the half-ironman sets itabove the others.”

His wife Kelley, Gracesaid, is the most importantinfluence in his life.

“She sets a tremendousexample of how to dedicateones life to work, to thecommunity and to self.”

Q: Last impulsebuy you made over$50?

A: ATM transac-tion in Las Vegas

Q: Dream job? A: Sports journal-

istQ: Favorite

dessert? A: Anything with

graham cracker crustQ: Travel destina-

tion? A: World Series at

Wrigley FieldQ: What's the top

item on your bucketlist?

A: Learning to playthe piano

Q&A

SM


Scott Martin not only wants to be anexample for his two sons, but also agood role model for others.

Martin desired to be a public servanteven as a teenager.

“I had two dream jobs in high schooland am blessed to be living one of them;public servant.”

The other job was owning his ownmountain guide service.

“People expect and deserve a promptand honest response to their questionsand concerns, and I have always pridedmyself in delivering exceptional serviceto the citizens for which I work.”

He believes this is his most significantprofessional accomplishment.

Martin worked in municipal govern-ment for 11 years before being electedto the State House of Representativesand recently starting a career in bankingat Republic Bank and Trust.

“It is always funny and shocking tohear a surprised constituent on the oth-er end of the line when I return theirphone call. Unfortunately, they don’texpect a response.”

Martin said he believes that peopleperceive politicians as disconnected anduncaring.

“I do my best, one person at a time, toreverse that trend.”

Martin said his family is his most sig-nificant personal accomplishment.

“They have changed the way I think,act and live.”

Martin said he and his wife, who is hisbest friend and confidant, are raisingtheir boys to be young gentlemen whowill contribute and achieve based on theskills they’ve been blessed with.

“I want to leave the world knowing Iwas the best husband and father I couldbe.”

Martin, 39, said his parents, and nowhis wife, all have encouraged, supportedand sacrificed for him.

“I am humbled by their uncondition-al love.”

Also influencing him were great men-tors through church, Boy Scouts andathletics.

Martin’s favorite dessert is his wife’schocolate cake. If he could travel to oneplace in the next year, it would be toRocky Mountain National Park.

SCOTT MARTIN

REPUBLIC BANK AND TRUST

FAVORITE QUOTATION

“WHATEVER YOU DO IN LIFE, DO ITWITH PASSION!”

— UNKNOWN

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: Can’t rememberQ: Dream job? A: Public servantQ: Favorite dessert? A: Wife’s chocolate cakeQ: Travel destination? A: Rocky Mountain National ParkQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Climb Mount Everest

Q & A

JANA CLINE

MOORE NORMAN TECHNOLOGY CENTER

FAVORITEQUOTATION

“LOVE LIBERATES ... JUSTDO RIGHT.”

— MAYA ANGELOU

JCJana Cline, 34 constantly seeksout opportunities where she canpositively influence her family,friends, students and colleagues.

“Each day presents learningexperiences, options to embracenew ideas and situations thatrequire actions. My goal is to makepositive choices to improve therelationships within my personaland professional environment.”

During the past 11 years, shehas served in a supportive andadvisement role at Moore NormanTechnology Center. Currently, sheis an employment advisor. Recent-ly, she was nominated as New Pro-fessional for the state of Oklahomawithin the Department of Careerand Technology Education. Shealso received support employee ofthe quarter for the Moore NormanTechnology Center.

Cline is proud to have graduated with a bachelor’s incounseling at the age of 21 and soon after secured a joband coordinated a first-offender program for at-riskyouth. For quite some time, she has had an interest inworking with youth. Her dream job in high school wasto become a basketball coach.

For the last four years, she has coached an elemen-tary coed basketball team and served on the children’seducational team at her church while teaching youthclasses.

Cline said her parents have been lifelong role models.They taught her to be honest with her work ethic andhave an appreciative attitude, she said.

“I began working on our family farm as a toddler andhave vivid and fond memories of taking advantage ofevery moment to be productive with my time.”

She said she hopes to instill some of these same val-ues into the hearts of her children with the help of herhusband, who also serves the community as an Okla-homa City police officer.

If she could travel to one place during the next year,Cline said she would like to visit Carlo’s Bakery (homeof the Cake Boss) in Hoboken, N.J., to drink a cup of cof-fee and try their family recipe for crumb cake.

Q: Last impulse buy youmade over $50?

A. Home computer suppliesQ: Dream job? A: Basketball coachQ: Favorite dessert? A: Peanut butter fudge Q: Travel destination? A: Carlo’s Bakery in Hobo-

ken, N.J.Q: What's the top item on

your bucket list? A: Call Dave Ramsey and

scream: “We’re debt free.”

Q & A

BY


Brian Yeaman believes in serving hiscommunity and helping the youth.

These values reflect a desire to continuea legacy and follow in the footsteps of hismentor, Dr. Hal Belknap.

“Dr. Belknap created an opportunity forme to see a potential as a physician and sup-ported me in more ways than can really bedescribed. I wouldn’t be in this positiontoday if it weren’t for him.”

In high school, Yeaman wanted to be adoctor at the Norman Clinic and practicewith Dr. Belknap.

“I was fortunate enough to get that oppor-tunity.”

Yeaman, 36, lists becoming a physicianhimself as one of his greatest personalaccomplishments. But he also has enjoyedrunning the Medical Explorer Post 901 andwatching Norman youth develop andexplore medicine every year.

Yeaman said his parents also were criti-cal in helping him stay on target as a youthto stay focused and dedicated to education

Yeaman cites starting his own clinic andbeing appointed by the governor as a trusteefor the state of Oklahoma Health InformationExchange Trust as some of his most significantprofessional accomplishments.

“Leading Norman Regional Health Sys-tem and the Norman Physician HospitalOrganizations into the modern era of health-care and electronic records also have beenvery rewarding.”

Yeaman believes Norman can be anexample for the nation in the healthcareindustry. He looks forward to the time whenpatients, care providers, doctors and hospi-tals coordinate seamless care and a newdelivery model for healthcare is created.This model would put service, value, quali-ty and safety upfront, he said.

“It is becoming my life’s work and I wantto see Norman provide that example for thenation.”

On the horizon? Camping in GlacierNational Park.

“Many a hiking trip and Philmont trekkept me sane during college and medicalschool,” he said. “I look forward to rediscov-ering those trips and sharing them with mydaughters.”

BRIAN YEAMAN

PHYSICIAN “CREATIVITY IS THINKING UP NEWTHINGS. INNOVATION IS DOING NEWTHINGS.”

— THEODORE LEVITT

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: MacBook Air computerQ: Dream job? A: PhysicianQ: Favorite dessert? A: Pineapple upside down cakeQ: Travel destination? A: Glacier National Park (without his cell phone)Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Glacier National Park, turn off my cell phone

and enjoy nature and hike and camp under thestars.

Q&A

FAVORITE QUOTATION

The staff of University of

Oklahoma Development

Congratulates Our Colleague

Autumn McMahon

Development Director for OU’s Jeannine Rainbolt

College of Education


Through her skills and knowl-edge of social media networking,McMahon created a public-aware-ness campaign that resulted inincreased donations and volun-teers for the program. She consid-ers this as her most significant pro-fessional accomplishment to date.

