OKLAHOMA CITY (May 29, 2025) – The State Chamber Research Foundation’s Leadership Exchange Academy (LEA) returns this summer for its 15th year of equipping Oklahoma’s future business and political leaders with the knowledge and connections they will need to make Oklahoma one of the strongest economies in the nation.
The LEA cohort will be composed of 44 Oklahomans from across the state’s business and industrial sectors. Participants will engage in two-day conferences that are designed to connect civic-minded professionals with state government and business leaders.
The conferences will be held June 12–13 at the Association of General Contractors and July 17–18 at The State Chamber of Oklahoma.
“We’re proud to announce our 2025 Leadership Exchange Academy cohort group,” said SCRF Deputy Director Dana Gillett. “Many great candidates applied, and we’re excited for the individuals that were selected. This cohort group is a very strong class that will become more engaged in the public policy process and move Oklahoma forward in the future based on what they learn in this program.”
A series of distinguished speakers will educate cohort participants on public policy, good government practices, and free enterprise, and provide invaluable insight on how state government impacts business development.
“The cohort program also helps participants build relationships with peers, Oklahoma leaders, and public policy experts,” Gillett said. “Alumni of the LEA cohort program are able to attend alumni events throughout the year to continue to build relationships for years to come.”
Ameil Shadid, Senior Vice President of Revenue and Development for The State Chamber, will participate in the cohort.
“I’m excited to participate in LEA because understanding how state policy is made is essential to driving meaningful, lasting change in our communities,” Shadid said. “This is an opportunity to deepen my impact at The State Chamber by learning how to effectively engage with the systems that shape our daily lives.”
LEA gives Oklahoma professionals the opportunity to make connections that will shape not only their careers but also the state’s future.
Media Contact – Brent Skarky – brent@okstatechamber.com – 405-818-1939
