Tulsa Standard

Six City of Broken Arrow leaders were among 27 other movers and shakers from various sectors who graduated from Leadership Broken Arrow's Class of 2023 on May 10.

This year's class includes Solid Waste and Recycling Director Jerry Schuber, Broken Arrow Police Department Public Information Officer Ethan Hutchins, Licensing, Permitting, and Sustainability Manager Grant Rissler, Economic Development Manager Jennifer Rush, Broken Arrow Fire Department Deputy Chief Bryan Myrick and Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jody Baker.

The Broken Arrow Chamber recognized the graduates at a luncheon held at Central on Main, with Chick-fil-A Franchisee and Guinness World Record-holder Arthur Greeno as the keynote speaker. 

Greeno, the author of Dysfunctional Inspiration, challenged leaders to make those they lead feel special. 

"It's easy to quit a job, but it's hard to quit a family," he said. 

This year's class spent over 100 hours touring area manufacturers, training with the Broken Arrow Police and Fire Departments, participating in BA Day at the Capitol, and more. 

"Through Leadership Broken Arrow, our graduates make connections and build relationships with other business leaders in the community, learn how the City operates, and develop relationships with area nonprofits to better understand the issues facing our community going forward," Broken Arrow Chamber President and CEO Jennifer Conway said.

For their class project, OneBA, they assisted the Broken Arrow Senior Center by revitalizing their fitness area, built sensory boxes for Broken Arrow Public Schools, and painted and prepared for the spring season at A New Leaf.

"The class project was stressful trying to come up with ideas and ways to implement them," Myrick said. "However, it was such a gratifying feeling knowing what a difference our class made on our project day with A New Leaf, BA Public Schools, and the Senior Center." 

Other LBA graduates also talked about what the opportunity meant to them. 

Baker said he would highly recommend this program to any leader looking to contribute to the success of Broken Arrow. 

"One of the biggest takeaways from Leadership Broken Arrow is that the City of Broken Arrow is more than the sum of its parts," he said. "This occurs when dedicated and passionate professionals from all sectors of our community collaborate and share a vision of creating a city that is an amazing place to work, live, and visit." 

Rush says putting together a good network takes time and effort and that LBA helped her build strong connections with the 30-plus other community-minded individuals in nine short months.

"My favorite takeaway was learning more about the fantastic programs offered by Broken Arrow Public Schools," Rush said. "A good school system is key in driving economic growth."

Hutchins said he learned the importance of teamwork. 

"I learned that trusting your coworkers instead of taking on all the workload can get things done more efficiently," he said. "Being a leader can quite simply mean working well with others."

Schuber, who moved to Broken Arrow from California and often talks about his love for his newfound home, said, "The sidelines are not where the games are won. They are on the field in the fray, supporting others and playing towards a win! If you have the chance to serve, do so wholeheartedly. Have fun doing it. Know the City, and Chamber is full of people who love the place we call home. Get off the sidelines and into the game. We have space for everybody who loves this City!"  

Congratulations to each of the City's newest LBA graduates!  

Original source can be found here.