TAHRA Board of Directors

Penny Horton, SHRM-SCP, is the founder, principal consultant, and CEO of the boutique management consulting firm Who’s Your HR?. Penny graduated from Wichita State University with an undergraduate degree in Sociology and has a master’s degree in Organization Development from Friend’s University. She has over 20 years of experience in human resources and specializes in strategic guidance that helps businesses navigate the legal complexities of being an employer and optimizing workforce performance.

Penny has extensive proven experience creating and managing human resources and organizational design strategies. She is a trusted expert in human behavior, motivational theory, employee engagement, organizational capability, employment law, HR policy creation, affirmative action, and drug and alcohol testing and compliance.

An active community advocate for small business and entrepreneurship, Penny has served on the board of the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association for four years in various capacities and has been a dual member of both SHRM and TAHRA since 2012. Additionally, Penny is actively involved in and volunteers for several professional organizations that promote the value of people. She has been featured as a speaker at DisruptHR – Tulsa, TulsaHRC, NDASA, DATIA, SAPAA, OKHR and more.

As an HR practitioner, Penny has received tremendous value in her membership with TAHRA through educational opportunities, networking, connections, and access to resources. Volunteering to serve on the TAHRA board is just one way Penny has found to give back to the high-caliber, professional organization that serves such a valuable role for so many within the HR community. Penny believes in TAHRA’s mission, including the professional development of its members by providing the most essential and comprehensive resources available, and wants to help it succeed.

Nancy Gunter is the CEO of Gunter Training, Consulting & Coaching. She has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development and Leadership with an emphasis in Generational Studies. Nancy holds her SPHR and SHRM-SCP and has been practicing in HR for over 15 years. Nancy has been a member of TAHRA for 13 years and has served on the TAHRA board in the past in the roles of Hospitality, VP Programs, VP Leadership, President-Elect, President, and Past President. This past experience, as well as her passion for HR, will help her as she moves back into a leadership role on the Board with TAHRA.

Nancy is a Speaker and Trainer for companies like TDW, City of Oklahoma City, HUD, Anheuser-Busch, Oklahoma State University and many more. Nancy also volunteers with her church, Boston Avenue UMC.

Jackie Ramage graduated from the University of Oklahoma with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human relations, including a special emphasis on organizational development. She received a graduate certificate in Human Resource Diversity and Development further underscoring her passion for the topic in her profession.

Jackie currently serves as the Director of People at Brief Media, a leading veterinary media company that develops practical peer-reviewed educational content and point-of-care tools for veterinary professionals worldwide.

Jackie is a SHRM certified professional, and in 2017 was selected by HR Magazine and the SHRM membership department to represent the top 30 millennials leading HR into the future. In 2021, Jackie received the HR Department of ONE Award presented by TAHRA, which recognizes a TAHRA member who has demonstrated an outstanding effort in operating and managing as the sole HR professional for their company. Jackie served as the co-chair for the 2022 OKHR State Conference and 2022 President-elect for TAHRA. Jackie has volunteered her time in several board positions, including the marketing chair for the Return on Inclusion (ROI) Summit, the social media chair for the Oklahoma HR State Council, and held positions of VP of Public Affairs and VP of Membership for TAHRA.

Lance Thompson has over 25 years of experience with a strong background in Employee Benefit Strategy, Business Development, and HR Technology solutions. Within HR Technology, he notably led a two-state region for several years while serving as the Managing Director for O.C. Tanner, a leading global employee recognition provider, where he deployed creative employee recognition and engagement strategies that focused on improving workplace cultures, employee wellbeing, leadership development, and generational expectations of his clients’ workforce. Lance’s mission in his current role at USI is to deliver superior guidance for middle-market organizations seeking innovative, quantifiable strategies to mitigate the impact of inflation and the increasing costs of employee benefit solutions within an evolving regulatory environment.

Lance is an ambitious leader, communicative team player, and a dedicated top performer. He earned his B.S. from Northeastern State University and serves his community in various ways including the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association, AutismOklahoma.org, and Life Church.

Ashley McIntosh, PHR, is a Consultant for The Persimmon Group where she applies her HR knowledge and project management skills to HRIS implementations and improvements, data analytics projects, and process improvement efforts. Since 2009, she has served in HR generalist, HRIS analyst, project manager, and consultant roles across many industries. Ashley has actively contributed to her current and former employers’ diversity, equity, and inclusion committees where she enhances policies to foster inclusivity and creates reporting and dashboards to bring awareness. Ashley has been an active TAHRA member since 2010 and has served as the Hospitality Chair for TAHRA since 2023.

