STAFF
Ken Levit, Executive Director
Ken Levit is executive director of GKFF. Prior to taking on the leadership role at GKFF, Mr. Levit served as president of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa from 2001 to 2006. From early 1998 through 2000, Mr. Levit was special counsel to George Tenet, director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Mr. Levit practiced corporate law at the firm of Crowe & Dunlevy in Tulsa from 1995 to 1998.
Mr. Levit is involved in several civic activities. He currently serves as chair of Teach for America-Oklahoma, as a member of the Teach for America National Council, and as chair of the Tulsa Regional Chamber Tulsa’s Future Commission. Mr. Levit also leads the board of the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Mr. Levit earned his law degree from Yale Law School in 1994 and received his undergraduate degree from Brown University in 1987.
Muneeb Ata works on talent initiatives, civic enhancement, and economic development on the Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa team as well as communications at the foundation. Prior to joining GKFF full-time, he served as an intern at the Mayor’s Office at the City of Tulsa, project coordinator at the Gathering Place, and contractor at Tulsa Remote. Muneeb holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in letters with honors from the University of Oklahoma.
Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa
Muneeb Ata
Program Officer
Muneeb Ata works on talent initiatives, civic enhancement, and economic development on the Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa team as well as communications at the foundation. Prior to joining GKFF full-time, he served as an intern at the Mayor’s Office at the City of Tulsa, project coordinator at the Gathering Place, and contractor at Tulsa Remote. Muneeb holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in letters with honors from the University of Oklahoma.
Monica Basu works on community health and higher education initiatives. She joined GKFF after several years in the private sector where she held various management positions in the financial services and telecommunications industries. Ms. Basu holds a Master of Business Administration from Duke University and a Master of Science in health care delivery from Dartmouth College. She is a native of India, grew up in four countries, and speaks seven languages.
Equal Opportunity
Monica Basu
Senior Program Officer
Monica Basu works on community health and higher education initiatives. She joined GKFF after several years in the private sector where she held various management positions in the financial services and telecommunications industries. Ms. Basu holds a Master of Business Administration from Duke University and a Master of Science in health care delivery from Dartmouth College. She is a native of India, grew up in four countries, and speaks seven languages.
Anna Bebermeyer joined GKFF in 2019 as a Grants Associate and now manages grant activities and processes for the foundation. She graduated from the University of Tulsa in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Equal Opportunity
Anna Bebermeyer
Grants Manager
Anna Bebermeyer joined GKFF in 2019 as a Grants Associate and now manages grant activities and processes for the foundation. She graduated from the University of Tulsa in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Catrice Brantley is the Director of ConnectFirst, with the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa. Prior to joining GKFF, she held various nurse leadership roles with the most recent at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ms. Brantley holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery from the University of Kansas.
Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST)
Catrice Brantley
Director of ConnectFirst
Catrice Brantley is the Director of ConnectFirst, with the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa. Prior to joining GKFF, she held various nurse leadership roles with the most recent at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ms. Brantley holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery from the University of Kansas.
Alex Bromley serves as the administrative coordinator for GKFF's Civic Enhancement team. Prior to joining GKFF, Ms. Bromley was an Administrative Specialist with Tulsa Community Foundation and has worked in development and administrative roles for multiple Tulsa-area non-profits.
Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa
Alex Bromley
Administrative Coordinator
Alex Bromley serves as the administrative coordinator for GKFF's Civic Enhancement team. Prior to joining GKFF, Ms. Bromley was an Administrative Specialist with Tulsa Community Foundation and has worked in development and administrative roles for multiple Tulsa-area non-profits.
John Budd is chief operating officer for GKFF, working across programs to identify areas of synergy and improved effectiveness. He joined GKFF in 2022 after serving as the first COO for the State of Oklahoma. John also previously served as an EVP and chief strategy officer for Sonic Drive-In, and as a partner and managing director for Boston Consulting Group. John received his undergraduate degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and his MBA from the Kellogg School of Northwestern University.
John Budd
Chief Operating Officer
John Budd is chief operating officer for GKFF, working across programs to identify areas of synergy and improved effectiveness. He joined GKFF in 2022 after serving as the first COO for the State of Oklahoma. John also previously served as an EVP and chief strategy officer for Sonic Drive-In, and as a partner and managing director for Boston Consulting Group. John received his undergraduate degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and his MBA from the Kellogg School of Northwestern University.
Cynthia Jasso serves as a Program Officer on the Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa team, where she works on neighborhood place-making, economic development and immigration. Prior to this role, Cynthia was the Associate Director of Community Engagement for the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST), where she worked on policy, sustainability and community engagement. She joined GKFF in 2020 after spending nearly 6 years in education, first as an educator and then moving into leadership roles at a national education-based nonprofit. Cynthia is a member of Leadership Tulsa’s Class 60 and the Hispanic Leadership Institute, and serves on several community boards and task forces. She is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and first generation college graduate of the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).
Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa
Cynthia Jasso Burke
Program Officer
Cynthia Jasso serves as a Program Officer on the Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa team, where she works on neighborhood place-making, economic development and immigration. Prior to this role, Cynthia was the Associate Director of Community Engagement for the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST), where she worked on policy, sustainability and community engagement. She joined GKFF in 2020 after spending nearly 6 years in education, first as an educator and then moving into leadership roles at a national education-based nonprofit. Cynthia is a member of Leadership Tulsa’s Class 60 and the Hispanic Leadership Institute, and serves on several community boards and task forces. She is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and first generation college graduate of the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).
Kelsi joined GKFF in 2022 serving as the administrative coordinator for GKFF’s Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa team. Prior to joining GKFF, Mrs. Burrell worked in operational roles for locally owned private practice behavioral health offices.
Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa
Kelsi Burrell
Administrative Coordinator
Kelsi joined GKFF in 2022 serving as the administrative coordinator for GKFF’s Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa team. Prior to joining GKFF, Mrs. Burrell worked in operational roles for locally owned private practice behavioral health offices.
Kimberly Butler’s work at GKFF focuses on maternal child health initiatives. Prior to joining GKFF, Ms. Butler was a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala working with women and children on issues of health and nutrition. Following the Peace Corps, she worked with women and children at Rosie's Place in Boston. Ms. Butler graduated from Wellesley College in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts and completed her master’s degree in public health at the University of Oklahoma in 2009.
Equal Opportunity
Kimberly Butler
Senior Program Officer
Kimberly Butler’s work at GKFF focuses on maternal child health initiatives. Prior to joining GKFF, Ms. Butler was a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala working with women and children on issues of health and nutrition. Following the Peace Corps, she worked with women and children at Rosie's Place in Boston. Ms. Butler graduated from Wellesley College in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts and completed her master’s degree in public health at the University of Oklahoma in 2009.
Taylor Costley joined the GKFF accounting team as a Senior Accountant in May 2022. Taylor helps manage the back office and accounting needs of GKFF. She is a Tulsa native and graduated from Bixby High School before attending the University of Tulsa, where she graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting degree and in 2016 with a Masters of Accountancy. Upon graduating, she became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Oklahoma and obtained roughly six years of public accounting experience at a regional firm in Tulsa, particularly in the non-profit and manufacturing industries.
Taylor Costley
Senior Accountant
Taylor Costley joined the GKFF accounting team as a Senior Accountant in May 2022. Taylor helps manage the back office and accounting needs of GKFF. She is a Tulsa native and graduated from Bixby High School before attending the University of Tulsa, where she graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting degree and in 2016 with a Masters of Accountancy. Upon graduating, she became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Oklahoma and obtained roughly six years of public accounting experience at a regional firm in Tulsa, particularly in the non-profit and manufacturing industries.
Miranda Goolsbay manages the back office and accounting needs of the GKFF investment team. Before joining the Foundation, Ms. Goolsbay worked as a tax manager for Ernst & Young, LLP with nine years of public accounting experience. She is a graduate of the University of Tulsa with a Master of Science in Taxation and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting). Ms. Goolsbay is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Oklahoma and was selected as a 2019 Trailblazer, an honor awarded by the Oklahoma Society of CPAs to emerging leaders in the accounting community.
Miranda Goolsbay
Controller
Miranda Goolsbay manages the back office and accounting needs of the GKFF investment team. Before joining the Foundation, Ms. Goolsbay worked as a tax manager for Ernst & Young, LLP with nine years of public accounting experience. She is a graduate of the University of Tulsa with a Master of Science in Taxation and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting). Ms. Goolsbay is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Oklahoma and was selected as a 2019 Trailblazer, an honor awarded by the Oklahoma Society of CPAs to emerging leaders in the accounting community.
