A Q&A WITH THE CHAMBER’S NEW CHAIR, TERESA ROSE
In December 2023, during the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s Annual Meeting, Teresa Rose was officially installed as the new Chamber Chair. VeloCity had an
You currently serve as Executive Director for the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma. Tell us more about that organization and the impact it has had on Oklahoma City. Communities Foundation of Oklahoma is an organization that works with individuals, families, nonprofits and businesses across the state to execute philanthropic goals. I have been a part of the nonprofit sector since volunteering in high school, and I understand the impact and the valuable partnerships and the role of the nonprofit community in addressing a lot of our most significant challenges. Why is serving as the Chamber Chair so important to you? I love Oklahoma City and want to see it continue to develop, evolve and be the best place to live in the world, and I believe the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber plays an important role in creating the best future for Oklahoma City. It's not the only organization that has a great impact and drives our city forward but, since its formation, the Chamber has been a key driver for our city, and I am honored to chair that effort. The Chamber has had many successes recently. Is there one that speaks to you personally or professionally? That's a really good question. I think the myriad of campaigns that the Chamber runs are so important, from the new downtown arena to all four MAPS initiatives as well as our engagement in supporting schools. Our work to move forward criminal justice reform has been critically important as well. I think we are a good entity to help drive that forward. If there's one sentiment that you would like to leave with our membership, as you embark on your first year as Chair, what would that be? I really want people to be proud of Oklahoma City and proud of the role the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has had in creating the city we have today. I really want our membership to acknowledge that work and be proud of their role in making great things happen.
opportunity to sit down with Rose for a brief Q&A to get her thoughts on this new role with the Chamber. Congratulations on becoming Chamber Chair! Did you think this day would ever come? I've always been so honored to be at the table and be a part of the impact of this organization. I'm just really honored that I was asked and allowed to serve as the Chair. It's an important organization that I believe very strongly in, and I’m excited about what we can do in the next few years. When did it first hit you that you are now leading the Chamber in this capacity? I think the first January board meeting is when I thought to myself, “Okay, this is real.” The staff and previous Chair, Sean Trauschke, began pulling me into conversations and issue briefings for several months prior to January. So I do feel prepared and ready for the work we will pursue over the next two years and beyond. TERESA ROSE
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