Next Level Leadership - Oklahoma Leaders Unplugged

Rebecca D. Szewczak, DO, FACOFP is a board-certified family physician and Chief Medical Officer at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Enid, OK, where she practices full-scope family medicine with obstetrics. A 2012 graduate of Rocky Vista University and 2015 residency graduate of St. Anthony Family Medicine, she is passionate about rural healthcare and physician advocacy. Dr. Szewczak mentors OSU medical students and serves on the national Board of Governors for the ACOFP, as well as the boards of the Enid YWCA and Northwest Oklahoma Osteopathic Foundation.

Stela Jantzen is the executive director of Park Avenue Thrift, a nonprofit thrift store in Enid, Oklahoma, that supports local nonprofits and schools dedicated to making Enid a great place to live. An Enid native, Stela graduated from Enid High School before earning her degree in Merchandising and Marketing from Oklahoma State University. After returning to Enid in 2009, she and her husband, Riley, opened The Felt Bird, a beloved gift boutique in downtown Enid. Driven to make a difference in downtown and help it succeed, Stela began volunteering with Main Street Enid, a nonprofit working to revitalize downtown as the heart of the community. Her dedication led to her being hired as assistant director in 2012. In 2019, Stela found the perfect blend of her love for retail and nonprofit work when she became the executive director at Park Avenue Thrift. Under her leadership, the organization has contributed $2 million over the past five years to more than 50 local organizations that make the community she loves a vibrant and thriving place to be. Stela believes that strong communities are built through collaboration, generosity, and a shared vision for growth.

Molly Helm is the chief thinker and writer at Purple Ink, where she works closely with nonprofits and growing businesses. With 25 years of experience in corporate marketing, nonprofit leadership, and communications, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her work. A longtime nonprofit board member, she’s contributed to marketing, governance, and fundraising efforts. Molly was named one of the Fifty Who Make a Difference in Oklahoma and is a Leadership Oklahoma alum.

Greg Hodgen is the CEO of Groendyke Transport, Inc., one of the nation's top tank-truck carriers specializing in bulk liquid and hazardous materials transport. Since joining the company in 1991, he has held several key leadership roles and led Groendyke through significant growth, including its largest acquisition in 2019 and multiple national safety awards. In addition to his corporate leadership, Greg is deeply involved in industry associations like the American Trucking Associations and NTTC and is active in community service through organizations focused on education, workforce development, and civic engagement.

We’re celebrating a major milestone — over 1,000 downloads of the Next Level Leadership: Oklahoma Leaders Unplugged podcast! Thank YOU for tuning in and supporting real conversations with real Oklahoma leaders. To mark the occasion, we’re dropping a Celebratory Special Edition featuring a powerful conversation on strategic partnerships with two incredible guests: Col. Throckmorton Commander of 71st flying training Wing of Vance Air Force Base and Mayor David Mason of Enid.

Courtney Dennis is the Executive Director of YWCA Enid, a nonprofit supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Northwest Oklahoma. She has over a decade of experience in victim services and has led the YWCA as CEO since September 2020. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Courtney’s expertise spans nonprofit leadership, victim and social services, mental health, marketing, and sales. Courtney is a member of Leadership Oklahoma Class 37, End Violence Oklahoma, Rotary Club of Enid, The Care Campus, and Enid Women in Business. Courtney is also active with Vance Air Force Base, OKGOP, Junior Welfare League of Enid, Leadership Greater Enid, P.E.O. Chapter FS, and Gaslight Theatre. Courtney received the Enid Young Professionals Top 10 Under 40 Award in 2018. In May 2025, she will begin serving as the City of Enid’s Ward 6 Commissioner.

Max McKnight is a dynamic professional with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a minor in Economics from Oklahoma State University. With over 20 years of experience in Community Economic Development, Max has significantly collaborated with various chambers of commerce to drive growth and innovation. His passion for workforce development led him to the Oklahoma CareerTech system, where he served as an Industrial Coordinator at Metro Tech. He now excels as the Director of Workforce Training for the Oklahoma State Department of Career and Technology Education. In this pivotal role, he spearheads a dedicated team that empowers adults through education and advancing economic development initiatives that shape the community's future. Max McKnight is not just a leader; he is a catalyst for change and growth in the workforce landscape.