Eddie is the Director of Business Analytics for GKFF, helping assess agency effectiveness and implementing business intelligence strategy. Eddie has 20+ years of subject matter expertise in financial model development, financial reporting and data analytics. Prior to joining GKFF in 2018, he worked at Family & Children’s Services for 10+ years, where he was the Financial Analysis and Budget Director, responsible for developing budgets and forecasts for 70+ programs, acting as the primary financial analyst to the CEO and CFO and helping implement an advanced business intelligence infrastructure. Before that, Eddie had a multi-faceted career at Avis Rent-a-Car and Cendant Corporation, progressing from reservations agent to VP of Avis North American call center operations and later, leading Cendant’s contact center operational efficiency and outsourcing efforts. Eddie is a 1987 graduate of University of Tulsa with a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
Eddie Hassell
Director of Business Analytics
Eddie is the Director of Business Analytics for GKFF, helping assess agency effectiveness and implementing business intelligence strategy. Eddie has 20+ years of subject matter expertise in financial model development, financial reporting and data analytics. Prior to joining GKFF in 2018, he worked at Family & Children’s Services for 10+ years, where he was the Financial Analysis and Budget Director, responsible for developing budgets and forecasts for 70+ programs, acting as the primary financial analyst to the CEO and CFO and helping implement an advanced business intelligence infrastructure. Before that, Eddie had a multi-faceted career at Avis Rent-a-Car and Cendant Corporation, progressing from reservations agent to VP of Avis North American call center operations and later, leading Cendant’s contact center operational efficiency and outsourcing efforts. Eddie is a 1987 graduate of University of Tulsa with a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
Josh Miller works on neighborhood revitalization, civic enhancement and economic development. Prior to joining GKFF, Mr. Miller was a director of compliance in the University of Oklahoma (OU) athletic department and then vice president of the Folds of Honor Foundation. He graduated from OU in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, and in 2007 with a Juris Doctor and master’s degree in education.
Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa
Josh Miller
Program Officer
Josh Miller works on neighborhood revitalization, civic enhancement and economic development. Prior to joining GKFF, Mr. Miller was a director of compliance in the University of Oklahoma (OU) athletic department and then vice president of the Folds of Honor Foundation. He graduated from OU in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, and in 2007 with a Juris Doctor and master’s degree in education.
Brandon Oldham serves as a Senior Program Officer on the Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa team. The north Tulsa native has worked in recruiting, human resources, and development. Prior to joining the foundation, Brandon served the University of Oklahoma as Assistant Director of Student Life and, more recently, the City of Tulsa as the Mayoral Aide to Mayor G.T. Bynum. He is a first generation college graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s in education from the University of Oklahoma.
Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa
Brandon Oldham
Senior Program Officer
Brandon Oldham serves as a Senior Program Officer on the Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa team. The north Tulsa native has worked in recruiting, human resources, and development. Prior to joining the foundation, Brandon served the University of Oklahoma as Assistant Director of Student Life and, more recently, the City of Tulsa as the Mayoral Aide to Mayor G.T. Bynum. He is a first generation college graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s in education from the University of Oklahoma.
Tochi Onwuakpa serves as the Financial/Budgeting Analyst for GKFF and all other connected LLCs. He brings his wealth of experience in modelling and analysis from multiple roles with organizations in the Tulsa area. Tochi graduated from Oral Roberts University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in finance.
Tochi Onwuakpa
Financial/Budgeting Analyst
Tochi Onwuakpa serves as the Financial/Budgeting Analyst for GKFF and all other connected LLCs. He brings his wealth of experience in modelling and analysis from multiple roles with organizations in the Tulsa area. Tochi graduated from Oral Roberts University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in finance.
Sophia Pappas joined GKFF in 2017. She's responsible for the implementation of the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST). Before joining GKFF, Ms. Pappas authored Good Morning, Children (Gryphon House, '09), spearheaded Teach For America’s national Early Childhood Education Initiative and served as Chief of Staff for the NYC Dept. of Education for the Division of Talent, Labor and Innovation. She ran the NYC Dept. of Education’s Early Childhood Education Division where she oversaw teams responsible for ensuring Pre-K for all programs across the city, serving approximately 70,000 children annually offering high-quality classroom instruction and family engagement. She managed public and private partnerships supporting these efforts. She attended Georgetown University and Harvard Kennedy School earning a Master of Public Policy.
Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST)
Sophia Pappas
Managing Director
Sophia Pappas joined GKFF in 2017. She's responsible for the implementation of the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST). Before joining GKFF, Ms. Pappas authored Good Morning, Children (Gryphon House, '09), spearheaded Teach For America’s national Early Childhood Education Initiative and served as Chief of Staff for the NYC Dept. of Education for the Division of Talent, Labor and Innovation. She ran the NYC Dept. of Education’s Early Childhood Education Division where she oversaw teams responsible for ensuring Pre-K for all programs across the city, serving approximately 70,000 children annually offering high-quality classroom instruction and family engagement. She managed public and private partnerships supporting these efforts. She attended Georgetown University and Harvard Kennedy School earning a Master of Public Policy.
Tania Pryce serves as the director of grants and systems for GKFF. Prior to joining GKFF in 2022, Tania worked in technology helping organization access and use information for social good. She also has over 15 years of nonprofit experience working with Tulsa area youth and families. She has a master’s degree in counseling psychology.
Tania Pryce
Director of Grants and Systems
Tania Pryce serves as the director of grants and systems for GKFF. Prior to joining GKFF in 2022, Tania worked in technology helping organization access and use information for social good. She also has over 15 years of nonprofit experience working with Tulsa area youth and families. She has a master’s degree in counseling psychology.
Sara Ross joined GKFF in 2017 and serves as a Program Officer on GKFF’s Equal Opportunity Team. Sara manages GKFF’s Social Services Safety Net (SSSN) grant portfolio and the Summer Impact Program. She also works closely with GKFF’s Accelerator & Impact Grants and initiatives of Tulsa Community Foundation’s Oklahoma Justice Fund. Prior to joining GKFF, Sara worked at the University of Oklahoma (OU) as a student assistant for the College of Professional and Continuing Studies. She graduated from OU in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations and in 2017 with a master’s degree in Human Relations/Human Resource Diversity and Development.
Equal Opportunity
Sara Ross
Program Officer
Sara Ross joined GKFF in 2017 and serves as a Program Officer on GKFF’s Equal Opportunity Team. Sara manages GKFF’s Social Services Safety Net (SSSN) grant portfolio and the Summer Impact Program. She also works closely with GKFF’s Accelerator & Impact Grants and initiatives of Tulsa Community Foundation’s Oklahoma Justice Fund. Prior to joining GKFF, Sara worked at the University of Oklahoma (OU) as a student assistant for the College of Professional and Continuing Studies. She graduated from OU in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations and in 2017 with a master’s degree in Human Relations/Human Resource Diversity and Development.
Amy Monsour Santee is a Senior Program Officer at the George Kaiser Family Foundation. She joined the team in 2006 and is responsible for the foundation’s investments in areas related to female incarceration and criminal justice reform. Amy helped launch several new initiatives in Tulsa including Women in Recovery, Center for Employment Opportunities and most recently Still She Rises. She also manages Tulsa Community Foundation’s Oklahoma Justice Fund, a funding collaborative working to boost economic mobility and reduce incarceration across Oklahoma. She currently serves on the boards of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, Still She Rises, Oklahoma Justice Fund and appointed to the Tulsa County Criminal Justice Planning and Policy Council and CEO advisory council. Amy graduated Order of the Coif from University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2001, where she served as Research Editor of the Oklahoma Law Review. Prior to joining GKFF, she practiced real estate law at the firm of Conner & Winters and served as in-house counsel at WilTel Communications.
Equal Opportunity
Amy Santee
Senior Program Officer
Amy Monsour Santee is a Senior Program Officer at the George Kaiser Family Foundation. She joined the team in 2006 and is responsible for the foundation’s investments in areas related to female incarceration and criminal justice reform. Amy helped launch several new initiatives in Tulsa including Women in Recovery, Center for Employment Opportunities and most recently Still She Rises. She also manages Tulsa Community Foundation’s Oklahoma Justice Fund, a funding collaborative working to boost economic mobility and reduce incarceration across Oklahoma. She currently serves on the boards of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, Still She Rises, Oklahoma Justice Fund and appointed to the Tulsa County Criminal Justice Planning and Policy Council and CEO advisory council. Amy graduated Order of the Coif from University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2001, where she served as Research Editor of the Oklahoma Law Review. Prior to joining GKFF, she practiced real estate law at the firm of Conner & Winters and served as in-house counsel at WilTel Communications.
