The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence (OFE) has welcomed nine new members to its board of trustees and named a new board president, Lee Ann Bratten DeArman.

Appointed to serve threeyear board terms are Katie Archer, architect and project manager at REES Associates, Elk City; Michelle Blosch, founder of Blosch Tutoring, Jenks; Carter Jennings, founder of Carter Jennings Law Firm, Oklahoma City; Raegan King, volunteer at Vian Public Schools, Vian; Dr. Terry L. Mills, owner and principal of Strategic Health Consulting, Tulsa; Dr. Ronald S. Ramming, president of Connors State College, Warner; Dr. Mike Simpson, superintendent of Guthrie Public Schools; Michael Stopp, managing partner of Swift Creek Consulting, Tahlequah; and Michelle Sutton, attorney and lobbyist at Capitol Resource Group, LLC, Broken Arrow.

King has always been a passionate advocate for public education. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma and is a graduate of the OU College of Law. King began a career in development with the OU Athletics Sooner Club and later was named the director of development and alumni affairs for the OU College of Law.

As a fourth-generation Vian Wolverine and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, King returned home to raise her family.

Today, she works with the children’s ministry at her church, volunteers in various roles at Vian Public Schools and coaches multiple youth league sports teams.

“The foundation is truly honored to welcome this group of knowledgeable, enthusiastic supporters of public education to our board,” said OFE Executive Director Elizabeth Inbody. “We look forward to the fresh perspective and expertise they bring, which will help us advance our mission and strengthen our impact across the state.”

Founded in 1985, OFE is a statewide nonprofit that recognizes and encourages excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools. One of the keys to OFE’s success is the leadership of its trustees. These leaders in business, education and public service represent every region of the state and help promote the foundation’s mission and its programs.