About OCPA
Since 1993, our work has paved the way for many policy victories.
The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs was founded in 1993 by Dr. David Brown, an Oklahoma City orthopedic surgeon and longtime board chairman of The Heritage Foundation. Today, OCPA is Oklahoma’s leading conservative think tank, do tank, and battle tank—with a proven track record of success at the state Capitol.
Through our publications, public forums, courtroom advocacy, leadership training, and more, OCPA is working to build an Oklahoma where taxes are low, the burden of government is light, traditional families can flourish, and healthy cultural norms are defended from the attacks of woke radicals.
One of the greatest living Americans, Justice Clarence Thomas, once said: “I’d particularly like to say a word about the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. There are many people who are willing to take advantage of freedom and make no effort to sustain it. So it’s always heartening to see an organization that works to preserve what is so important to sustain.”
Our Mission
To promote the flourishing of the people of Oklahoma by advancing principles and policies that support free enterprise, limited government, individual initiative, personal responsibility, and strong families.
Our Team
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Jonathan Small
President
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Dave Bond
Vice President for Advocacy
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Mandi Broadfoot
Development Director
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Ray Carter
Director, Center for Independent Journalism
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Victor Castillo
Director of Community Engagement
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Heather Dickinson
Executive Assistant
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Brandon Dutcher
Senior Vice President
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Rick Farmer
Dean of the J. Rufus Fears Fellowship
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Maddison Farris
Communications Manager
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Austin Harkey
Legislative Affairs Manager
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Ryan Haynie
Criminal Justice Reform Fellow
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Jennie Kleese
Development Coordinator
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Hallie Milner
Donor Relations Officer
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Tom Newell
Vice President for the Center for Culture and the Family
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Bre Oberdick
Communications Manager
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Rachel Hays Roberts
Executive Vice President
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Curtis Shelton
Policy Research Fellow
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Tyler Williamson
Legislative Affairs Manager
Our Board
Composed of leaders from a range of industries and corporations, our board of trustees exercises overall responsibility for the policies, programs, and direction of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.
Learn MoreCareers / Internships
Do you believe that the world is a better place when freedom allows all citizens to flourish and prosper? If so, take a look at our job and internship openings.
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