“The self-confidence I gainedby knowing that I could navigatean entirely new environment alonehas been the catalyst for mycareer, my willingness to take onnew challenges, even my mar-riage!”

McMahon said she is inspiredby her family every day.

“I have the honor of sharing mylife with a husband who is anunceasing source of love, encour-agement and positivity. I havebeen blessed with parents whoteach by example the importanceand power of giving back.”

AUTUMN MCMAHON

JEANNINE RAINBOLT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION


A: Bob Jones Shoes inKansas City

Q: Dream job? A: Pediatric psychologistQ: Favorite dessert? A: Creme brulee

Q: Travel destination? A: LondonQ: What's the top item on

your bucket list? A: Writing a book that

someone besides my familywould read

Q&A

• From Page 10

SUMMER MCGUIRE

MEALS ON WHEELS

“TO LAUGH OFTENAND MUCH; TO WIN THERESPECT OF INTELLI-GENT PEOPLE AND THEAFFECTION OF CHIL-DREN; TO EARN THEAPPRECIATION OFHONEST CRITICS ANDENDURE THE BETRAYALOF FALSE FRIENDS; TOAPPRECIATE BEAUTY; TOFIND THE BEST INOTHERS; TO LEAVE THEWORLD A BIT BETTER,WHETHER BY A HEALTHYCHILD, A GARDEN PATCHOR A REDEEMED SOCIALCONDITION; TO KNOWEVEN ONE LIFE HASBREATHED EASIERBECAUSE YOU HAVELIVED.THIS IS TO HAVESUCCEEDED.”

— RALPH WALDOEMERSON

SMSummer McGuireis a Norman nativeand feels the commu-nity is an incredibleplace to live and raisea family.

McGuire, 30, saidshe feels privilegedto be a part of Nor-man Next and workwith those emergingleaders who soon willbe guiding thegrowth and directionof the community.

Through herinvolvement with Norman Next,McGuire said she would like toincrease awareness and createopportunities for other individu-als to become involved and learnabout Norman.

“It is my goal in life to make adifference: in lives and in the com-munity.”

McGuire said she still is work-ing on her most significant per-sonal accomplishment, her 5-year-old son.

“I feel that raising him to be aresourceful, respectful andresponsible individual are thethree most important things thatI can do in helping to develop hischaracter.”

She said characteristics such aslearning the value of volunteering,philanthropy and thinking of oth-ers before yourself are importantand she is striving to teach thoseto her young son by example.

“I try to involve myself in help-ing others and becominginvolved in the community. It ismy hope that he will see that allof the traits are a way of life andhe will be naturally inclined totake part in opportunities to helpothers in his future.”

Helping others is what

McGuire does for a living. As theassociate director with Meals onWheels of Norman, she has beenable to help the agency improveits financial situation.

“As of the end of 2010, Mealson Wheels reported its seventhstraight year in the black. WhenI began (to work at) Meals onWheels of Norman in March2003, the organization had jstreported its third straight yearwith a deficit budget.”

Some of the improvementsMcGuire has helped implementare changes in the website andother communication methodsand the way donations are made.

These and other improve-ments have allowed more of thecommunity to become involvedin the organization and createmore awareness for the program,McGuire said.

McGuire said George Hen-derson, University of Oklahomaprofessor, was a great influenceon her life.

“I truly feel that his lecturesand influence helped lead me toaccept the position at Meals onWheels and help make a differ-ence in the lives of others as anactive member of the Normancommunity.”


A. Garment steamerQ. Dream job? A. Sports agent for Brett

FavreQ. Favorite dessert? A. Butterscotch pie Q. Travel destination? A. ItalyQ. What's the top item on

your bucket list? A. Visiting every state in

United States

FAVORITEQUOTATION

Q&A

MT

Congratulations Special Judge

Michael Tupperon Norman

Next 15 Under 40

From your fellow members of the Cleveland Co.Judiciary


Congratulations to all15 Under 40 Honorees.

We appreciate your leadership of our great community.

Michael Tupper, a special district judgein Cleveland County, said he sees firsthandfamilies being broken apart and the after-math that sometimes happens.

“My family is without a doubt my mostsignificant personal accomplishment. I amvery blessed and proud to say that I havestarted and maintained a loving, stable fam-ily.”

Tupper, and his wife, Jennifer, have a 3-year-old son and are expecting twin girlsMay 2. The couple has lived in Normansince 1999, and look forward to raising theirchildren here.

Tupper said he learned of the twins onlya week after he decided to trade his wife’sSUV in for a sporty sedan on an impulsewhile at the dealer for an oil change.

“I definitely could use that SUV’s extra

cargo room now!”His father definitely was an

influence in his life, Tupper said,however, since meeting his wifeshe has been the most impor-tant influence.

“She loves me uncondition-ally and keeps me grounded nomatter what may be going on inmy life. She has shown mewhat true love is and the impor-tance of family.”

In April 2009 at age 31, Tup-per became one of theyoungest special district judgesin Oklahoma when he wasappointed to the bench. He con-siders this his most significantprofessional accomplishment.

“As a judge, sometimes I amtaken back by the awesome responsibili-ty I have to the citizens of Cleveland Coun-ty. While it can be very challenging, it is aresponsibility I accept and embracewholeheartedly.”

Since childhood, hiking the 2,181 milesof the Appalachian Trail has topped hisbucket list.

“I think finding the time to do it is moreof a challenge than the hike itself. Perhapsthe summer following my son’s highschool graduation he and I will hike ittogether. I couldn’t think of a more funand better bonding experience prior tosending him off to college.”

MICHAEL TUPPER

CLEVELAND COUNTY SPECIAL DISTRICT JUDGE

FAVORITE QUOTATION“QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION.”

— FRANK TUPPER, MICHAEL TUPPER’S FATHER

Q: Last impulse buy you made over$50?

A: NoneQ: Dream job? A: EPSN anchor Q: Favorite dessert? A: Wife’s homemade cookiesQ: Travel destination? A: RV to Lake Tahoe areaQ: What's the top item on your buck-

et list? A: Hike the Applachian Trail

Q & A

SK15 UNDER 40PAGE 10 THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

Sara Kaplan chose to be anentrepreneur instead of followinga more traditional and safe careerpath.

The 30-year-old said this is herbiggest personal accomplish-ment.

“At the age of 26, my husbandand I convinced my parents to gointo business with us — definite-ly a risky venture.”

Kaplan said “We created a busi-ness model from the ground up.It’s been tough at times, but I haveto say that I truly love my job andam very proud of the business wehave built. The greatest reward isalways when a customer thanksus for opening our store.”

Native Roots Market, 132 WMain, opened in August 2007.The full-service grocery storesells only organic and specialityitems. About one-third of theinventory is from Oklahoma pro-ducers.

Kaplan said the store sellseverything from canned corn totoilet paper, but items and vendors haveto meet high standards.

“We just pick the best out there.”

She said she is proud to see the resultsof how the business impacts the commu-nity of farmer and artisan food producers.

“As we have grown, it’s been exciting towatch these small farmers and producersexpand their businesses as well.”

Kaplan said one of the farmers was ableto start construction of a new greenhouseand her husband was able to retire full-time to the farm due in part to one of thestore’s programs last year.