My name is Raquel Gramillo. I was born in Mexico then my family immigrated to the United Stated when I was 4 years old in search of better life and opportunities.  We settled in Enid, Oklahoma where I attended Enid Public Schools until I transitioned to homeschooling. I ventured out into various jobs gaining experiences that helped me understand the workforce better. In 2020, I started my career in healthcare when I joined Great Salt Plains Health Center. I first started as a receptionist then was promoted to front desk supervisor before my one-year anniversary. Then I was promoted again a year later to Practice Administrator where I manage the business and operational side of our health centers in Enid. Despite not having a college education, this achievement demonstrated the hard work, commitment, and a willingness to learn can lead to significant opportunities. This opportunity also allowed me to find my passion for serving the community. Currently, I serve on the on the Steering Committee for the Rural Health Projects Family Resource Center. I’m a part of the current United Way NextGen Program. Recently, I founded the Garfield County Hispanic Coalition which focuses on supporting and uplifting the Hispanic Community in our area. Soon, I will begin my term as a board member for the CARE campus. I’m a Frontline Leadership Alumni. This course helped me grow and find the confidence I needed as a new leader to later be promoted into my current role.

Dan Schiedel is currently in his 9th year as the Executive Director and CEO of United Way of NW Oklahoma, where he works with the community as a collaborator, connector, and convener and helps to raise funds & provide resources for 14 Enid nonprofit partner agencies that provide human services to those in need in Enid and NW Oklahoma. Before coming to Enid and to the United Way, Dan was in Public Broadcasting for nearly 30 years where he managed and produced diverse media projects for PBS stations in South Dakota, Missouri, Wyoming, and Oklahoma. He is a native of South Dakota and a graduate of the University of South Dakota where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Journalism and Contemporary Media. Dan serves on numerous local and statewide boards and is a current member & past President of the Enid Rotary Club and past President of the Riveron Wyoming and Claremore Oklahoma Rotary clubs.

Dwight’s legacy encompasses over 30 years in the Careertech sector. His most recent accomplishment being recognized for the Francis Tuttle Award for his exemplary dedication to our state’s education. As a prominent figure in various boards and councils, he contributes his expertise and insights to foster growth and development in the CTE landscape. Steering initiatives that aim to bridge gaps and foster innovation in career and technical education. Dwight's dedication to his community and the field of career and technical education is further evidenced by his involvement with The Oklahoma Academy Board of Directors, the Autry Tech Foundation, the Grand National Quail Club, and the Oakwood Country Club. As a distinguished graduate of Leadership Oklahoma Class XXIII, Dwight R. Hughes continues to inspire with his unwavering dedication to fostering a brighter, more prosperous future through education and community engagement.

An entrepreneurial business owner and commodity broker, with extensive experience in global and regional agribusiness. He is an active community member for Rotary, and Ambucs, an advisory board member for CSCF, a graduate of Class 31 of Leadership Oklahoma, and on the Board of Governors for OSU Foundation.

As CEO of Magellan Executive Partners, David is passionate about helping CEOs and owners grow their organizations, their leaders, and their team. David is an expert in strategic thinking, executive development and executive coaching. David’s greatest attribute is the deep level of trust and friendship he builds with those he has the opportunity to know and serve. Notably, David is the former CEO of Ditch Witch® Construction Equipment. With more than 1600 employees and 140 dealers in 40 countries, the company is the world’s largest manufacturer of underground construction equipment.

Jennifer, has a 25-year legacy in environmental remediation. She has been part of Whiterock Resources since its inception in 2014 with partner Bryan Fischer. Their core values embody a unique blend of Integrity, Work Ethic, Professional Excellence, and Loyalty. Through strategic acquisitions, WR have seen phenomenal growth and Jennifer's role as CEO has propelled Whiterock to new heights. Jennifer's impact stretches beyond business; she is on the VAFB Restoration Advisory Board, a LGE alumnus, Junior Welfare League of Enid supporter and past president of YWCA. A true advocate for learning and development, Jennifer instills a culture of growth within Whiterock. Recently completing Pat Lencioni’s 6 types of Working Genius for her team, her commitment to continuous improvement elevates both individuals and the company as a whole.

Lt. Col. Fillmore, a dynamic leader with an impressive background in special operations and healthcare! His incredible journey has taken him across the globe—from the rugged terrains of Africa and Afghanistan to the vibrant landscapes of Germany and right here in the U.S where he served as the Commander of the 71st Medical Group at Vance Air Force Base Enid, where his passion for leadership and commitment to helping others truly shone through. One of his groundbreaking ideas for Autry was the "From the War Room to the Board Room" series, designed to bridge military leadership principles with the business world. This innovative initiative covered a range of leadership topics that empowered professionals in all fields. Now residing in sunny Florida with his family, Stuart continues to make waves as the Division Chief for Special Ops and Medical Readiness.

