OKC FRIDAY Vol. 58 No. 39• One Section • 14 pages • January 17, 2025
$1 per copy
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 51 years
OKCITYAN OF THE YEAR Jones is dedicated to service By Rose Lane Editor
DR. MAUTRA STALEY JONES President Oklahoma City Community College
Former OKCityans of the Year 2024-Bill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation 2023-Sun Ann Arnall, President and Board Member, Arnall Family Foundation 2022-Chris Keesee, Chairman, Kirkpatrick Bank, Kirpatrick Foundations 2021-Healthcare Heroes 2020-Debby Hampton, President and CEO, United Way of Central Oklahoma 2019-Bob Ross, President and CEO, Inasmuch Foundation 2018-Kari Watkins, Executive Director, OKC National Memorial and Museum 2017-David Holt, District 30, State Senator 2016-David Rainbolt, CEO, BancFirst Corporation 2015-Judy Love, Philanthropist,
Volunteer, Love’s Travel Stops 2014-Dick Sias, Oilman, Vinter, Philanthropist 2013-Robert Henry, President, Oklahoma City University 2012-Carl Edwards, Chairman, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce 2011-Mary Fallin, Oklahoma Governor 2010-Mick Cornett, Mayor, OKC 2009-Clay Bennett, CEO, Dorchester Capital; Owner, Oklahoma City Thunder 2008-Michael Anderson, President, CEO, Presbyterian Health Foundation 2007-Marty Grubbs, Senior Pastor, Crossings Community Church 2007-Lee Allan Smith, Man of the Decade, Oklahoma Events 2006-Luke Corbett, CEO, Kerr-McGee 2005-Tom McDaniel, President, OCU 2004-Burns Hargis, BOK, Chamber
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Meet Stella, Luisa Garcia and her family’s delightful 2-year-old chihuahua! While her playful energy might lead some to think she’s a little whirlwind, she’s actually the sweetest angel you could ever meet. Stella’s favorite pastime is playing with her beloved turtle toy, and when it comes to food, she’s a true connoisseur — especially when it involves a juicy steak with all the flavorful bones. It’s clear she rules the roost as the queen of our hearts and home. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
Chairman 2003-Christy Everest, The Oklahoman 2002-Larry Nichols, CEO, Devon Energy 2001-Ed Farrell, President, ONG 2000-Dave Bialis, VP, Cox Communications 1999-Marvin Crawford, OKC School Superintendent 1998-Kara Gae Wilson, Metro Tech Superintendent 1997-Dave Lopez, Oklahoma Pres., SBC 1996-Chas Van Ryselberg, President, Greater OKC Chamber 1995-Bruce Buchanan, CEO, Mercy Hospital 1994-Drew Roy, Oklahoma President, SBC 1993-Barry Herr, Gen. Mgr., General Motors plant 1992-Stan Hupfeld, CEO, Integris Medical AND J.B. Ellis, Oklahoma Pres., SBC
For her service and dedication to future generations, OKC FRIDAY names Oklahoma City Community College President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones its OKCityan of the Year. Dr. Jones made history on March 1, 2022, when she became the 11th president of OCCC, the first woman and first person of color to serve as the president of the college. Her appointment also made Oklahoma history as she is the first African American female to be the president of any institution in the state which is not a historically Black college and university. “I’ve known Dr. Mautra Staley Jones for almost 20 years, and her passion for serving young people and enhancing education has never wavered,” said her good friend Sunny Cearley, Allied Arts president and CEO. “Her journey to become president of See JONES, Page 2
First cupcake vending machine founder to speak at Low luncheon Candace Nelson, nationally recognized for founding Sprinkles, the world’s first cupcake vending machine, is the speaker for the Juliette Low Leadership Society’s (JLLS) annual luncheon. Nelson was announced at the JLLS planning committee kickoff party at Camp Trivera. The luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 20 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Nelson revolutionized the baking industry, first with
Sprinkles and later when she launched Pizzana, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded pizzeria chain. Alongside her husband, she co-founded CN2 Ventures and Play 2 Progress. “We are delighted to welcome Candace Nelson as our keynote speaker,” said Jill Trauschke, luncheon co-chair along with Christi Woodworth. “Her insights on how to follow your dreams to successfully turn passion into profit will inspire See LUNCHEON, Page 7