The store employs about 12 people.Kaplan said her family is the most

important influence in her life. When shewas 8-years-old, her family moved to Nor-man so her dad could help his brotherexpand his Subway Restaurant business.

“For the next 20 years, almost everymember of our family worked in the busi-ness. Obviously, this affected my careerchoice.”

SARA KAPLAN

NATIAVE ROOTS MARKET“YOU’VE GOT TO GO OUT ON A LIMB

SOMETIMES BECAUSE THAT’S WHERETHE FRUIT IS.”

— WILL ROGERS

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: We recently took my parents out for a great

dinner at Ludivine and thoroughly sampled themenu.

Q: Dream job? A: Mermaid ... oh wait, I mean marine biolo-

gistQ: Favorite dessert? A: Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and milkQ: Travel destination? A: Beach in the CaribbeanQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Live in another country for several months

FAVORITE QUOTATION

Q&A

AUTUMN MCMAHON


AMHelping children always has been an interest for Autumn McMa-hon.

“I can think of no greater joy than to know that I made a differencein the life of a child.”

She said for as long as she can remember, helping children thriveand therefore become successful adults has been her passion.

In high school, her goal was to become a pediatric psychologist.McMahon, 27, said through the years her passion hasn’t changed

only the method of approach.“Working with the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education gives

me the opportunity to daily raise awareness and funds to help futureeducators become great and therefore change the worlds of all thechildren they teach.”

Before taking her current job, she was the development directorat Mary Abbott Children’s House.

“With a mission of serving child victims of sexual and severe phys-ical abuse and neglect, it was easy to see the clear necessity of theprogram.”

• See McMahon, Page 11

“I WAKE UPEACH MORNINGDETERMINED TOCHANGE THEWORLD AND ALSOTO HAVE ONEHELL OF A GOODTIME. SOMETIMESTHAT MAKESPLANNING THEDAY A LITTLEDIFFICULT.”

— E.B. WHITE

FAVORITEQUOTATION

MHScott Hofmann is proud to haveremained loyal to his employer, co-work-ers and existing clients for the past sevenand one half years.

“In my profession it seems that a long-term stay in one financial institution is ararity.”

Hofmann, 30, started with BancFirst asa part-time teller. While serving in multi-ple areas of the bank, Hofmann said hehas developed several skills that havemade him into a more well-roundedemployee and banker.

“I consider starting at an entry-levelposition and working my way up to whereI am now with one organization to be asignificant accomplishment.”

Hofmann is now vice president in com-mercial lending.

As for his greatest personal accom-plishment, Hofmann likes to tell the sto-ry of his stroke of luck.

On 7/07/07 at the Trails Golf Coursehe predicted someone in his group wouldmake a hole-in-one, which is golf’s mostrare occurrence.

Hofmann said they made their wayaround the course to the sixth hole wherehe hit the hole-in-one and felt one of thebiggest adrenalin rushes in his life.

“I went on to shoot in the high 90s that

day, but will for-ever continue tobrag about pre-dicting my holein one on7/07/07!”

As a husbandand father him-self, Hofmannfeels his father’sinfluence wasvaluable.

“As Iwatched himcoach multiplesports teams formy siblings andme, lead a BoyScout group,volunteer at ourschools, change jobs, purchase housesand cars, act as a husband, take us toschool and work late, I eventually realizedthe common denominator was that hisfamily was present in all things he did.

“He lived his life in a way where hisfamily’s happiness and needs came first.As a result of this behavior, our familydeveloped a strong bond and was able topersevere through a challenging time thatwas set before us.”

With a 2-year-old daughter at homeand baby girl No. 2 expected in July, Hof-mann said he would be happy to go on aweekend getaway to Dallas for the Uni-versity of Oklahoma and Texas game ifhe could travel to one place in the nextyear.

The number one item on his bucketlist is to attend a British Open.

“I have wanted to be a patron at all fourmajor golf championships and the Openis the only one of the four I have not beenable to get to so far. I would love to gooversees to attend the tournament andplay some of the old courses in that partof the world.”


FAVORITE QUOTATION

“SUCCESS IS THE ABILITY TO GO FROM ONE FAILURE TO ANOTHER WITH NO LOSS OFENTHUSIASM.”

— WINSTON CHURCHILL

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: Cowboy boots in AustinQ: Dream job? A: Late night television hostQ. Favorite dessert? A: Mazzio’s hot cinnamon sticksQ: Travel destination? A: Weekend getaway to Dallas for OU-Texas

gameQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Attend the British Open

Q & A

SCOTT HOFMANN

BANCFIRST

KA15 UNDER 40THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT PAGE 9

CASEY VINEYARD

SPORTSTALK 1400 AM

“I hope my achievement was encouraging to otherwomen in the sports broadcasting arena.”

Vinyard is now an owner/partner atSportsTalk 1400 AM.

She said her faith in God is the mostimportant influence in her life and it setsher values and standards she applies inraising her children.

“It is the foundation for which I live mylife and for the decisions I make. Itinspires me to be the best I can and tokeep focus on the things that are mostimportant to me.”

The 39-year old said she has a weak-ness for shoes and her last impulse buywas several summer styles. She alsoprefers spicy fresh salsa to sweets. Vin-yard said eating and drinking her waythrough Italy and Spain tops her bucketlist, but she also has another goal.

“I would love to travel with my boys tothe BCS National Championship gameto watch the Sooners win a championship!”

• From


A: Summer shoesQ: Dream job? A: ESPN reporterQ: Favorite dessert? A: Spicy fresh salsaQ: Travel destination? A: Eating and drinking her way through

Italy and SpainQ: What's the top item on your bucket

list? A: Travel with her boys to the BCS

National Championship game to watch theSooners win

Q & AAfter college, Kyle Allison, 24, joined

the family company that he had workedfor since he was a child. He alwaysknew he would work in the entertain-ment business. In high school, hisdream job was to work for Walt DisneyParks and Entertainment.

“I loved the hospitality/entertain-ment business and I went on afterschool to get a degree in it. All thingscome full circle as I continue to work inthe business today.”

Andy Alligator’s Fun Park, at Inter-state 35 and Indian Hills Road, providesquality family entertainment to guests.

He plans to lead the company intothe second generation, something thatonly happens to about 30 percent of allfamily-owned businesses.

“I always knew I would work with myfamily,” he said. “Since I was a child, Iworked with my family in the differentcompanies or projects they had going.”

When he began at Andy’s, it was anopen field off I-35. Now, the company con-tributes 50 jobs to the local economy.

“It is a family effort and we take pride inthe product we provide,” he said.

He counts becoming a meaningfulmember of our community as his mostsignificant personal accomplishment.

“I accomplish this goal with ongoingwork. I don’twant to live a sta-tus quo life. Iwant to makeevery day countand leave mymark on thecommunity.”

“I purchaseda house in Nor-man, investingmy future in it.That was a veryimportantaccomplishmentfor me knowingthat I have creat-ed the stability in

my life to allow the purchase and set mystake in Norman.”

Allison said he tries to contribute anamount of time each year to growing Nor-man.

“I have found that volunteering throughNorman Next is a way of helping securethe future of Norman,” he wrote. “Ouryoung leaders come together with thecommon vision of making sure Normanis ready for our future. That futureincludes our children and grandchildren.I want to make sure that Norman is readyto raise and train our next set of meaning-ful community members.”