Ashley is a proud Oklahoma State University graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management. She is a lifelong Tulsan and is an active volunteer in the community.

In her life outside of HR, you can find Ashley attending festivals, watching movies with her husband and three kids, or attempting to reach Genius level on the New York Times Spelling Bee.

Jessica Vaught is an Employment Law attorney that has been representing employers and employees before state and federal courts and administrative agencies and successfully litigating employment disputes across Oklahoma since 2017. Jessica was formerly with the law firm Armstrong & Vaught PLC, but is currently focused on opening her own practice. Her practice includes litigating cases rising under federal and state, employment laws, including the OADA, Title VII, the ADA, the FMLA, USERRA, the FLSA, OPLA, etc. In hopes of better assisting employers in Oklahoma, Jessica obtained her SHRM certification and continually attends local HR group meetings and continuing education seminars with the focus of employment laws and HR practices.

Harrison Kosmider has spent the more than nine years as an attorney representing management in all aspects of employment law and litigation. He regularly counsels clients—including in-house counsel and Human Resources professionals—on compliance matters and helps guide them through the administrative and litigation processes, when necessary. Harrison has extensive experience dealing with all of the major federal employment laws, including Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, the FMLA, and the FLSA, as well as Oklahoma-specific laws and regulations. He has drafted and revised dozens of employee handbooks for companies across the state. He has represented clients in a wide variety of industries including oil and gas, satellite television, industrial supply, mortgage and banking, media, staffing, healthcare and assisted living, to name a few.

Harrison is actively involved in reviewing, researching, and advocating for or against legislation affecting employers and Human Resources professionals. He routinely issues employment law update letters and notices that are published for the general public’s consumption. Harrison’s achievements have earned him inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch (labor and employment law – management; labor and employment litigation) and Oklahoma Super Lawyers’ list of “Oklahoma Rising Stars,” which recognizes the state’s top up-and-coming attorneys.

Harrison obtained his JD from the University of Oklahoma in 2014. He practices law at McAfee & Taft, the largest firm in the state. He is a new TAHRA member but has a long history of aiding Human Resource professionals in compliance and litigation issues and would love to be able to aid in TAHRA’s mission of supporting the region’s top HR professionals.

Over the past decade, LaToya Gordon has established herself as a subject matter expert in Recruiting, Social Media Management, Employee Engagement, and Employee Relations. This expertise, combined with her certification as an HR Generalist and qualifications in ADA Administrative Skills, underscores her commitment to professional excellence in the HR field.

Currently, LaToya is deepening her knowledge by pursuing certifications in Compensation, Payroll, and FMLA through the HR Training Center. Concurrently, she is preparing for the SHRM-SCP certification using the SHRM Learning System, ensuring she remains updated with the latest HR best practices.

At AAON, Inc., where she serves as a Senior HR Generalist, LaToya recently facilitated and presented a Soft Skills Training class for Supervisors and Quality Team Leaders, highlighting her versatility and ability to empower her peers through knowledge sharing. Her foundational education, a High School Diploma, has paved the way for her professional accomplishments and continuous learning.

Though she hasn't previously held a position on the TAHRA board, LaToya's contributions to the ROI Committee and Communications Sub Committee reflect her dedication to the organization's mission. As a speaker, she has been proactive, engaging students at Tulsa Public Schools and leading New Hire Orientation sessions. Beyond her professional duties, LaToya is an active community volunteer, working with organizations like Junior Achievements, United Way's Day of Caring, 918 Wrecker Service, and the Be Heard Movement. Her Coat and Blanket Drive initiative stands as a testament to her altruistic spirit.

Statement about interest or qualifications for TAHRA board - "With a decade-long journey in HR, I've honed my skills and emerged as an expert in key areas pivotal to the evolution of the HR landscape. I'm eager to bring my expertise, continuous learning mindset, and dedication to the TAHRA board. My hands-on experience, coupled with my commitment to community and professional growth, positions me to offer unique insights and proactive leadership to TAHRA."

Terasita Cowan, SHRM-CP, PHR serves as the Benefits Manager for Muscogee Creek Casinos, which has over 1900 employees and 9 casinos throughout Oklahoma.

