About

about

“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.”

our mission

The State Chamber Research Foundation strives to support Oklahoma’s growth and increase prosperity for all Oklahomans. We create solution orientated programming, advance research and policy, and provide sound data geared to advancing Oklahoma’s economic climate, workforce, infrastructure, and legal and regulatory environment.

our team

JAKE YUNKER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jake is the Executive Director of the State Chamber Research Foundation where he works to improve Oklahoma’s position as a business-friendly state. This is accomplished by focusing on four major policy pillars which include: Education & Workforce, Healthcare, Infrastructure and Economic Climate.

Yunker has had an extensive career in Federal, State and Local Government and nonprofit organizations. He has served in the Office of Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin as Policy Director and Deputy Policy Director; The White House as Assistant Press Secretary to First Lady Laura Bush; The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives as Associate Director; Office of Congressman John Sullivan as Press Secretary; and the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan as Press Deputy. 

Jake has also held senior management positions in nonprofit organizations including the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum as Vice President of Corporate Relations and Major Gifts; Oklahoma State University Foundation as Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations; the Director of Development for the Louisiana Children’s Museum; and Program Director for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative in New Orleans.
 
Yunker also enjoys serving as a member of nonprofit boards and civic organizations including the Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma City Ballet, and Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund. In his spare time, Jake enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit events and working on house projects. He is also an active member of the Oklahoma City Downtown Rotary Club where he co-chairs the New Member Committee and St. Luke’s Methodist Church. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Public Relations.

AMANDA HALL
POLICY & RESEARCH DIRECTOR

Amanda Hall serves as the Policy and Research Director at The State Chamber Research Foundation and The State Chamber. In her dual capacity role, Amanda manages the comprehensive legislative scorecard for Oklahoma’s business community, participates in policy and coalition meetings, tracks key legislative bills, and develops content that informs and supports The State Chamber's legislative agenda. With a focus on creating data-driven materials, she contributes to policy research and advocacy initiatives that benefit both the Chamber's members and the broader Oklahoma economy. Amanda earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and a Bachelor of Social Work from Baylor University. Since 2018, Amanda is licensed to practice law in Texas.

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.