Russell is an Australian native who has worked for the City of Oklahoma City since 1996. He has been the Planning Director for five years. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies from Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, and a Masters in City Planning from MIT. His current priorities include the development of planokc (the city’s first new comprehensive plan in 35 years), increasing local awareness and appreciation of the connection between planning and economic health, implementation of neighborhood and commercial district revitalization programs, cultivating a new arts and culture program, sustainability and health initiatives, and accelerating downtown planning and development. Russell is a board member of the Oklahoma City Urban Land Institute District Council, the Foundation for OKC public schools, and serves as the Chair of the Cleveland Elementary Community Advisory Board.

Ms. O’Connor is the President and CEO of the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, a non-profit corporation designed to coordinate public participation in economic development projects. Prior to becoming President of the Alliance, Ms. O’Connor served as an Assistant City Manager with the City of Oklahoma City. Ms. O’Connor enjoyed an almost 30 year career with the City and served in positions that included the City’s Capital Improvement Budget Officer, Budget Director and Finance Director. Catherine was appointed Assistant City Manager in May 2001 and was instrumental in developing the incentives to bring Bass Pro Shops, QuadGraphics and Dell Computers to the Oklahoma City area. She led the City’s team to structure the terms for the redevelopment of the historic Skirvin Hotel. In her new role with the Alliance she continues to have responsibility for the City’s Tax Increment Financing program, a $75 million local economic development incentive fund, and management of the City’s Urban Renewal Authority and Economic Development Trust.

Russell is an Australian native who has worked for the City of Oklahoma City since 1996. He has been the Planning Director for five years. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies from Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, and a Masters in City Planning from MIT. His current priorities include the development of planokc (the city’s first new comprehensive plan in 35 years), increasing local awareness and appreciation of the connection between planning and economic health, implementation of neighborhood and commercial district revitalization programs, cultivating a new arts and culture program, sustainability and health initiatives, and accelerating downtown planning and development. Russell is a board member of the Oklahoma City Urban Land Institute District Council, the Foundation for OKC public schools, and serves as the Chair of the Cleveland Elementary Community Advisory Board.

Brent works out of the City Manager’s Office as the City’s Economic Development Program Manager. He has been in the City Manger’s Office since July 2007. He started his professional career with the City in 1991 as an Internal Auditor. His tenure includes stints in the Auditor’s Office, Fire Dept, Office of Management and Budget and Finance Administration. He is currently responsible the City’s eight TIF districts and management of the City’s $75,000,000 Strategic Investment Program. During Brent’s tenure in Finance Administration, he was responsible for the oversight of bond issues totaling over $500 million. In 2004, Brent worked with County and School leaders to develop a TIF district that facilitated the $50.0 million Dell development and a potential for up to 3,500 new jobs. He is currently administers the downtown TIF efforts which includes the development of 500 single-family residential units and approximately $350 million in private investment. Brent was also a key member of the City’s team that developed a complex funding plan and negotiated a redevelopment agreement for the renovation of the historic Skirvin Hotel. In 2008, Brent participated in the development of business terms that helped land the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, formerly Seattle SuperSonics. Brent is also active in his community as he is serving his second three-year term on the Advisory Board for Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City campus in the Public Service Program. In addition, he has volunteered in the Mustang and Yukon areas as a softball, football, basketball and baseball coach. Brent and his wife of almost 22 years, Lori, a Special Education teacher, have two children, Courtney (16) and Cooper (12). Brent has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. In 2004, Brent received the Economic Development Finance Professional certification through the National Development Council. In 2006 Brent was recognized as one of 40 individuals under 40 who have made Oklahoma City a better place. Brent is also a graduate of Leadership OKC Class 25.