Terasita has over 20 years experience in human resources, specifically in benefits plan management.

Terasita received a bachelor of Science from Oklahoma City of University and has a Master in Business Administration from Northeastern State University and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction with emphasis on Educational Technologies form Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She also serves on the Tulsa Advisory Board for the Salvation Army. Terasita enjoys spending time with family and reading in her spare time.

Jamie Kilpatrick, the visionary founder and principal consultant of Strategy Suite, stands as a beacon of innovative leadership, skillfully blending military discipline with academic and professional expertise. Her organization is renowned for advancing the training and development of both seasoned and aspiring business leaders.

As a seasoned Army Veteran, Jamie's leadership style is a unique synthesis of discipline, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Her impressive academic background, with advanced degrees in Bio-Chemistry and Bio-Physics from Florida State and Vanderbilt University, complements her extensive experience in innovation, performance management, and leadership development. This blend of education and experience equips Jamie with a comprehensive approach to tackling complex organizational challenges and leading teams to success.

In her multifaceted role at Strategy Suite, Jamie transcends the traditional role of a strategist. She is a mentor, coach, and facilitator, passionately committed to nurturing talent and fostering organizational growth. Her approach is deeply human-centric, focusing on building high-performing teams and cultivating cultures of excellence. She employs her vast knowledge to develop tailored, results-driven solutions that aim for both immediate impact and long-term sustainability.

In addition to her role at Strategy Suite, Jamie currently serves as the Vice President of Education for the TAHRA Board, where she continues to influence and shape the future of HR professionals through her innovative educational strategies and leadership insights.

As a certified partner of Predictive Index, Jamie brings a data-driven perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to guide a diverse range of businesses. Her unwavering commitment to her clients' success is evident in her dedication to unlocking and maximizing their potential.

For organizations seeking a partnership that deeply values success and is committed to fostering growth and excellence, Jamie Kilpatrick and Strategy Suite stand as the premier choice. Her expertise in strategic planning, team building, and organizational development, combined with her role in TAHRA, makes her an invaluable asset in any endeavor.

Stacey Hicks serves as a Senior Human Resources Manager with Community Action Project of Tulsa. She has a passion for creating innovative strategies to deliver affordable health care, mental health resources, and competitive wages through employers and affinity groups. Stacey possesses 25+ years of experience working in benefit design and administration, managing FMLA, HRIS benefit systems, compensation, and financial planning.

She is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management and is serving her third year as Treasurer for the board of Tulsa Area Human Resources Association. She has served on the committee for 2023 Return on Inclusion, the TAHRA 50th anniversary celebration, and presenter for TAHRA Learning Lab.

Stacey became a Tulsa transplant 22 years ago after living on various Native American Reservations and serving tribal communities. She received a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Dakota and works with local and national partnerships to promote mental health and domestic violence awareness through distribution of videos, music, and digital media. Stacey has five children which keeps the family engaged with sports, band, and musical interests.

For over 20 years, David has been consulting in the enterprise software and insurance industry. As a Human Capital Consultant, David helps companies reshape and transform their employee experiences. David consults on Employee Benefits, HRIS Technology, Compensation, Talent Attraction/Retention and Projection Management.

He currently works as the Lead Consultant for Gallagher. Gallagher Better Works(SM) enables you to ensure your people thrive by focusing on their total (physical, emotional, career and financial) wellbeing while optimizing your investment in talent and minimizing human capital risk.

David volunteers as the VP of Sponsorship for OCHRS and for OKHR. He also serves on the Return on Inclusion Committee, the DisruptHR committee and the Kids Chance of Oklahoma planning committee.

For the past 12 years, David has been a head coach for the Owasso Soccer Club. David is from Owasso, Oklahoma. He is half Cherokee and half Thai. He is a proud father of three boys and married his college sweetheart from the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Olgerta Visi, Ph.D., SHRM–SCP, currently serves as Professor and Academic Program Director for Master of Global Human Resources at National University, School of Business and Economics and a Contributing Faculty at Walden University's College of Management and Human Potential. She specializes as a Dissertation Chair for Doctoral Committees in the DBA and Ph.D programs in Business management and HR Management. She also serves as an adjunct faculty at other institutions, bringing 15 years of diverse teaching experience in Business and Human Resource Management (HRM) to both Master's and Doctoral students. Dr. Visi holds a Ph.D. in Business Management, a Master's in Public Administration, and a Bachelor's in Modern Languages from the University of Tirana, AL.

