NEWS
Oct. 15, 2014
United Way Emering Leaders Society Provides First
Catalyst Award to Lobeck-Taylor Family Foundation
The Lobeck-Taylor Foundation has been named the first recipient of the Tulsa Area
United Way Emerging Leaders Society’s Catalyst Award.
The award was presented to Bill Lobeck, Kathy Taylor and Elizabeth Frame Ellison of
the Lobeck-Taylor Family Foundation at a recent panel discussion presented by the Emerging
Leaders Society.
The panel discussion focused on leadership and philanthropy and featured panelists Stacy
Schusterman, chairman and CEO of Samson Energy, Ted Haynes, president of Blue Cross and
Blue Shield of Oklahoma, and Bill Thomas and Bob Thomas, co-founders and managing
partners of Senior Star. Panel moderator was Mark Graham, president and CEO of the Tulsa
Area United Way.
The United Way’s Emerging Leaders Society (ELS), now in its second year, is an
organization of young professionals in their 20s, 30s and 40s. ELS focuses on developing the
next generation of leaders and philanthropists in the Tulsa area. The organization offers its
members professional development, networking opportunities with peers, a mentorship program,
guidance in philanthropy, and engagement in the community through volunteerism.
The Lobeck-Taylor Family Foundation is a founding sponsor of ELS, providing financial
support including a challenge grant that matches ELS members’ contributions to the United
Way.
“The Lobeck-Taylor Family Foundation is more than a founding sponsor, they have been
a true partner and mentor for the organization and its members,” said Karisha Wagoner, vice
president at Arvest Bank and the first chair of the Emerging Leaders Society. “We are so
fortunate to have a partner that understands philanthropy, encourages mentorship and exhibits
leadership in our community.”
The Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for
Oklahomans through entrepreneurialism, education and community enrichment. To fulfill this
mission, the foundation acts as a grantmaker, innovator and convener.
This year’s chair of the Emerging Leaders Society is Jesse Boudiette, president of
Propellor Communications.
For more information about the Tulsa Area United Way’s Emerging Leaders Society,
visit www.tauw.org/els, or call 918-295-6660.
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