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. ###