Someday, Allison said he would like tocreate and run a successful philanthrop-ic organization that would benefit theyouth of central Oklahoma who want tobe future business leaders. This would bethe number one goal on his bucket list.

Allison considers his father, Russell Alli-son, as the one individual who has exert-ed the most influence on his life. “He haspassion for his job and loves seeing thesmiles on the faces of the kids who arebeing entertained at our facilities.”

“I have learned so much from him andI owe much of my success to him. I havenever been afraid to ask him a questionregarding my personal or professional lifeand he has always given me an answerthat is true to his heart.”

KYLE ALLISON

ANDY’S ALLIGATOR FUN PARK

FAVORITE QUOTATION“DREAMING IS THE FIRST STEP TO

ACHIEVING.”— UNKNOWN


A: iPadQ: Dream job? A: Walt Disney Co.Q: Favorite dessert? A: Molten chocolate lava

cakeQ: Travel destination? A: Italy, to check out the

history, food and wineQ: What's the top item on

your bucket list? A: None

Q&A

Congratulations

Casey Vineyard

on Norman Next 15 Under 40

From your friends at SportsTalk 1400


CVCasey Vinyard is a working mother and community volunteerwho tries to keep a good balance in all she does.

“I want to set an example of a great citizen for them (her chil-dren). I love Norman and hope that by being a good steward ofmy community that I am raising the next generation of Norman’svolunteers.”

Her children, she said, are without question one of her proud-est accomplishments.

“Although they are young, I am proud that they are respect-ful and generous individuals.”

Vinyard, who always wanted to be a sports reporter for ESPN,started working late nights and weekends as an unpaid internat WWLS 640 AM radio station. Over three years she held manyjobs and worked her way up the ladder to become the first femaleoperations manager at the all-sports, male-dominated radio sta-tion. She considers this as her most significant professionalaccomplishment.

CASEY VINEYARD

SPORTSTALK 1400 AM“YOUR SPARK CAN BECOME A FLAME AND CHANGE EVERYTHING.”

— E.D. NIXON

FAVORITE QUOTATION

• See Vineyard, Page 9

KA15 UNDER 40THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT PAGE 9

CASEY VINEYARD

SPORTSTALK 1400 AM

“I hope my achievement was encouraging to otherwomen in the sports broadcasting arena.”

Vinyard is now an owner/partner atSportsTalk 1400 AM.

She said her faith in God is the mostimportant influence in her life and it setsher values and standards she applies inraising her children.

“It is the foundation for which I live mylife and for the decisions I make. Itinspires me to be the best I can and tokeep focus on the things that are mostimportant to me.”

The 39-year old said she has a weak-ness for shoes and her last impulse buywas several summer styles. She alsoprefers spicy fresh salsa to sweets. Vin-yard said eating and drinking her waythrough Italy and Spain tops her bucketlist, but she also has another goal.

“I would love to travel with my boys tothe BCS National Championship gameto watch the Sooners win a championship!”

• From Page 8


A: Summer shoesQ: Dream job? A: ESPN reporterQ: Favorite dessert? A: Spicy fresh salsaQ: Travel destination? A: Eating and drinking her way through

Italy and SpainQ: What's the top item on your bucket

list? A: Travel with her boys to the BCS

National Championship game to watch theSooners win

Q & AAfter college, Kyle Allison, 24, joined

the family company that he had workedfor since he was a child. He alwaysknew he would work in the entertain-ment business. In high school, hisdream job was to work for Walt DisneyParks and Entertainment.

“I loved the hospitality/entertain-ment business and I went on afterschool to get a degree in it. All thingscome full circle as I continue to work inthe business today.”

Andy Alligator’s Fun Park, at Inter-state 35 and Indian Hills Road, providesquality family entertainment to guests.

He plans to lead the company intothe second generation, something thatonly happens to about 30 percent of allfamily-owned businesses.

“I always knew I would work with myfamily,” he said. “Since I was a child, Iworked with my family in the differentcompanies or projects they had going.”

When he began at Andy’s, it was anopen field off I-35. Now, the company con-tributes 50 jobs to the local economy.

“It is a family effort and we take pride inthe product we provide,” he said.

He counts becoming a meaningfulmember of our community as his mostsignificant personal accomplishment.

“I accomplish this goal with ongoingwork. I don’twant to live a sta-tus quo life. Iwant to makeevery day countand leave mymark on thecommunity.”

“I purchaseda house in Nor-man, investingmy future in it.That was a veryimportantaccomplishmentfor me knowingthat I have creat-ed the stability in

my life to allow the purchase and set mystake in Norman.”

Allison said he tries to contribute anamount of time each year to growing Nor-man.

“I have found that volunteering throughNorman Next is a way of helping securethe future of Norman,” he wrote. “Ouryoung leaders come together with thecommon vision of making sure Normanis ready for our future. That futureincludes our children and grandchildren.I want to make sure that Norman is readyto raise and train our next set of meaning-ful community members.”

Someday, Allison said he would like tocreate and run a successful philanthrop-ic organization that would benefit theyouth of central Oklahoma who want tobe future business leaders. This would bethe number one goal on his bucket list.

Allison considers his father, Russell Alli-son, as the one individual who has exert-ed the most influence on his life. “He haspassion for his job and loves seeing thesmiles on the faces of the kids who arebeing entertained at our facilities.”

“I have learned so much from him andI owe much of my success to him. I havenever been afraid to ask him a questionregarding my personal or professional lifeand he has always given me an answerthat is true to his heart.”

KYLE ALLISON

ANDY’S ALLIGATOR FUN PARK

FAVORITE QUOTATION“DREAMING IS THE FIRST STEP TO

ACHIEVING.”— UNKNOWN


A: iPadQ: Dream job? A: Walt Disney Co.Q: Favorite dessert? A: Molten chocolate lava

cakeQ: Travel destination? A: Italy, to check out the

history, food and wineQ: What's the top item on

your bucket list? A: None

Q&A

Congratulations

Casey Vineyard

on Norman Next 15 Under 40

From your friends at SportsTalk 1400


CVCasey Vinyard is a working mother and community volunteerwho tries to keep a good balance in all she does.

“I want to set an example of a great citizen for them (her chil-dren). I love Norman and hope that by being a good steward ofmy community that I am raising the next generation of Norman’svolunteers.”

Her children, she said, are without question one of her proud-est accomplishments.

“Although they are young, I am proud that they are respect-ful and generous individuals.”

Vinyard, who always wanted to be a sports reporter for ESPN,started working late nights and weekends as an unpaid internat WWLS 640 AM radio station. Over three years she held manyjobs and worked her way up the ladder to become the first femaleoperations manager at the all-sports, male-dominated radio sta-tion. She considers this as her most significant professionalaccomplishment.

CASEY VINEYARD

SPORTSTALK 1400 AM“YOUR SPARK CAN BECOME A FLAME AND CHANGE EVERYTHING.”

— E.D. NIXON

FAVORITE QUOTATION

• See Vineyard,

SK15 UNDER 40PAGE 10 THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

Sara Kaplan chose to be anentrepreneur instead of followinga more traditional and safe careerpath.

The 30-year-old said this is herbiggest personal accomplish-ment.

“At the age of 26, my husbandand I convinced my parents to gointo business with us — definite-ly a risky venture.”

