Five City of Broken Arrow employees are among the 35 individuals selected for participation in the 24th Leadership Broken Arrow Class.
Leadership Broken Arrow (LBA) is a program facilitated annually by the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce.
Each year, participants uncover the city's vibrant history, enrich their understanding of its current landscape, and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future together.
This year's class includes Water Plant Manager Lou Ann Fisher, Senior Civil Litigation Attorney Rachel Fields, Community Development Permit Technician Makala Neeley, Senior IT Project Manager Kimber Pittman, and Director of Engineering and Construction Charlie Bright.
Makala Neeley celebrated six years with the city in August. She says she was overwhelmed with emotion when she learned she had been selected to participate in this year's LBA.
"I felt deeply honored and incredibly grateful to have been chosen for LBA," Neeley said. "Knowing that others within the city saw potential in me to grow, to lead, and to rise meant more to me than words can express. I am truly so excited for the journey ahead! I look forward to all the growth this year will bring, not just for myself, but for my awesome classmates as well!"
All applications for inclusion into LBA are reviewed by a selection committee, according to Tiffany Shepard, Vice President of Events and Communication for the Broken Arrow Chamber.
"Applicants are evaluated based on their responses, their involvement with the Chamber, and their engagement with the broader community," Shepard said. "Participants often share that their biggest takeaways are a deeper understanding of the Broken Arrow community and the strong personal and professional relationships they build with their classmates."
Rachel Fields has been with the city for three and a half years and says she was motivated to participate in LBA to deepen her understanding of the community, build relationships with diverse leaders, and contribute in a more meaningful way to the city's future.
"As the city's senior litigation attorney, I see firsthand how legal decisions impact our residents," she said. "I want to broaden my perspective by engaging with other sectors and working collaboratively on shared challenges. Leadership Broken Arrow offers the opportunity for me to grow as a servant leader committed to making a positive, lasting impact."
Participants will also gain insight into their individual leadership skills and talents, as well as how they can contribute to meeting the demands of the growing community.
Lou Ann Fisher, who will celebrate five years with the City of Broken Arrow in November, says she is proud to work for the city and is privileged to be trusted as a leader.
"Everyone around me can influence my leadership style, good or not so good, but my superiors at the City of Broken Arrow guide me to what leadership means to this organization and how to practice it best," Fisher said.
She looks forward to applying what she learns about leadership through LBA and putting it into practice in the workplace.
Since its inception in 2002, more than 580 individuals have graduated from the Leadership Broken Arrow program. The program consists of an orientation session and 11 full-day sessions that take place monthly from August to May.
"The Leadership Broken Arrow experience is very much a 'you get what you put in' program. The more you fully dive in, the more rewarding it becomes," Shepard said. "It does take commitment—showing up, engaging in the sessions, asking questions, and building relationships with your classmates and community leaders."
When participants truly engage and contribute their perspectives and energy, Shepard says they not only gain a deeper understanding of Broken Arrow but also develop lasting connections and leadership skills that continue to benefit them long after graduation.
To graduate from LBA, participants must attend at least nine monthly sessions and the mandatory orientation retreat in August. This program is a valuable resource for those seeking to shape the future of Broken Arrow through community involvement.
Classes include guest lecturers who are experts in their fields, local area tours, visits to community organizations, leadership training, classroom participation, and opportunities to network with other civic-minded individuals.
