May your days be merry and bright!

Hope you have been enjoying the holiday season! Looking back on this year, I am beyond proud of OKCMAR’s accomplishments and the volunteers of the board and committees for their commendable leadership. The Homeless Initiative Committee, led by Peter Fulmer and Anna Clifton, launched The Way Home initiative and gift fund. Through volunteer hours and donations, OKCMAR has collaborated with various organizations involved in aiding the unhoused around the metro, including the Homeless Alliance and Focus on Home. OKCMAR is also a partner in the city’s Key to Home initiative.

LaNell Long and Sharyl Pickens’ RPAC Committee has plenty to celebrate! OKCMAR has received the RPAC President’s Cup and Triple Crown Award for the second time. The record-breaking participation rate put OKCMAR at 23rd out of 128 NAR large boards!

Thank you, Glen Cosper and Jessica Thompson for continued dedication to government affairs. Adding to the list of victories this year is the passing of another OKCMAR supported ballot initiative, keeping OKC big league.

OKCMAR reached NAR’s Commercial Accreditation gold status, becoming one of only 26 associations nationwide and the only in the state with this honor! Congratulations to Commercial Alliance Committee leaders Kristi Hutton and Kimberly Robbins.

On the education forefront, 183 classes were offered this year and 3398 members took them! Thank you Education Committee Chair and Vice-Chair Steve Reese and Don Lorg for your guidance in maintaining and improving this excellent membership benefit.

And a round of applause for the outgoing OKCMAR board members Kara Bowes, Jeremy Kimbro, Kacie Kinney and Steve Reese!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as president. As I pass the gavel, my message to OKCMAR members is to stay engaged. Vote! Whether it is for board elections or an issue in our jurisdiction, your involvement matters to the development of the community and the industry.

Carolyn Sims

2023 OKCMAR President