Suzanne Schreiber works on special projects for GKFF, including Tulsa’s Gathering Place LLC and various policy initiatives. Originally from New Mexico, Ms. Schreiber practiced law for several years and clerked for both the Northern District Court of Oklahoma and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. She graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law and the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in political science and law and society.
Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa
Suzanne Schreiber
Senior Program Officer
Suzanne Schreiber works on special projects for GKFF, including Tulsa’s Gathering Place LLC and various policy initiatives. Originally from New Mexico, Ms. Schreiber practiced law for several years and clerked for both the Northern District Court of Oklahoma and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. She graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law and the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in political science and law and society.
Katelynn joined GKFF in 2022 serving as the administrative coordinator for GKFF's Equal Opportunity team. Prior to joining GKFF, Mrs. Sorenson held operational roles in higher education, non-profit, and financial services industries. She graduated from East Central University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Counseling.
Equal Opportunity
Katelynn Sorenson
Administrative Coordinator
Katelynn joined GKFF in 2022 serving as the administrative coordinator for GKFF's Equal Opportunity team. Prior to joining GKFF, Mrs. Sorenson held operational roles in higher education, non-profit, and financial services industries. She graduated from East Central University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Counseling.
Jeff Stava supports GKFF’s work in overall civic enhancement, placemaking, and beautification. Mr. Stava currently serves as chief operating officer for Tulsa Community Foundation and executive director of Tulsa’s Gathering Place LLC. He has spent most of his career in business and most recently as president/CEO of Outdoor Innovations. Mr. Stava is a 1991 graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in operations management.
Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa
Jeff Stava
Chief Operating Officer (TCF)
Jeff Stava supports GKFF’s work in overall civic enhancement, placemaking, and beautification. Mr. Stava currently serves as chief operating officer for Tulsa Community Foundation and executive director of Tulsa’s Gathering Place LLC. He has spent most of his career in business and most recently as president/CEO of Outdoor Innovations. Mr. Stava is a 1991 graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in operations management.
Dan Sterba is the Director of Data Systems and Technology for the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa for GKFF. He joins the team from the healthcare consulting industry, where he worked on process optimization and software design for large non-profit hospital systems. Mr. Sterba graduated from Brown University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in both Economics and Russian.
Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST)
Dan Sterba
Director of Data Systems and Technology
Dan Sterba is the Director of Data Systems and Technology for the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa for GKFF. He joins the team from the healthcare consulting industry, where he worked on process optimization and software design for large non-profit hospital systems. Mr. Sterba graduated from Brown University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in both Economics and Russian.
Becca Sterling manages the GKFF office and serves as an executive assistant. Ms. Sterling previously worked at the University of Oklahoma (OU) as an event coordinator in the College of Continuing Education. She graduated from OU in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences and a minor in public administration.
Becca Sterling
Senior Administrative Coordinator
Becca Sterling manages the GKFF office and serves as an executive assistant. Ms. Sterling previously worked at the University of Oklahoma (OU) as an event coordinator in the College of Continuing Education. She graduated from OU in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences and a minor in public administration.
Ben Stewart works on talent initiatives at GKFF. Prior to joining GKFF in 2010, Mr. Stewart worked in venture capital for the Oklahoma Life Sciences Fund, lived abroad in Argentina, and worked with social entrepreneurship groups Ashoka and Endeavor. A Tulsa native, he is a 2007 graduate from the Honors College at the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in international business, entrepreneurship and Spanish.
Vibrant and Inclusive Tulsa
Ben Stewart
Senior Program Officer
Ben Stewart works on talent initiatives at GKFF. Prior to joining GKFF in 2010, Mr. Stewart worked in venture capital for the Oklahoma Life Sciences Fund, lived abroad in Argentina, and worked with social entrepreneurship groups Ashoka and Endeavor. A Tulsa native, he is a 2007 graduate from the Honors College at the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in international business, entrepreneurship and Spanish.
