City employees selected for LBA-2027

Five City of Broken Arrow employees were selected for the Leadership Broken Arrow Class of 2027. Their selection reflects the city's commitment to developing leaders from within its ranks.

Each person represents a different city department and brings extensive experience to the 2027 Class. They join a diverse group of professionals dedicated to making a positive impact within the community.

The City of Broken Arrow congratulates Sgt. Jordan Sawyer, Budget Manager Tara Kilpatrick, Fire Battalion Chief Rusty Stringer, Employee Engagement Coordinator Cheryl Owens, and Transportation Division Manager Travis Small on their selection for the program. Their participation is an investment in Broken Arrow's future.

Through Leadership Broken Arrow, a program facilitated by the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce, participants learn more about the city's history, current challenges, and its future.

Leadership Broken Arrow consists of a one-day orientation session and 11 full-day sessions that meet monthly from August through May. Classes feature guest lecturers, experts in their respective fields, local area tours, visits to places with important community missions, leadership training, classroom participation, and opportunities to network with other civic-minded individuals.

Participants will explore Broken Arrow history, social services, manufacturing, city government, healthcare, education, arts and humanities, and public safety.

In addition, they will further discover their own leadership strengths and learn more about how to help meet the demands of a growing community.

Individuals from the City of Broken Arrow selected for this honor are meeting the challenge with enthusiasm and a desire to become even better community leaders.

Sgt. Sawyer, who has served the city for nearly a decade, says he was honored and genuinely excited about being selected.

"Leadership Broken Arrow has an outstanding reputation for developing community leaders, and I viewed being selected as both a privilege and an opportunity," Sawyer said. "I appreciate the investment the Chamber and the city make in developing leaders who are committed to serving Broken Arrow, and I look forward to learning from and alongside the other participants."

Similarly, Fire Battalion Chief Stringer expressed gratitude and hope for the year ahead.

"After nearly three decades serving the citizens of Broken Arrow, I see this is an opportunity to continue growing as a leader while learning from professionals across the community," he said. "I'm excited to broaden my perspective, build meaningful relationships, and become an even more effective servant leader for our city."

Other members of the class echo their sentiments.

Kilpatrick is excited about what she will gain from the program. Since she is not originally from Oklahoma, she looks forward to meeting new people in the community and learning more about the city's history. In addition, her experience across multiple states has shaped her understanding of the vital role community plays in municipal success.

"I have worked in municipal government since 2006 and have worked in two other states besides Oklahoma," Kilpatrick said. "So, I understand the importance of the community in the success of the city."

Likewise Small, is eager to expand his knowledge and foster new connections within the city. He has been with the City of Broken Arrow for almost eight years and looks forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the roles the city's community partners play in its success. His approach centers on collaboration and shared goals for the city's future.

"When we understand each partner's responsibilities and perspectives, we can communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and collaborate in ways that make Broken Arrow an even better place to live," Small said.

Owens has been with the city for four years and facilitates the City's COBA University leadership program, which fosters leadership development within the City of Broken Arrow organization. That role has given her insight into the benefits of personal and professional growth.

"Through that experience, I have seen how powerful it is when people come together to learn from each other, collaborate, and feel empowered to step outside their comfort zone," Owens said. "It is rewarding to watch participants challenge themselves and discover their own leadership potential."

Now that she has been chosen to be a part of the LBA program, she said it reminded her that others see her potential as a leader.

"It truly gave me confidence and encouragement to continue my path to become a leader within the city," Owens said. "I cannot express my gratitude for this opportunity."

Since 2002, more than 580 people have completed the program, according to the Chamber.