Kaplan said “We created a busi-ness model from the ground up.It’s been tough at times, but I haveto say that I truly love my job andam very proud of the business wehave built. The greatest reward isalways when a customer thanksus for opening our store.”

Native Roots Market, 132 WMain, opened in August 2007.The full-service grocery storesells only organic and specialityitems. About one-third of theinventory is from Oklahoma pro-ducers.

Kaplan said the store sellseverything from canned corn totoilet paper, but items and vendors haveto meet high standards.

“We just pick the best out there.”

She said she is proud to see the resultsof how the business impacts the commu-nity of farmer and artisan food producers.

“As we have grown, it’s been exciting towatch these small farmers and producersexpand their businesses as well.”

Kaplan said one of the farmers was ableto start construction of a new greenhouseand her husband was able to retire full-time to the farm due in part to one of thestore’s programs last year.

The store employs about 12 people.Kaplan said her family is the most

important influence in her life. When shewas 8-years-old, her family moved to Nor-man so her dad could help his brotherexpand his Subway Restaurant business.

“For the next 20 years, almost everymember of our family worked in the busi-ness. Obviously, this affected my careerchoice.”

SARA KAPLAN

NATIAVE ROOTS MARKET“YOU’VE GOT TO GO OUT ON A LIMB

SOMETIMES BECAUSE THAT’S WHERETHE FRUIT IS.”

— WILL ROGERS

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: We recently took my parents out for a great

dinner at Ludivine and thoroughly sampled themenu.

Q: Dream job? A: Mermaid ... oh wait, I mean marine biolo-

gistQ: Favorite dessert? A: Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and milkQ: Travel destination? A: Beach in the CaribbeanQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Live in another country for several months

FAVORITE QUOTATION

Q&A

AUTUMN MCMAHON


AMHelping children always has been an interest for Autumn McMa-hon.

“I can think of no greater joy than to know that I made a differencein the life of a child.”

She said for as long as she can remember, helping children thriveand therefore become successful adults has been her passion.

In high school, her goal was to become a pediatric psychologist.McMahon, 27, said through the years her passion hasn’t changed

only the method of approach.“Working with the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education gives

me the opportunity to daily raise awareness and funds to help futureeducators become great and therefore change the worlds of all thechildren they teach.”

Before taking her current job, she was the development directorat Mary Abbott Children’s House.

“With a mission of serving child victims of sexual and severe phys-ical abuse and neglect, it was easy to see the clear necessity of theprogram.”

• See McMahon, Page 11

“I WAKE UPEACH MORNINGDETERMINED TOCHANGE THEWORLD AND ALSOTO HAVE ONEHELL OF A GOODTIME. SOMETIMESTHAT MAKESPLANNING THEDAY A LITTLEDIFFICULT.”

— E.B. WHITE

FAVORITEQUOTATION

MHScott Hofmann is proud to haveremained loyal to his employer, co-work-ers and existing clients for the past sevenand one half years.

“In my profession it seems that a long-term stay in one financial institution is ararity.”

Hofmann, 30, started with BancFirst asa part-time teller. While serving in multi-ple areas of the bank, Hofmann said hehas developed several skills that havemade him into a more well-roundedemployee and banker.

“I consider starting at an entry-levelposition and working my way up to whereI am now with one organization to be asignificant accomplishment.”

Hofmann is now vice president in com-mercial lending.

As for his greatest personal accom-plishment, Hofmann likes to tell the sto-ry of his stroke of luck.

On 7/07/07 at the Trails Golf Coursehe predicted someone in his group wouldmake a hole-in-one, which is golf’s mostrare occurrence.

Hofmann said they made their wayaround the course to the sixth hole wherehe hit the hole-in-one and felt one of thebiggest adrenalin rushes in his life.

“I went on to shoot in the high 90s that

day, but will for-ever continue tobrag about pre-dicting my holein one on7/07/07!”

As a husbandand father him-self, Hofmannfeels his father’sinfluence wasvaluable.

“As Iwatched himcoach multiplesports teams formy siblings andme, lead a BoyScout group,volunteer at ourschools, change jobs, purchase housesand cars, act as a husband, take us toschool and work late, I eventually realizedthe common denominator was that hisfamily was present in all things he did.

“He lived his life in a way where hisfamily’s happiness and needs came first.As a result of this behavior, our familydeveloped a strong bond and was able topersevere through a challenging time thatwas set before us.”

With a 2-year-old daughter at homeand baby girl No. 2 expected in July, Hof-mann said he would be happy to go on aweekend getaway to Dallas for the Uni-versity of Oklahoma and Texas game ifhe could travel to one place in the nextyear.

The number one item on his bucketlist is to attend a British Open.

“I have wanted to be a patron at all fourmajor golf championships and the Openis the only one of the four I have not beenable to get to so far. I would love to gooversees to attend the tournament andplay some of the old courses in that partof the world.”


FAVORITE QUOTATION

“SUCCESS IS THE ABILITY TO GO FROM ONE FAILURE TO ANOTHER WITH NO LOSS OFENTHUSIASM.”

— WINSTON CHURCHILL

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: Cowboy boots in AustinQ: Dream job? A: Late night television hostQ. Favorite dessert? A: Mazzio’s hot cinnamon sticksQ: Travel destination? A: Weekend getaway to Dallas for OU-Texas

gameQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Attend the British Open

Q & A

SCOTT HOFMANN

BANCFIRST

The staff of University of

Oklahoma Development

Congratulates Our Colleague

Autumn McMahon

Development Director for OU’s Jeannine Rainbolt

College of Education


Through her skills and knowl-edge of social media networking,McMahon created a public-aware-ness campaign that resulted inincreased donations and volun-teers for the program. She consid-ers this as her most significant pro-fessional accomplishment to date.

“The self-confidence I gainedby knowing that I could navigatean entirely new environment alonehas been the catalyst for mycareer, my willingness to take onnew challenges, even my mar-riage!”

McMahon said she is inspiredby her family every day.

“I have the honor of sharing mylife with a husband who is anunceasing source of love, encour-agement and positivity. I havebeen blessed with parents whoteach by example the importanceand power of giving back.”

AUTUMN MCMAHON



A: Bob Jones Shoes inKansas City

Q: Dream job? A: Pediatric psychologistQ: Favorite dessert? A: Creme brulee

Q: Travel destination? A: LondonQ: What's the top item on

your bucket list? A: Writing a book that

someone besides my familywould read

Q&A

• From Page 10

SUMMER MCGUIRE

MEALS ON WHEELS

“TO LAUGH OFTENAND MUCH; TO WIN THERESPECT OF INTELLI-GENT PEOPLE AND THEAFFECTION OF CHIL-DREN; TO EARN THEAPPRECIATION OFHONEST CRITICS ANDENDURE THE BETRAYALOF FALSE FRIENDS; TOAPPRECIATE BEAUTY; TOFIND THE BEST INOTHERS; TO LEAVE THEWORLD A BIT BETTER,WHETHER BY A HEALTHYCHILD, A GARDEN PATCHOR A REDEEMED SOCIALCONDITION; TO KNOWEVEN ONE LIFE HASBREATHED EASIERBECAUSE YOU HAVELIVED.THIS IS TO HAVESUCCEEDED.”

