Vol. 60, No. 8
People You Should Know
July 3, 2026
4 Sections • 40 Pages
Most Powerful Oklahomans
1. CLAY BENNETT Chairman OKC Thunder
2. DAVID HOLT Mayor Oklahoma City
3. TOM COLE U.S. Representative 4th District
Bennett takes top spot in annual poll
TRAVIS MASON Director Cushman and Wakefield 2026 OKC FRIDAY Most Powerful Young Professional Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory? I was born and raised in Oklahoma City. Favorite memories were that we did everything as a family. My brother, sister and I were incredibly fortunate to have present parents who fostered a house full of adventure, expectations, fun, volunteerism, love and structure. What did you want to be when you grew up? Governor of Oklahoma. What are you most passionate about professionally? The ability to help create momentum and have a positive impact in my community. Has your definition of success changed as you’ve developed your career? It has. Over the years, I have gotten better at comparing myself to potential — not to peer. For me, professional success is being See PYSK, Page 10
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4. JAMES LANKFORD U.S. Senator State of Oklahoma
5. DAVID RAINBOLT Executive Chairman BancFirst Corp.
6. SUE ANN ARNALL CEO Arnall Family Found.
7. SAM PRESTI V.P., General Manager OKC Thunder
8. BILL ANOATUBBY Governor Chickasaw Nation
9. KEVIN STITT Governor State of Oklahoma
10. MARKWAYNE MULLIN Secretary U.S. Homeland Security
Dillingham, Markes to perform at fair Oklahoma cultural ambassadors Kyle Dillingham and Peter Markes have been selected to represent Oklahoma as featured performers during the Freedom250 Great American State Fair, a national celebration commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States. The fair continues through July 10 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where
By Rose Lane Editor Clay Bennett secured the No. 1 spot in the 2026 OKC FRIDAY Most Powerful Oklahomans poll of business and community leaders. In No. 2 was Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. The pair switched places as the mayor was No. 1 last year and Bennett came in at No. 2. 1. In addition to owning the 2025 NBA champion Thunder, Clay Bennett is the CEO of Dorchester Capital, a diversified, private investment firm. See POWERFUL, Page 2
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Two-year-old Cubbie is a Sheep-a-Doodle whose mom is Jane Kirton. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@ okcfriday.com.
See FAIR, Page 11
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