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 | James Leewright Chief Executive Officer Leads the association's public policy, advocacy and regulatory efforts on behalf of the travel and tourism industry, and works with the association lobbyist. |
 | Debra Bailey, CAE President Responsible for the fiscal management of the association, as well as directing staff activities, office operations, and communication with officers. First point of contact for Oklahoma Tourism Conference, Lt. Governor Summits, and Red Bud Awards. Also serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association. |
 | Patti Colley, IOM, CMP Chief Strategy Officer Responsible for communicating the association’s mission and elevating its brand. Directs industry relations and Strategic Partnership Marketing initiatives, as well as marketing collaborations. Oversees activities surrounding association meetings and events. Also serves as Chief Strategy Officer of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and President of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association. |
 | Roberta Helsley Vice President Supports the President while managing association activities including the Lt. Governor Tourism Summits across Oklahoma, as well as member educational experiences and speaker/facilitator considerations. Responsible for initiatives that bring together industry and education through student programs including Oklahoma ProStart and HospitAbilities, each of which fosters careers in hospitality, culinary arts, and restaurant management. Roberta also represents the OTIA through her work on Advisory Boards for OSU IT, Metro Technology Center, Northwest Classen High School, and Francis Tuttle Technology Center-Service Careers. |
 | Collin Graham Chief Member Services & Regulatory Officer Primary responsibilities include new member recruitment, retention, hospitality industry research, and helping members through the challenges of opening and operating a foodservice business. Also ServSafe certified food safety instructor and teaches ABLE certified "ACE" alcohol compliance classes. Directs activities surrounding the development and management of membership preferred supplier and discount programs. |
 | "Bety" Elizabeth Sanchez Director, Training & Accounting Elizabeth oversees member fulfillment including member and nonmember databases, dues billings and collection, retention programs and endorsed partner relations. |
 | Surge Ali Manager, Marketing & Technology In 2023, Surge became an integral part of the ORA team, with a distinct focus on elevating the AMS (Association Management System) initiatives. As an AMS administrator, Surge not only ensures the smooth functioning of this essential system but also spearheads its development and management. His contributions extend to various dimensions of ORA's marketing strategies, encompassing digital and print domains. His scope encompassing responsibilities such as curating content for the Oklahoma Restaurateur magazine, crafting web content, orchestrating photography, and shaping graphic design for the association. |
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Jorie Helms |
 | Sarai Maldonado Manager, Member Care Since joining our team in 2019, Sarai plays a pivotal role as your initial point of contact, whether you're reaching out by phone or updating your membership information. She takes the helm in member fulfillment, managing member records, data, and dues. Sarai's expertise extends to overseeing ServSafe Food Safety enrollment and class proctoring. As a Certified ServSafe Proctor, she ensures the highest standards of food safety education. |
 | Lacey Pierson Manager, Expo, Meetings & Events Lacey became a member of OTIA staff in 2021 and is responsible managing many of the association’s meetings and events. She is a Certified ServSafe Proctor. Lacey serves on the board of directors of the Oklahoma Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. |
 | Julia Jernigan Smith Contract Lobbyist Works in coordination with the CEO to represent industry issues at the state capitol and state agencies. |
Oklahoma Travel Industry Association