She is a Senior Certified Professional (SCP) with SHRM. She is member of SHRM since 2017 and a member of TAHRA since 2021.

With 15 years of diverse teaching experience across traditional, blended, and online platforms, Dr. Visi specializes in Business Management courses at both the Master's and Doctoral levels. Her professional interests lie at the intersection of practical Business Management and Human Resource Management (HRM) and Development. A committed lifelong learner, she focuses on self-improvement and personal growth, aiming to empower others to discover and leverage their unique strengths. She is passionate about intellectually challenging her students, inspiring them to lead lives filled with purpose and to explore global opportunities.

Over a decade of experience in corporate and public sectors, Dr. Visi has held a variety of HRM roles, particularly in Talent Acquisition and Management. She also offers consulting services in areas such as Organizational Development, HR Policy Design and Implementation, Performance Evaluation, and Career and Organizational Change, with experience spanning Europe and the United States.

Outside her academic and corporate roles, Dr. Visi actively serves and volunteers on Business Program Advisory Committees for several universities in Tampa, Florida. She is a Faculty Adviser for the Delta Mu Delta International Honorary Society in Business. She is also a board member and reviewer for multiple international academic journals, including Economics World Journal, NY, USA; European Journal of Economics and Management Sciences, Vienna, Austria; International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, Rochester, UK. She has authored over a dozen articles in international academic journals.

She has a passion for languages, and aside from English, she speaks fluent her native Albanian, Italian, Spanish, and conversational Turkish. She currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but frequently travels between Tulsa and Tampa, Florida, depending on the season. She enjoys spending winters by the sea and summers in the scenic hills and mountains, where she engages in year-round hiking.

In her free time, Dr. Visi is passionate about traveling, classical music, reading, and spending time outdoors. She loves exploring new places and cultures, and among her most memorable trips are visits to the 'Floor of the World,' the Earth’s lowest point at The Dead Sea in Israel, and 'The Middle of the Earth' (“Mitad del Mundo”) in Quito, Ecuador. Her next adventure goal is to visit the 'Roof of the World' on the Tibetan Plateau in the Himalayas. With a life driven by continuous learning and empowering others, Dr. Visi aspires to inspire!

Michelle Fuller, SPHR, is the Vice President of Human Resources for Accurus Aerospace, a leading Tier II supplier for the global aerospace & defense industry.

Michelle has more than 25 years of human resources experience for both domestic and international companies in manufacturing, oil & gas, and building materials sales & distribution. Since 2017, she has also provided HR consulting services to several local small businesses. A graduate of Oklahoma State University’s college of business, Michelle achieved certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources in 1999, and in 2009 completed the Darrow-Messner Executive Leadership Development Program. She first joined TAHRA early in her career and has maintained membership in Tulsa HRC for many years as well. She participates as a program volunteer for the Overcoming Job Transition (OJT) program in Tulsa and has been a job search coach/volunteer for her church re-entry outreach for many years.

In addition to participation in HR activities and organizations, Ms. Fuller volunteers regularly at the Ronald McDonald House, and has served on the board for the Tulsa Chapter of the OSU Alumni Association. In 2006 she joined the board for Oklahoma Project Woman, a non-profit organization providing breast healthcare for the uninsured, and has held various officer positions over the years, currently serving as Chairman of that board.

Dr. Barbara Abercrombie is the Principal and Owner of Abercrombie Consulting, LLC.  She has extensive experience in Human Resources with an emphasis on employee engagement, generational cohorts in the workplace and change management.  In addition to her consulting work, Barbara is the Vice President of Human Resources at the Housing Authority for the City of Tulsa where she oversees all aspects of HR, compliance, safety and risk management. 

Barbara has her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University and went on to obtain a master’s degree in human resources from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in workforce education and human resource development from Oklahoma State University.  For the past twenty years, Dr. Abercrombie has worked in the field of higher education, holding the positions of HR Director at NSU and OU Tulsa, Associate Vice Chancellor of HR at the University of Arkansas, Vice President of Organizational Effectiveness and Chief HR Officer at Texas A&M University and as Vice Chancellor of Organizational Effectiveness and Chief Human Capital Officer for the University of North Texas System in Dallas.

