The Oklahoma Bar Journal January 2023

on the YLD board. On a professional note, the qual ity of educational materials produced by the OBA is unmatched. The programming is always relevant and is a huge value add to me as a practitioner. The ability to access so much of the content online and on demand makes it so convenient. It also enhances the ability of lawyers from across the state to stay current on their particular practice areas without windshield time. What technology gadget could you not function without? I am not a huge gadget guy, so I would probably just say my phone. But if you asked my wife, she might say the ESPN app. What’s the best book you’ve read this year? Atomic Habits by James Clear

TIMOTHY L. ROGERS Governor – At Large Tulsa Background: I grew up in Owasso and now live in Tulsa with my wife, Christa, and my two children, Charlie (5) and Caroline (3). We love

being a part of the Maple Ridge community. I am an

avid fan of Premier League soccer, and when I’m not chasing kids on the weekend, I enjoy cheering on the Tottenham Hotspurs. We also wear a lot of orange in my house: “Go Pokes” was one of the first phrases uttered by both of my kids, and I’ve never been prouder. I am a shareholder at Barrow & Grimm and have been with the firm since law school. My legal practice concentrates primarily on business law with an emphasis on the construction industry. I advise and assist companies with litigation, strategy, risk management, contracts and transactions. Education: I graduated from OSU with a Bachelor of Science in business administration in economics and from the TU College of Law with a J.D. What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? Raising awareness of the many benefits of the OBA is important to me. I am looking forward to connect ing with members across Oklahoma and being an ambassador for the OBA and the many services it provides to the bar. Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? As attorneys we are equipped with specialized skills to give back, whether that means enhancing access to justice, sharing our expertise and leadership with a nonprofit, serving with the OBA or a county bar association or mentoring young lawyers. This service shines a positive light on our profession, but I’ve also found the service enhances you both personally and professionally. What challenges are OBA members encountering, and how can the OBA help find solutions? I think in this digital age, with the demands of a busy practice, it can be hard to make time for meaning ful connections. The committees and networking opportunities provided by the OBA are an incred ible way to connect with peers and advance your professional expertise at the same time. What’s your favorite OBA member benefit? The OBA gave me one of the biggest benefits of my life: my family. My wife and I were introduced to each other through the OBA Leadership Academy and service

KARA I. SMITH Governor – At Large Oklahoma City

Background: I was born in Oklahoma City but moved to Newalla at an early age and attended and graduated from McLoud Public Schools. Following a brief stint in private practice, I

continued my legal career as a public servant, as gen eral counsel to the Oklahoma Office of Personnel Management, as chief assistant attorney general and as chief of the Civil Rights Unit at the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and now as general coun sel with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. I am also an adjunct professor of law at the OCU School of Law. I have two grown children, Marcel (grand kids Jordan and Allayna) and Kameron (who is a junior at OSU), and two fur babies, Mojo and Travis. Education: I received my bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in legal studies (Price College of Business) from OU in 1999 and my J.D. from the OCU School of Law in 2002. What is your most important goal during your service on the OBA Board of Governors? To be an engaged, respected and trusted member of the OBA Board of Governors Why is it important for OBA members to serve and volunteer? Service and volunteerism are not only good for the benefactors of the service or volunteer ism, but it is also good for OBA members. It allows them to be engaged, strengthens personal growth, strengthens awareness of the community, and it is simply rewarding.

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL