June 27, 2026 Issue, Page 9 of 10

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026 • 9 Weekly Oklahoma Oil and Gas Proudly Brought to you by: Oil & Gas Report for the State of Oklahoma for June 16 - 22, 2026 SWODA Board Honors Julie Sanders For Outstanding Leadership In Oklahoma Transportation Planning Burns Flat, OK – The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Board of Trustees recognized Director of Transportation Julie Sanders on June 9 with a Recognition of Ex- cellence Award for her leadership in advancing transportation plan- ning and mobility solutions across Southwest Oklahoma. Since joining SWODA in 2019, Sanders has led efforts that result- ed in the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) being Oklahoma CareerTech named the first designated Regional Transportation Planning Organiza- tion (RTPO) in Oklahoma history. state director chosen for Working alongside SWODA and ASCOG staff, local governments, tribal nations, transportation pro- viders, state agencies, and commu- Leadership Oklahoma nity partners, Sanders helped build Oklahoma CareerTech State valuable insight into the different the regional framework necessary Director Brent Haken will par- industries in Oklahoma and learn to achieve RTPO designation and ticipate in Leadership Oklahoma more about what helps Oklaho- establish a coordinated vision for Class 39. mans thrive so he can better serve transportation across 16 counties. Haken will join 51 other lead- the state in his role at CareerTech. Under her leadership, SORTPO ers from across the state who un- “Leadership Oklahoma is one secured a fully funded $1.5 million Lyle Miller praised the program's with no tation in Southwest Oklahoma," derwent a competitive selection of the most recognized leadership federal RAISE grant to develop the impact on the region. guidebook for developing an Sanders said. "Had it not been for process. They represent business, development programs with a Forward 45 Regional Transporta- "It is a valuable program for RTPO, it was her knowledge, te- people willing to think outside the education, health care, agricul- distinguished set of alumni, and I tion Plan, a long-range strategy de- western Oklahoma," Miller said. nacity and understanding of the box, we wouldn't be here with our ture, government and nonprofit am honored to be selected as part signed to improve the movement "When you see so many things importance of transportation that transportation planning program organizations in Oklahoma. of this class,” he said. of people and goods throughout coming from SORTPO, there is a made the difference." and the opportunities it has created “Leadership Oklahoma is hon- Participants in the class will Southwest Oklahoma. The plan's reason." Former SWODA Executive Di- for rural Oklahoma." ored to welcome the exceptional visit communities throughout success has already led to imple- Craig Moody, Program Man- rector Debora Glasgow also recog- The recognition comes as SORT- individuals selected for Class 39,” Oklahoma, including Seminole, mentation efforts, including an $11 ager with Poe & Associates and nized the collective effort behind PO prepares to receive NADO's Ex- said Jodi Lewis, president and Lawton/Fort Sill, McAlester, million transportation initiative lead consultant for the Forward 45 the organization's transportation cellence in Transportation Award, CEO of Leadership Oklahoma. Tahlequah, Oklahoma City, Still- focused on improving access to planning process, credited Sand- successes, noting the importance of a national honor recognizing note- “These leaders bring a remarkable water, Tulsa, Guymon and Dun- healthcare and essential services ers' leadership for helping create continued support from SWODA worthy transportation projects and breadth of experience, expertise can, to gain an understanding of through mileage reimbursement a model that is now influencing leadership and board members. innovative planning efforts. and passion for Oklahoma. Over Oklahoma’s diverse strengths, programs, mobility navigation transportation planning across the In accepting the award, Sanders SWODA Executive Director the next 10 months, they will en- challenges and opportunities. services, and transit vehicle invest- state. expressed gratitude for the part- Susan Carter presented the award gage in meaningful dialogue, ex- Leadership Oklahoma was ments. "She is a leader in transportation nerships that have helped advance on behalf of the Board of Trust- plore the opportunities and chal- founded in 1986 and is dedicated During the recognition ceremo- and planning, and it now gives the transportation initiatives through- ees, recognizing Sanders' vision, lenges facing our state and build to recruiting, educating and con- ny, SWODA Board Chairman and opportunity for the rest of Okla- out the region. dedication, and lasting impact on lasting relationships that will help necting caring and committed SORTPO Policy Board Member homa to fall in line," Moody said. "We've had some amazing op- transportation planning through- shape Oklahoma’s future for gen- Oklahomans. More than 1,900 "With Julie leading this charge, portunities to expand transpor- out Southwest Oklahoma. erations to come.” leaders have graduated from the Haken said he hopes to gain program.