OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) is pleased to announce the seven individuals who will be honored at this year’s Visions: A Celebration of Nonprofit Leadership (Visions Awards). The event will be held at Oklahoma City’s National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum on November 30, 2021.
The honorees are all agents of change in their community, providing leadership to enrich and enliven those they serve. These individuals are thoughtful, passionate, tenacious and creative in seeking out solutions to problems. They inspire others with their conviction and drive, give a voice to those without, and act with their highest integrity to provide Oklahomans resources otherwise not available.
This year’s honorees are Casey Bakhsh of Tulsa Cares, Ranya Forgotson-O’Connor and Whitley O’Connor of Curbside Chronicle, Dr. Robert Block, Sally Starling of Oklahoma City Ballet, Dr. George Young of Oklahoma State Senate, and Bob Blackburn of Oklahoma Historical Society.
Marnie Taylor, President and CEO of OKCNP, says the honorees exemplify what is best about Oklahoma’s nonprofit sector. “I look at this group of incredible people and am instantly grateful. Their work makes their communities stronger and Oklahoma a better place to live.”
Casey Bakhsh, Tulsa Cares, will be honored with the Inasmuch Special Recognition Award. This award goes to a nonprofit employee who has exhibited excellence throughout the past year, and has worked tirelessly to make a difference in the everyday work of a charitable organization.
Ranya Forgotson-O’Connor and Whitley O’Connor, Curbside Chronicle, will be honored with the Rodney Bivens Innovation Award. The award is given to visionary leaders or volunteers who burst on the scene with a dynamic and innovative idea. It honors the groundbreaking changes that brought newfound success in the organization’s mission or pioneered a life-changing program. The honorees of the Rodney Bivens Innovation Award will receive a $10,000 award thanks to a generous contribution from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation in honor of the Rodney Bivens’ lifetime achievements with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
Dr. Robert Block will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes an individual who has dedicated himself to philanthropy and volunteer leadership and and has been instrumental in the success of one or more charitable organizations.
Sally Starling, Oklahoma City Ballet, will be honored with the Shirley Shanker Volunteer Award. The award is named after Oklahoma volunteering legend the late Shirley Shanker. The award honors the ongoing work of a champion volunteer in the nonprofit sector.
Dr. George Young, Oklahoma Senator, will be honored with the President’s Award. The President and CEO of OKCNP selects the recipient of the award as a special recognition.
Bob Blackburn, Oklahoma Historical Society, will be honored with the Pat Potts Visionary Award. The award is named in honor of the founder of OKCNP. This award goes to an individual executive leader who – through focus, tenacity and leadership – has inspired the success of a singular organization in carrying out its charitable mission.
“At the heart of philanthropy is the notion that the actions of one person can have a lasting, positive impact on the world. This year’s Visions’ honorees are proof of that,” said Marnie Taylor. “Their work should be celebrated. I am so very grateful that we have a chance to honor them as individuals and their contributions to Oklahoma.”
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