Allison joined GKFF in 2019 as Director of Operations for the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa. With over 15 years experience in education, first as a teacher and instructional coach and then moving on to systems-level roles in K-12 education, Allison most recently worked as a district administrator in Denver Public Schools and then nationally as a consultant. Her professional work has been focused on strategic planning, program implementation and scale-up efforts through an equity lens, including leadership, instructional and HR policies and practices, as well as management of large public grants. Allison earned Bachelor’s degrees in creative writing and American Studies from the University of Illinois, an MA in American Studies from the University of East Anglia in England, and a Masters of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST)
Allison Trombley
Director of Operations
Allison joined GKFF in 2019 as Director of Operations for the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa. With over 15 years experience in education, first as a teacher and instructional coach and then moving on to systems-level roles in K-12 education, Allison most recently worked as a district administrator in Denver Public Schools and then nationally as a consultant. Her professional work has been focused on strategic planning, program implementation and scale-up efforts through an equity lens, including leadership, instructional and HR policies and practices, as well as management of large public grants. Allison earned Bachelor’s degrees in creative writing and American Studies from the University of Illinois, an MA in American Studies from the University of East Anglia in England, and a Masters of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Amy joined GKFF in 2018 as the Director of Research Partnerships for the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST). She comes to GKFF from Oklahoma State University, where as a Clinical Associate Professor she held leadership roles in early childhood workforce development, including serving as the Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator and Oklahoma Co-Coordinator for the National Family Development Credential. She is a graduate of Tulsa Edison High School and holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Development & Family Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a Master of Education degree in Sport & Exercise Psychology from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human & Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University.
Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST)
Amy Tate
Director of Research Partnerships
Amy joined GKFF in 2018 as the Director of Research Partnerships for the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST). She comes to GKFF from Oklahoma State University, where as a Clinical Associate Professor she held leadership roles in early childhood workforce development, including serving as the Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator and Oklahoma Co-Coordinator for the National Family Development Credential. She is a graduate of Tulsa Edison High School and holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Development & Family Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a Master of Education degree in Sport & Exercise Psychology from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human & Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University.
Annie Koppel Van Hanken oversees GKFF’s early childhood education and common education initiatives. Before joining the Foundation in 2002, Ms. Van Hanken worked in inner-city Los Angeles at a community-based youth development center. She serves as board president for Tulsa Educare and Tulsa Legacy Charter School. Ms. Van Hanken also serves on the board of Sunbeam Family Services of Oklahoma City and is a gubernatorial appointee on Oklahoma’s Early Childhood Advisory Council. She has a master’s degree in education, with an emphasis on learning disabilities, from the University of Texas at Austin and a dual bachelor’s degree in English and history, with a minor in classics, from Tulane University.
Equal Opportunity
Annie Koppel Van Hanken
Senior Program Officer
Annie Koppel Van Hanken oversees GKFF’s early childhood education and common education initiatives. Before joining the Foundation in 2002, Ms. Van Hanken worked in inner-city Los Angeles at a community-based youth development center. She serves as board president for Tulsa Educare and Tulsa Legacy Charter School. Ms. Van Hanken also serves on the board of Sunbeam Family Services of Oklahoma City and is a gubernatorial appointee on Oklahoma’s Early Childhood Advisory Council. She has a master’s degree in education, with an emphasis on learning disabilities, from the University of Texas at Austin and a dual bachelor’s degree in English and history, with a minor in classics, from Tulane University.
LaBrisa, a Tulsa native, serves as a Program Officer on GKFF’s Equal Opportunity team. She is responsible for developing new programs in support of the foundation’s efforts to reduce domestic violence, sexual assault and substance abuse. She is a strong leader with experience in creating and executing programs that address health inequities in underserved communities. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, LaBrisa spent two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer developing HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programs in Botswana, Africa. She has also served as the Founding Executive Director of the Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative and completed community health-related fellowships with the Aspen Institute and the Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth. LaBrisa is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health from the University of South Florida.
Equal Opportunity
LaBrisa Williams
Program Officer
LaBrisa, a Tulsa native, serves as a Program Officer on GKFF’s Equal Opportunity team. She is responsible for developing new programs in support of the foundation’s efforts to reduce domestic violence, sexual assault and substance abuse. She is a strong leader with experience in creating and executing programs that address health inequities in underserved communities. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, LaBrisa spent two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer developing HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programs in Botswana, Africa. She has also served as the Founding Executive Director of the Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative and completed community health-related fellowships with the Aspen Institute and the Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth. LaBrisa is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health from the University of South Florida.
INVESTMENT TEAM
Robert Thomas, Chief Investment Officer
Robert Thomas is responsible for the financial administration and management of the George Kaiser Family Foundation’s investment portfolio. Before joining the Foundation, he was a portfolio manager for the Bill Gates investment office. The Gates office invests the personal assets of Mr. Gates as well as the assets of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Mr. Thomas is currently the board chair for both City Year Tulsa and Undercroft Montessori School. Originally from Washington state, Mr. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Claremont McKenna College magna cum laude and is a chartered financial analyst (CFA) charterholder.