— RALPH WALDOEMERSON

SMSummer McGuireis a Norman nativeand feels the commu-nity is an incredibleplace to live and raisea family.

McGuire, 30, saidshe feels privilegedto be a part of Nor-man Next and workwith those emergingleaders who soon willbe guiding thegrowth and directionof the community.

Through herinvolvement with Norman Next,McGuire said she would like toincrease awareness and createopportunities for other individu-als to become involved and learnabout Norman.

“It is my goal in life to make adifference: in lives and in the com-munity.”

McGuire said she still is work-ing on her most significant per-sonal accomplishment, her 5-year-old son.

“I feel that raising him to be aresourceful, respectful andresponsible individual are thethree most important things thatI can do in helping to develop hischaracter.”

She said characteristics such aslearning the value of volunteering,philanthropy and thinking of oth-ers before yourself are importantand she is striving to teach thoseto her young son by example.

“I try to involve myself in help-ing others and becominginvolved in the community. It ismy hope that he will see that allof the traits are a way of life andhe will be naturally inclined totake part in opportunities to helpothers in his future.”

Helping others is what

McGuire does for a living. As theassociate director with Meals onWheels of Norman, she has beenable to help the agency improveits financial situation.

“As of the end of 2010, Mealson Wheels reported its seventhstraight year in the black. WhenI began (to work at) Meals onWheels of Norman in March2003, the organization had jstreported its third straight yearwith a deficit budget.”

Some of the improvementsMcGuire has helped implementare changes in the website andother communication methodsand the way donations are made.

These and other improve-ments have allowed more of thecommunity to become involvedin the organization and createmore awareness for the program,McGuire said.

McGuire said George Hen-derson, University of Oklahomaprofessor, was a great influenceon her life.

“I truly feel that his lecturesand influence helped lead me toaccept the position at Meals onWheels and help make a differ-ence in the lives of others as anactive member of the Normancommunity.”


A. Garment steamerQ. Dream job? A. Sports agent for Brett

FavreQ. Favorite dessert? A. Butterscotch pie Q. Travel destination? A. ItalyQ. What's the top item on

your bucket list? A. Visiting every state in

United States

FAVORITEQUOTATION

Q&A

MT

Congratulations Special Judge

Michael Tupperon Norman

Next 15 Under 40

From your fellow members of the Cleveland Co.Judiciary


Congratulations to all15 Under 40 Honorees.

We appreciate your leadership of our great community.

Michael Tupper, a special district judgein Cleveland County, said he sees firsthandfamilies being broken apart and the after-math that sometimes happens.

“My family is without a doubt my mostsignificant personal accomplishment. I amvery blessed and proud to say that I havestarted and maintained a loving, stable fam-ily.”

Tupper, and his wife, Jennifer, have a 3-year-old son and are expecting twin girlsMay 2. The couple has lived in Normansince 1999, and look forward to raising theirchildren here.

Tupper said he learned of the twins onlya week after he decided to trade his wife’sSUV in for a sporty sedan on an impulsewhile at the dealer for an oil change.

“I definitely could use that SUV’s extra

cargo room now!”His father definitely was an

influence in his life, Tupper said,however, since meeting his wifeshe has been the most impor-tant influence.

“She loves me uncondition-ally and keeps me grounded nomatter what may be going on inmy life. She has shown mewhat true love is and the impor-tance of family.”

In April 2009 at age 31, Tup-per became one of theyoungest special district judgesin Oklahoma when he wasappointed to the bench. He con-siders this his most significantprofessional accomplishment.

“As a judge, sometimes I amtaken back by the awesome responsibili-ty I have to the citizens of Cleveland Coun-ty. While it can be very challenging, it is aresponsibility I accept and embracewholeheartedly.”

Since childhood, hiking the 2,181 milesof the Appalachian Trail has topped hisbucket list.

“I think finding the time to do it is moreof a challenge than the hike itself. Perhapsthe summer following my son’s highschool graduation he and I will hike ittogether. I couldn’t think of a more funand better bonding experience prior tosending him off to college.”

MICHAEL TUPPER

CLEVELAND COUNTY SPECIAL DISTRICT JUDGE

FAVORITE QUOTATION“QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION.”

— FRANK TUPPER, MICHAEL TUPPER’S FATHER


A: NoneQ: Dream job? A: EPSN anchor Q: Favorite dessert? A: Wife’s homemade cookiesQ: Travel destination? A: RV to Lake Tahoe areaQ: What's the top item on your buck-

et list? A: Hike the Applachian Trail

Q & A

BY


Brian Yeaman believes in serving hiscommunity and helping the youth.

These values reflect a desire to continuea legacy and follow in the footsteps of hismentor, Dr. Hal Belknap.

“Dr. Belknap created an opportunity forme to see a potential as a physician and sup-ported me in more ways than can really bedescribed. I wouldn’t be in this positiontoday if it weren’t for him.”

In high school, Yeaman wanted to be adoctor at the Norman Clinic and practicewith Dr. Belknap.

“I was fortunate enough to get that oppor-tunity.”

Yeaman, 36, lists becoming a physicianhimself as one of his greatest personalaccomplishments. But he also has enjoyedrunning the Medical Explorer Post 901 andwatching Norman youth develop andexplore medicine every year.

Yeaman said his parents also were criti-cal in helping him stay on target as a youthto stay focused and dedicated to education

Yeaman cites starting his own clinic andbeing appointed by the governor as a trusteefor the state of Oklahoma Health InformationExchange Trust as some of his most significantprofessional accomplishments.

“Leading Norman Regional Health Sys-tem and the Norman Physician HospitalOrganizations into the modern era of health-care and electronic records also have beenvery rewarding.”

Yeaman believes Norman can be anexample for the nation in the healthcareindustry. He looks forward to the time whenpatients, care providers, doctors and hospi-tals coordinate seamless care and a newdelivery model for healthcare is created.This model would put service, value, quali-ty and safety upfront, he said.

“It is becoming my life’s work and I wantto see Norman provide that example for thenation.”

On the horizon? Camping in GlacierNational Park.

“Many a hiking trip and Philmont trekkept me sane during college and medicalschool,” he said. “I look forward to rediscov-ering those trips and sharing them with mydaughters.”

BRIAN YEAMAN

PHYSICIAN “CREATIVITY IS THINKING UP NEWTHINGS. INNOVATION IS DOING NEWTHINGS.”

— THEODORE LEVITT

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: MacBook Air computerQ: Dream job? A: PhysicianQ: Favorite dessert? A: Pineapple upside down cakeQ: Travel destination? A: Glacier National Park (without his cell phone)Q: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Glacier National Park, turn off my cell phone

and enjoy nature and hike and camp under thestars.

Q&A

FAVORITE QUOTATION


FAVORITEQUOTATION

“EVERY MANDIES. NOT EVERYMAN REALLY LIVES.”

— WILLIAMWALLACE

PATRICK GRACE

OKLAHOMA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

PGPatrick Grace wants toprovide future generationsthe same Norman experi-ence he grew up with. Thatis why he spends much ofhis time volunteering andgiving back to the commu-nity.

Grace said he hopes bydoing his part, it helps tocontinue the quality of lifehere in Norman and evenmake it better.

“Everybody helps eachother out and that is whatmakes Norman great. Thatis what I am trying to do aswell.”

