THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL 44 | FEBRUARY 2026 OBA Leadership Academy Ninth OBA Leadership Academy Class Gets Underway CULTIVATING EMERGING leaders is critical to the future of our association and our state. To support bar members as they develop the skills and networks necessary to embrace opportunities to serve, the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Leadership Academy kicked off its ninth cohort with members convening for the first time on Jan. 15. Over the coming year, participants will build the skills and networks needed to take on leadership roles within the bar and in their communities. Chosen for their commitment to the profession and community service, the 16 participants were selected to join a program that was a product of the OBA’s 2007 Leadership Conference. The curriculum covers OBA governance, considerations for attorneys in public service and practical training in networking and communication. By the end of this year, these lawyers will be better prepared to assume leadership roles and more effectively contribute to their profession, communities and service organizations. Selected for the ninth class of the OBA Leadership Academy were: Joel Auringer, Tulsa; Mackenzie Kennedy, Tulsa; Matt Kiehn, Oklahoma City; Katie Linhardt, Nichols Hills; Hilda Loury, Oklahoma City; Maxfield Malone, Tulsa; Austin Manley, Yukon; Savannah Mendenhall, Tulsa; Josh Pumphrey, Shawnee; Alyssa Sloan, Oklahoma City; Morgan Smith, Oklahoma City; Elizabeth Stevens, Norman; Alexandra Walsh (King), Tulsa; Bailey Malone Warren, Norman; Mitchell Wells, Tulsa; and Afiya Wilkins, Oklahoma City. OBA Executive Director Janet Johnson welcomed the cohort to its opening session. After learning about OBA governance, the group enjoyed an evening at Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge in Oklahoma City. The group also attended the swearing-in ceremony for new OBA officers and 2026 Board of Governors members. The class will meet every two months throughout 2026 and will celebrate graduation in November. Ms. McCormick is the OBA Director of Educational Programs. By Gigi McCormick OBA Director of Educational Programs Gigi McCormick leads the discussion during the class kickoff in January.
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