Dudley brings an impressive 20 years of dynamic experience in the field of education, igniting passion and excellence at every turn! His journey began on the grand stage of the NAIA National Championship, where his love for football blossomed into a remarkable coaching career that has inspired athletes across our great state. In 2005, Dudley took the helm as a coach at Enid Public Schools, where he not only shaped young athletes but also laid the groundwork for his transition into educational administration. With a relentless pursuit of knowledge, he earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership, stepping into the role of Superintendent at Chisholm Public Schools, where he made a significant impact. In 2023, Dudley returned to Enid Public Schools, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fresh vision for leadership. A true advocate for growth and development, he has recently introduced innovative initiatives like the Gallup engagement survey and Clifton Strengths coaching, empowering his leadership faculty to reach new heights. Dudley’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and engagement is transforming the educational landscape, making him a true leader in the field!

An accomplished Air Force professional with a long history in installation and operations. She is currently responsible for Vance's flying operations and base operations contracts. She is passionate about developing leadership skills within her support group and helping her team be the best leaders.

Oscar Melendez Jr, the Health & Safety Director at R&R Oilfield Services, is a passionate advocate for empowering Spanish-speaking-only employees in the Oil & Gas industry and beyond. With a personal mission to educate and uplift his co-workers and workers across various industries, Oscar has dedicated himself to creating real change within the Hispanic Community. By joining networks and committees, he is actively working to educate businesses, employers, and the next generation on the importance of safety, responsibility, and honoring our past. Oscar's vision and dedication are driving impactful and transformative initiatives that will benefit countless Hispanic individuals and communities.

Stan Clark, a Tulsa native, graduated from Oklahoma State University in May of 1975 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Clark and childhood friend Steve File opened Eskimo Joe’s on July 21, 1975. Clark has built a restaurant and a retail brand that has gained national, even international notoriety. In 2002, Clark created EJPPG, a Business-2-Business entity that helps other organization with their marketing and promotional needs. Clark credits all of his companies’ success to the people who create the magic every day for their guests. “Our people truly are our business,” he has said for years. “We should create a good feeling with every interaction with every guest, every day!” One of the company’s legacies is their support of the Stillwater Community particularly the United Way of Payne County. They’re also major sponsors of Special Olympics of Oklahoma, the Stillwater Public Education Foundation, the Eddie Sutton Foundation and Cowboys vs. Cancer program, and various other OSU departments or programs, including the South Entry Plaza of Boone PIckens Stadium and the Eskimo Joe’s Future Teacher scholarships. Stan is married and the proud father of three.

Bert has served on several boards including Oneok and was a founding member of the Oklahoma Foundation of Excellence, Oklahoma Academy for Goals, Board of Governors for St. Marys Regional Medical Center, President of Oklahoma Jaycees, Enid Economic Coalition, United Way, NWOSU & NOC foundations and the Enid Higher Education Council. Bert has recently been inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame.

Alex currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Jiffy Trip and has spent the last 12 years managing Jiffy Trip’s operations as they continue towards their strategic growth plan of operating over 100 convenience stores throughout the Midwest Region. He previously served as the President of the Board for the United Way of Northwest Oklahoma, United Way Campaign Chair in 2021. Alex currently serves as Board Chairman for the Enid Chamber of Commerce. Alex previously served as Board Chairman for the Oklahoma Convenience Store Association and is a current Board Member.

Matt has been integral to the success of PT with over 35 years experience. Encompassing operational excellence in leadership, change management, and process improvement. Matt is an industry and community leader with a mission to continue a positive culture shift not just within PT but in community engagement and economic development. He is the current board chair for ERDA and on the board of governors for St. Marys. In 2022 Matt received the 55 over 55 Award for Inspiring Oklahomans.

Anna is an experienced trainer specializing in communication and leadership. With a Communication degree from UCO and an MBA from Boston University, she has nearly 20 years of global experience. Anna's expertise includes emotional intelligence, conversational intelligence, DiSC, Spectrum, and Colors Development. As a certified John Maxwell trainer, she's committed to continuous learning and impactful coaching.

Carrie Sanders joined the Cherokee Strip Community Foundation in September 2020. She has over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership. Prior to CSCF, Carrie served as the Executive Director at Loaves & Fishes of NW OK and YWCA Enid.

David is Enid’s 48th Mayor. He has an extensive background in education and the insurance industry. He has taught various subjects for 12 years before transitioning to become an insurance agent and later a District Manager. David has been actively involved in various community organizations and boards, showcasing his commitment to service and leadership.

Dr. Marcie Mack is the Executive Director of the Enid Regional Development Alliance.  She has worked in several segments of economic development for nearly 30 years.  Dr. Mack recently served as Director of Talent Acquisition at MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor, Oklahoma.  She was the State Director for Oklahoma CareerTech and previously was Assistant Superintendent at Autry Technology Center in Enid...