The 33-year-old returnedto Norman after attendingcollege in Indiana and wassoon hired by OklahomaElectric Cooperative wherehe plans to retire.

Grace said by demon-strating leadership andvision in the company, hewas promoted to engineer-ing manager at age 28,

which is his most signifi-cant professional accom-plishment.

He considers his mostsignificant personal accom-plishment as finishing the2009 Redman Half-IronmanTriathlon in Oklahoma Cityin 5:55:31.

Grace said he trained fornine months for the compe-tition that was the biggestchallenge he had everfaced.

“I have other accom-plishments, most notablythe completion of threemarathons. However, theamount of time, effort, dis-cipline and courage neededfor the half-ironman sets itabove the others.”

His wife Kelley, Gracesaid, is the most importantinfluence in his life.

“She sets a tremendousexample of how to dedicateones life to work, to thecommunity and to self.”

Q: Last impulsebuy you made over$50?

A: ATM transac-tion in Las Vegas

Q: Dream job? A: Sports journal-

istQ: Favorite

dessert? A: Anything with

graham cracker crustQ: Travel destina-

tion? A: World Series at

Wrigley FieldQ: What's the top

item on your bucketlist?

A: Learning to playthe piano

Q&A

SM


Scott Martin not only wants to be anexample for his two sons, but also agood role model for others.

Martin desired to be a public servanteven as a teenager.

“I had two dream jobs in high schooland am blessed to be living one of them;public servant.”

The other job was owning his ownmountain guide service.

“People expect and deserve a promptand honest response to their questionsand concerns, and I have always pridedmyself in delivering exceptional serviceto the citizens for which I work.”

He believes this is his most significantprofessional accomplishment.

Martin worked in municipal govern-ment for 11 years before being electedto the State House of Representativesand recently starting a career in bankingat Republic Bank and Trust.

“It is always funny and shocking tohear a surprised constituent on the oth-er end of the line when I return theirphone call. Unfortunately, they don’texpect a response.”

Martin said he believes that peopleperceive politicians as disconnected anduncaring.

“I do my best, one person at a time, toreverse that trend.”

Martin said his family is his most sig-nificant personal accomplishment.

“They have changed the way I think,act and live.”

Martin said he and his wife, who is hisbest friend and confidant, are raisingtheir boys to be young gentlemen whowill contribute and achieve based on theskills they’ve been blessed with.

“I want to leave the world knowing Iwas the best husband and father I couldbe.”

Martin, 39, said his parents, and nowhis wife, all have encouraged, supportedand sacrificed for him.

“I am humbled by their uncondition-al love.”

Also influencing him were great men-tors through church, Boy Scouts andathletics.

Martin’s favorite dessert is his wife’schocolate cake. If he could travel to oneplace in the next year, it would be toRocky Mountain National Park.

SCOTT MARTIN

REPUBLIC BANK AND TRUST

FAVORITE QUOTATION

“WHATEVER YOU DO IN LIFE, DO ITWITH PASSION!”

— UNKNOWN

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: Can’t rememberQ: Dream job? A: Public servantQ: Favorite dessert? A: Wife’s chocolate cakeQ: Travel destination? A: Rocky Mountain National ParkQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Climb Mount Everest

Q & A

JANA CLINE

MOORE NORMAN TECHNOLOGY CENTER

FAVORITEQUOTATION

“LOVE LIBERATES ... JUSTDO RIGHT.”

— MAYA ANGELOU

JCJana Cline, 34 constantly seeksout opportunities where she canpositively influence her family,friends, students and colleagues.

“Each day presents learningexperiences, options to embracenew ideas and situations thatrequire actions. My goal is to makepositive choices to improve therelationships within my personaland professional environment.”

During the past 11 years, shehas served in a supportive andadvisement role at Moore NormanTechnology Center. Currently, sheis an employment advisor. Recent-ly, she was nominated as New Pro-fessional for the state of Oklahomawithin the Department of Careerand Technology Education. Shealso received support employee ofthe quarter for the Moore NormanTechnology Center.

Cline is proud to have graduated with a bachelor’s incounseling at the age of 21 and soon after secured a joband coordinated a first-offender program for at-riskyouth. For quite some time, she has had an interest inworking with youth. Her dream job in high school wasto become a basketball coach.

For the last four years, she has coached an elemen-tary coed basketball team and served on the children’seducational team at her church while teaching youthclasses.

Cline said her parents have been lifelong role models.They taught her to be honest with her work ethic andhave an appreciative attitude, she said.

“I began working on our family farm as a toddler andhave vivid and fond memories of taking advantage ofevery moment to be productive with my time.”

She said she hopes to instill some of these same val-ues into the hearts of her children with the help of herhusband, who also serves the community as an Okla-homa City police officer.

If she could travel to one place during the next year,Cline said she would like to visit Carlo’s Bakery (homeof the Cake Boss) in Hoboken, N.J., to drink a cup of cof-fee and try their family recipe for crumb cake.


A. Home computer suppliesQ: Dream job? A: Basketball coachQ: Favorite dessert? A: Peanut butter fudge Q: Travel destination? A: Carlo’s Bakery in Hobo-

ken, N.J.Q: What's the top item on

your bucket list? A: Call Dave Ramsey and

scream: “We’re debt free.”

Q & A


Congratulations Todd on being a positive leader in the Norman

community.

Todd Kahoe

360-4444 • 712 Wall St. • Norman

KW

TKFAVORITEQUOTATION

“TRY NOT TO BECOME AMAN OF SUCCESS BUT A MANOF VALUE.”

— ALBERT EINSTEIN

Q: Last impulse buy you madeover $50?

A: iPhoneQ: Dream job? A: Social studies teacherQ: Favorite dessert? A: Anything Q: Travel destination? A: Greece for its history and

beautyQ: What's the top item on your

bucket list? A: Spend extended time in

Europe

Q&A

TODD KAHOE

INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

Todd Kahoe is honored to have beenrecognized by peers for his leadershipskills.

Kahoe, 36, was awarded the 2010 EarlSneed Leadership Award by his Lead-ership Norman class.

“It was such a humbling experience towin the award, made more so as it wasan award voted on by my peers.”

He considers being chosen as hismost significant personal accomplish-ment to date.

“I only hope to be the leader that thenamesake of the award was.”

Kahoe said his wife is an inspiration

and his parents instilled in him the val-ues of working hard for yourself, butmore importantly working hard for oth-ers and giving unselfishly of yourself.

In high school, Kahoe said his dreamjob was to become a doctor. But now asan agent with Insurance Solutions, heconsiders being able to help others pro-tect their largest investments everydayas his most significant professionalachievement.

“By educating them on the potentialrisks and helping them achieve a plan tomitigate that risk, I feel is a great accom-plishment that I get to do every day.”

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: 2007 YukonQ: Dream job? A: DoctorQ: Favorite dessert? A: German chocolate lake and mother-in-law’s

bread pudding.

Q: Travel destination? A: Italy and South AfricaQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Golf at Augusta National

Q&A

Kathryn Walker would like to see more peoplebecome involved in their community.

“I feel strongly that citizens should strive to engagethemselves in creating a better community in whichthey live. It gives one a sense of ownership in theactivities that make Norman the kind of communitypeople want to live and work in.”

