About | State Chamber Research Foundation

“Free enterprise is about people. We promote free enterprise principles because they are the surest path to opportunity for Oklahomans, growth for Oklahoma, and prosperity for all.”

Ben Lepak
Executive Director SCRF

Who We Are

The State Chamber Research Foundation

SCRF is the business community’s think tank. Through high quality research and analysis, SCRF educates policymakers and the public about the virtues of the free enterprise system, the public policy ideas that enable free enterprise to thrive, and the positive contributions of the business community to the prosperity and welfare of the people of Oklahoma. As a non-profit, non-partisan research and education organization, SCRF is dedicated to advancing free markets, increasing opportunity, and growing prosperity.

What We Do

ECONOMIC & PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH

SCRF is a thought leader in Oklahoma public policy circles. We publish in-depth reports from national and local experts on the key economic issues facing Oklahoma, and break down complex topics into actionable information. All of our work is aimed at maximizing Oklahoma's economic competitiveness in order to lift Oklahomans and grow our prosperity.

THE LEGAL CENTER

The purpose of the SCRF Legal Center is to promote free enterprise and economic prosperity by advocating for the consistent and fair application of the law as written.

The Legal Center files amicus briefs in cases of importance to the business community, educates the public, policymakers, and courts on matters related to the legal system, and promotes the selection of judges who will uphold the best of the American legal tradition.

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THE RIED REPORT

The RIED Report promotes economic growth through the evaluation of business, job, and economic growth issues considered by the Oklahoma Legislature. For 25 years, The RIED Report has analyzed, tracked, and scored thousands of pieces of legislation to educate business leaders, policymakers, and the public as to how legislators approach legislation that impacts economic growth.

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SCRF Staff

BEN LEPAK

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ben Lepak serves as SCRF’s Executive Director, the keeper of the flame in our mission to develop free enterprise oriented public policy that maximizes Oklahoma’s economic competitiveness.

Ben’s diverse interests and proclivity for always starting a new project (often before the last one is completed) is reflected in his varied career. When Ben realized his dream job of “being the guy who picks the songs for movie soundtracks” was likely not in the cards (yet), he opted for a business degree and law school. He received a BBA in Finance from the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated with distinction, and a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame, where he served as an Articles Editor on the Notre Dame Law Review and studied under now U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

Prior to taking the helm at SCRF in 2020, Ben served as a legal fellow and public policy analyst at the 1889 Institute, a think tank focused on Oklahoma public policy issues. Ben has practiced law in both the public and private sectors in Oklahoma and Texas, serving in diverse roles at large and small private firms, as general counsel for a nonprofit, and as lead counsel to 24 elected officials across a three-county district in northeast Oklahoma.

Ben and his wife, Sarah, will soon welcome a baby girl, who will join Teddy (5), Paul (3), and Daisy (1) in keeping their parents on their toes.

AMANDA HALL

POLICY & RESEARCH MANAGER & DIRECTOR OF THE RIED REPORT

Growing up a bookworm, Amanda Hall is right at home in research papers and bill language as the Policy and Research Manager for SCRF. After graduating from Baylor University with a bachelors in social work and earning a JD from The University of Oklahoma College of Law, she dabbled in the oil and gas industry before entering the world of public policy.

Amanda serves as the Director of The RIED Report, SCRF’s legislative scorecard and as our "utility player," always willing and able to play whatever role is needed on the team.

DANA GILLETT

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Dana serves as SCRF’s Deputy Director overseeing ongoing projects and operations. With a “get it done” attitude, Dana is tasked with proactively providing support and implementing strategies to help elevate SCRF’s mission and programs. Dana’s eye for detail comes from her prior background in internal audit and compliance with large public companies. Dana earned both a BBA in International Business and Finance and an MBA from the University of Oklahoma. Dana is active in her community as an alumna of Leadership Oklahoma City and as a sustaining member of Junior League of Oklahoma City.