TAHRA Board of Directors

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.

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.

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.

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.

Since 2017, Jessica Vaught has been a dedicated advocate for both employers and employees in Oklahoma. As an experienced Employment Law attorney, she has successfully navigated complex legal matters before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. To further enhance her expertise, Jessica holds an SHRM certification and actively participates in local HR groups and continuing education seminars. Leveraging her legal knowledge and HR insights, Jessica serves as an HR Consultant with The People Perspective, empowering businesses to create compliant and thriving workplaces. 

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.

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.

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.

Mike Williams has been in HR since 1980 and active in the Tulsa HR community from 1980 to 2005, at which time he moved away, returning to Tulsa in 2019. He has held various roles from employment manager, HR Manager as well in Talent Acquisition. He  graduated from Oklahoma State (Go Pokes!) with Bachelors in Sociology and Personnel Management and from the University of Phoenix with an MBA in HR Management. He is interested in learning more about the profession of Human Resources and pass along his experiences to those entering this profession. 

Mike is married to Sandy and they stay busy with their 6 grandchildren, along with 4 great-grandchildren.

Cricket Moore currently works at CAP Tulsa as their Benefits Specialist where she is focused on measuring and administering their benefits program, which includes administering their leaves of absences, accommodations, and staff well-being initiatives. She is passionate about supporting the needs of employees for their physical, mental, and emotional health support through enhanced services and benefits that CAP Tulsa offers. Prior to her role at CAP Tulsa, she was the HR Coordinator for Sulzer Chemtech supporting their US operations to administer the initiatives of the Human Resources department. Her combined HR experience is nine years.

Cricket holds an Associate Degree in Business with a focus on Human Resources and is a Certified Human Resources Professional holding a SHRM-CP credential. She’s an Alumni member of the National Society for Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi), and a lifetime member of Girl Scouts USA. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Board of Trustees for Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences (TSAS) and serves as the volunteer assistant Volleyball coach. Cricket is an active member of the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association where she recently served on the 2023 Return on Inclusion Committee (ROI). She is the co-chair for the Volunteer Committee for the 2025 State OKHR Conference and a new member of the Tulsa Area United Way’s NextGen United and Women United affinity groups. Cricket is passionate about people, education, her community, and all facets of the Human Resources profession. In her free time, Cricket enjoys all things outdoors, spending time with her friends and family, serving her community, and traveling around the world.

Torii Ransome Freeman is a native of Philadelphia. Torii earned her Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and her Juris Doctorate from LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. She clerked in both criminal and civil court before transitioning to employment law in higher education and then onto private industry.   

With almost 30 years of experience in human resources, Torii brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field, underpinned by her legal education and licensure to practice law. Her background in immigration and employment law equipped her with a deep understanding of compliance and employee relations, ensuring that organizations navigate the complexities of workforce management effectively.   

She serves on multiple non-profit boards including Goodwill Industries; Gilcrease Advisory Council; Reading Partners; and is past board president of Living Arts of Tulsa. In addition, she is currently serving her final term as Regional Director for Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Torii and her husband Craig Malcolm Freeman of 26 years are proud parents of four children: Ransome Aaron - Morehouse College graduate,  Baylor Constance attending Bryn Mawr College, and their younger brothers Maxwell Spaulding attending University of Pennsylvania and Samuel Armstrong attending Harvard. Torii is dedicated to public service, justice, and inclusivity and gives her time, talent, and treasure to support the organizations that align with her commitments.  

Currently, Torii’s professional service is as the Director of People Operations at TTCU, where she oversees all traditional HR functions while also focusing on enhancing the overall employee experience. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, actively advising on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives through company Business Resource Groups. Her passion for cultivating a positive workplace environment drives her to implement strategies that support both organizational goals and employee well-being, positioning TTCU as an employer of choice in the industry.

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.

Chris Vaught is a director at Crowe & Dunlevy’s Tulsa office with more than 20 years of employment law experience. As a litigator, Chris represents management and employers in all areas of employment law including the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. He also advises employers and human resources departments on best practices related to company policies and procedures, harassment, retaliation, reasonable accommodation, and wage and hour claims. Throughout his career, he has presented extensively on labor and employment matters to both attorneys and human resources professionals.

As a member of the firm’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group, Chris assists clients in exploring effective solutions to resolve their conflicts outside of traditional legal proceedings. He currently serves as an Adjunct Settlement Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma where he helps to support programs aimed at fostering early resolution of disputes without the need for further court intervention.

Prior to joining Crowe & Dunlevy, Chris served as the Chief Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (“OCRE”) before being promoted to Deputy Attorney General for the same agency. At OCRE, Chris was active in managing investigations and resolving discrimination complaints in employment, housing, and public accommodations across Oklahoma.

Chris has been recognized for his employment law practice by both Best Lawyers in America and Oklahoma Super Lawyers publications. Since 2014, he has held an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Chris received his Juris Doctor, with honors, from the University of Tulsa College of Law. He currently serves as President-Elect of the Federal Bar Association – Northern/Eastern Oklahoma Chapter.

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. 

Stacey holds the Society for Human Resources Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and is on the 2025 TAHRA board, serving as Special Projects Chair with a focus on accessing and promoting mental wellness resources available through the workplace. She has served on the committee for 2023 Return on Inclusion, the TAHRA 50th anniversary celebration, previously served as Treasurer for the Board for TAHRA, 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.

Benefits Advisor that is a thought leader in the Healthcare Industry with strong business acumen and sales expertise. Over 20 years’ experience of providing insights and guidance on employer healthcare plan options, funding arrangements and medical cost saving strategies to employers of all sizes. Tim prides himself on connecting businesses to the right community shareholders to expand business networks and opportunities.

Recently consulted for a precision cardiovascular medicine company on the prevention of heart disease for self-insured employers in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. Tim was able to form a partnership between an Oklahoma-based mobile health clinic around on-site heart attack prevention fairs for employers regarding first of its kind state of the art Epi-Genetic congenital heart disease prevention in the workplace.

Julie joined TAHRA in 2008 as our Chapter Management Professional (CMP). Julie provides administrative support to the members and the Board of Directors of TAHRA. This includes the maintenance of financial records and membership information as well as the day to day responsibilities of a volunteer lead organization. Her most important job, however, is to serve the membership of TAHRA and assist them with any questions or needs they may have.