Walker said, as assistant city attorney, she is proudto have a job where the goal is to create a better com-munity for Norman residents to live in. She consid-ers this opportunity to make a difference through herwork as her most significant professional accomplish-ment.

“I am privileged to work in a profession and posi-tion that allows me to play a vital role in developingpolicies and procedures that affect the overall healthand welfare of the Norman community.”

Walker, 33, began thinking about becoming alawyer in high school.

“In my high school yearbook, I said my career goal

KATHRYN WALKER


• See Walker, Page 15

FAVORITEQUOTATION

“I DO NOT BELIEVE IN AFATE THAT WILL FALL ON USNO MATTER WHAT WE DO. I DOBELIEVE IN A FATE THAT WILLFALL ON US IF WE DO NOTH-ING.”

— RONALD REAGAN TKFAVORITE QUOTATION


represents the nextgeneration of

leadership for Norman’s business community.The Transcript and Norman Next accepted

nominations late last year for the inauguralclass of young professionals who are making apositive difference in the Norman community.

A committee selected 15 of the nominees.They are featured in this special newspapersection and will be honored during the NormanChamber of Commerce’s annual banquet May 3at the Embassy Suites Norman Hotel andConference Center.

15 Under 40 is a collaboration betweenNorman NEXT and The NormanTranscript. It exists to honoryoung professionals, 21 to 40years of age, dedicated tomaking a difference in Norman.Honorees are determined basedon demonstrated leadershipand an interest in makingNorman a great community.

Norman NEXT is anorganization for young

professionals, 21 to 40 years of age, working orliving in Norman. NEXT's mission is to attract,retain and propel the best and the brightestyoung professionals to be the NEXT generationof leaders in the Norman community. Throughits five teams, Government Relations, NEXTGenerational Leadership, Special Events,Community Activism and MembershipDevelopment, Norman NEXT provides differentavenues for young professionals to take anactive role in making a positive impact in thecommunity.

For more information about the 15 Under40, contact Kyla McMoran at 321-7260 or byemail at [email protected].

Visit www.NormanNEXT.com for informationon upcoming events and how to get involvedwith Norman NEXT.

Andy RiegerTranscript Executive Editor

15 UNDER 40

Tim Kenney, 31, lists his family ashis greatest personal accomplish-ment.

“My wife and my two sons are dai-ly reminders to me of what is impor-tant in life and why I work hard to besuccessful. I am both proud andblessed to have a strong environmentof trust, love and friendship in myhome that we have worked hard tocreate and maintain.”

Kenney said he can’t rememberwhat his dream job was in highschool, but he is proud of his accom-plishments since starting a career inbanking.

Kenney was one of the youngestmembers of his class at the SouthwestGraduate School of Banking at South-ern Methodist University.

Recently, he was involved in facilitating and drafting astrategic plan including priorities and one vision for thefuture of First American Bank, where Kenney works as vicepresident and credit analysis manager.

He said his parents, Tim and Debbie Kenney, are themost important influences in his life.

“They gave me a strong system of values that drive myactions every day and help me work hard to be successful.”

The Norman High School graduate also has enjoyed serv-ing as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cleve-land County.

“I am extremely proud of this organization and thegrowth it has experienced,” he said.

On his personal horizon is plans for a trip to easternEurope.

“We haven’t been there before or experienced anythinglike it!”

TIM KENNEY

FIRST AMERICAN BANK“INSANITY — DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER

AGAIN AND EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS.”— ALBERT EINSTEIN

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50?A: Fishing waders

Q: Dream job? A: Unknown but always enjoyed bankingQ: Favorite dessert? A: CheesecakeQ: Travel destination? A: PragueQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Outfish his relatives on the Los Pinos River in Southern Col-orado

Q & A

Kyle Allison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9

Jana Cline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Patrick Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13

Scott Hofmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7

Todd Kahoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sarah Kaplan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10

Tim Kenney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Summer McGuire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11

Scott Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Autumn McMahon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10

Michael Tupper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6

Casey Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8

Kathryn Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

Brad Worster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

Brian Yeaman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12

THE TRANSCRIPT CONGRATULATES THESE HONOREESText . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy David, for The Transcript

Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jerry Laizure, The Transcript

Kyle Phillips, The Transcript

Section Design . . .Debra A. Parker, Transcript editor

ABOUT THIS SECTION

was to be a social studies teacher. I did-n’t know anything about college, didn’thave anyone in my family who hadgraduated from college, so at that timeI really wasn’t sure I was capable of com-pleting the schooling to become alawyer.”

Walker said her most significant per-sonal accomplishment was completingthe half-marathon at the Oklahoma CityMemorial Marathon last April.

She said, for a variety of reasons shehad never run more than four miles atonce during her training for this race.

“The reason behind this particularmarathon makes it a special race andthe atmosphere really inspired me torun the full 13.1-mile distance of the race andmeet my goal for time of completion. I paidfor my lack of preparation in injury, but it wascompletely worth it. I am training correctlythis year and can’t wait to run it again.”

Walker said her children inspire her to do

her best at everything she attempts.“When my children become adults, I want

them to look back and remember a motherwho always did her best, who loved her fam-ily, and who loved and contributed to hercommunity. It is my hope that my actionsnow inspire them to do great things later.”

Congratulations to

Kathryn WalkerNorman Assistant

City Attorney

& all other honorees of the Norman Next Class of 2011

We are proud of you!

from your friends and co-workers at the City of Norman


FAVORITEQUOTATION

“IF ALL YOUR LIFE YOUREMAIN WITH A CLEARCONSCIENCE, YOU NEED NOTFEAR A KNOCK AT THE DOORAT MIDNIGHT.”

— UNKNOWNBW

Q: Last impulse buy you made over $50? A: Gas grill for patioQ: Dream job? A: Redevelop buildings and neighborhoodsQ: Favorite dessert?A: Anything chocolate

Q: Travel destination? A: Belize for scuba and snorkelingQ: What's the top item on your bucket list? A: Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon

Q&A

KATHRYN WALKER


• From Page 14

Brad Worster credits his father, Jer-ry Worster for providing him guid-ance and mentorship throughout hispersonal and professional life.

“I began my real estate careerworking for him and throughout my12 year tenure he gently instilledsome simple values that could easilyhave been overlooked in my rush tobe successful.”

The 38-year old said small stepshave combined to help him reach thispoint in his life. “The things that haveallowed me to grow the most havealways been those that I resisted themost.”

Worster said one of those hurdles

was facing his fear of public speakingto teach real estate courses with asmany as 60 students.

“Getting through that first classwithout bolting for the door was quitea personal accomplishment!”

Now, as a branch broker with JRFulton & Associates, Worster said heis enjoying the professional challengeof redeveloping the former Chevro-let dealership on Main Street.

“Though the project as a whole isfar from complete, closing the firstsale to Whataburger in October 2010was very gratifying and I look forwardto additional transactions to completethe entire development.”

BRAD WORSTER

JR FULTON & ASSOCIATES

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Kyle Allison ✤Jana Cline ✤

Patrick Grace ✤

Scott Hofmann ✤

Todd Kahoe

Sara Kaplan ✤ Tim Kenney ✤ Summer McGuire ✤ Scott Martin ✤ Autumn McMahon

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Kath

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Wal

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