Cynthia Simmons Taylor is a 20-plus year Human Resources veteran currently serving as the Director of Human Resources at Wallace Design Collective. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and the University of Phoenix where she received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, respectively and holds two certifications in human resources, PHR and SHRM-CP. Cynthia has been a member of TAHRA for 16 years and served two years on the TAHRA Board of Directors as the Chamber Liaison. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for DVIS. While she is an Oklahoma City native, Cynthia has happily called Tulsa home for more than 15 years. Cynthia’s HR experience includes work in long-term care, big box retail, and non-profits. Cynthia is also well-known as a local jazz vocalist performing in many prominent locations around Tulsa.

Leslie Runyan functions as the workplace culture steward for WeStreet Federal Credit Union. She is responsible for leading talent acquisition and retention, professional development, learning development and education, compensation and benefits, all of which impact employee engagement. As a co-executive sponsor to the Diversity and Inclusion Council, Leslie helps support the initiatives related to inclusion and equity across the organization. As Chief Administrative Officer she also oversees the WeStreet Foundation which is focused on investing in partnerships that enhance the well-being of family and communities and internal technology solutions which includes security, process and infrastructure support, and networking. Helping to improve the lives of employees and leaders is critical to the success of any organization and remains a top priority for Runyan, who has over 20 years of experience as a HR leader in several industries including financial services, construction management, health care and manufacturing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master of Science degree in Counseling from Oklahoma State University and her SPHR certification in Human Resources.

In addition to TAHRA, Leslie also serves on the board of Rogers County Youth Services a private, non-profit agency and our only focus is serving the children, youth and families of Rogers County

Christine Beldner is the Vice President and Senior Human Resources Consultant for IRONWOOD Business Consulting, LLC. Christine’s passion is supporting small businesses with all aspects of business operations. Christine serves business as a strategic partner to develop and implement a clear road map for success leaning on her 24 years of experience. Further, Christine’s skill set is the perfect fit for any organization that desires to transform their culture, develop their employees, and implement organizational change. Christine’s depth and breadth of experience allow her to take a 360-degree approach to analyzing complex business challenges and needs.

Christine holds a Bachelor of Science in the Management of Human Resources and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Resource Management. She holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) certification from HRCI and the Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification. Much of Christine’s early career was supporting Department of Defense (DoD) small and large business contractors. Her vast experience includes managing all support function aspects of businesses to include: human resources, finance and accounting, DoD security program management, information technology, and business development. Further, Christine is a skilled leader and mentor. Many of her former employees still reach out to her today for advice and support.

Christine is passionate about educating professionals about the diverse aspects of human resources and is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences across the country. She covers a broad range of HR topics, from recruitment strategies and managing a multi-generational workforce to addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Beyond speaking engagements, Christine actively supports job-seekers' growth by volunteering at college career fairs and providing free mock interviews, helping individuals to confidently pursue their dream roles.

Christine has served as a volunteer treasurer for various organizations to include Junior League of Eugene, OR and North Alabama Society for Human Resources Management. Christine is passionate about adoption and an advocate for children in the foster care system. Additionally, she and her family have hosted numerous foreign exchange students. In her spare time, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, supporting the youth in her community, baking, and volunteering.

This is Christine's first year with TAHRA, and she is eager to collaborate with fellow HR professionals who are equally committed to raising the bar in the industry.

GlenNel Barlow serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Rooney Holdings, Inc., overseeing human resources services for the organization's nine operating companies, which includes 2,000 employees. One of the companies is Manhattan Construction Group, a prominent construction services firm that operates across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, providing services in building, civil, pipeline, and specialty construction sectors.

With over 25 years of experience, GlenNel is a dedicated and strategic leader with expertise in various aspects of human resources, such as Employee Relations, Deferred Compensation, Employee Benefits Design, Payroll, Onboarding, Succession Planning, Talent Acquisition, Employee Retention, Coaching, and Leadership Development.

GlenNel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She demonstrates her commitment to continuous education and professional growth. GlenNel holds the following human resource industry certifications: Senior Human Resources Professional (SPHR) and Society for Human Resources Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

GlenNel has been a dedicated member of the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA) for 15 years. She actively contributes to the growth and development of the HR profession and has served on the ROI Summit committee, showcasing her leadership and collaborative skills.