Wendy Buss supports the Chief Investment Officer and the GKFF investment team. Prior to joining GKFF in 2022, Ms. Buss worked at Memorex Telex NV, and she later graduated from the Tulsa School of Court Reporting. She was a long-term employee of The University of Tulsa within the College of Law and Offices of the Provost and President, and studied organizational communication at TU.
Wendy Buss
Administrative Coordinator
Wendy Buss supports the Chief Investment Officer and the GKFF investment team. Prior to joining GKFF in 2022, Ms. Buss worked at Memorex Telex NV, and she later graduated from the Tulsa School of Court Reporting. She was a long-term employee of The University of Tulsa within the College of Law and Offices of the Provost and President, and studied organizational communication at TU.
Larry helps manage GKFF’s investment portfolio. Prior to joining the foundation, Larry was a professional competitor in Magic: the Gathering, the world’s oldest and one of its most popular trading card games. At his peak, he was the top ranked player in Oklahoma and a top 200 ranked player globally. He is a Tulsa native who graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics.
Larry Li
Senior Investment Analyst
Larry helps manage GKFF’s investment portfolio. Prior to joining the foundation, Larry was a professional competitor in Magic: the Gathering, the world’s oldest and one of its most popular trading card games. At his peak, he was the top ranked player in Oklahoma and a top 200 ranked player globally. He is a Tulsa native who graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics.
Kadee Pettway helps manage the back office and accounting needs of the GKFF investment team at GKFF. Prior to joining GKFF in 2020, Ms. Pettway worked as an auditor at the State of Oklahoma. She is a 2018 graduate from the Honors College at the University of Oklahoma summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in economics, international business and French.
Kadee Pettway
Investment Analyst
Kadee Pettway helps manage the back office and accounting needs of the GKFF investment team at GKFF. Prior to joining GKFF in 2020, Ms. Pettway worked as an auditor at the State of Oklahoma. She is a 2018 graduate from the Honors College at the University of Oklahoma summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in economics, international business and French.
Antonella serves as an analyst for GKFF’s investment portfolio, where she is primarily responsible for identifying and analyzing investment opportunities to support the foundation’s philanthropic activities. She supports the team in all aspects of the decision-making process, including the continual management of portfolio investments. Previously, Antonella worked at Tulsa Innovation Labs (TIL) where she played a key role in launching a $25 million energy innovation program in partnership with Williams, ONEOK, Devon, and Energy Innovation Capital. Antonella holds a B.A. in Finance from the University of Oklahoma and earned a master’s in Strategy and International Management from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. In her spare time, she enjoys meditation, yoga, and spending time in nature.
Antonella Snyder
Investment Analyst
Antonella serves as an analyst for GKFF’s investment portfolio, where she is primarily responsible for identifying and analyzing investment opportunities to support the foundation’s philanthropic activities. She supports the team in all aspects of the decision-making process, including the continual management of portfolio investments. Previously, Antonella worked at Tulsa Innovation Labs (TIL) where she played a key role in launching a $25 million energy innovation program in partnership with Williams, ONEOK, Devon, and Energy Innovation Capital. Antonella holds a B.A. in Finance from the University of Oklahoma and earned a master’s in Strategy and International Management from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. In her spare time, she enjoys meditation, yoga, and spending time in nature.
Reid Spears helps manage GKFF’s investment portfolio and assists the philanthropic team in various areas. Before joining the Foundation, Mr. Spears spent a year volunteering at an orphanage in South Africa, where he became interested in promoting early childhood education and strong family initiatives. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and the program of liberal studies. He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Reid Spears
Managing Director
Reid Spears helps manage GKFF’s investment portfolio and assists the philanthropic team in various areas. Before joining the Foundation, Mr. Spears spent a year volunteering at an orphanage in South Africa, where he became interested in promoting early childhood education and strong family initiatives. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and the program of liberal studies. He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Brian Zorb is part of the team that manages GKFF's investment portfolio. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2012, Mr. Zorb worked at DUMAC (Duke University’s endowment). He graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in economics and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Brian Zorb
Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Brian Zorb is part of the team that manages GKFF's investment portfolio. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2012, Mr. Zorb worked at DUMAC (Duke University’s endowment). He graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in economics and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.