The State Chamber Announces New Chairman and Board Members
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 27, 2023) – Workforce transformation and organizational growth will be key focuses for new leadership of the state’s leading business voice. The State Chamber is proud to announce four new members of the Board of Directors and Kevin Gross as its new chairman.
Gross has more than 30 years of experience, working with all sectors of the hospital industry. The CEO of Hillcrest HealthCare System is a longtime State Chamber member and has served on the Board of Directors for more than a decade. Gross replaces IBC Bank Oklahoma’s Bill Schonacher as State Chamber chair.
“I have lived in a number of other places, and Oklahoma is far and away the best place I’ve ever lived, and it’s been great to me and my family. I see this role as being able to give back to the state and business community that has meant so much to me,” said Gross. “My goal as chair is to make sure that we push forward with our workforce improvement strategy. We need to make sure the plan for workforce development increases the overall skill level of employees and meets the needs of the private sector.”
Gross currently leads operations of the Hillcrest HealthCare System Oklahoma region, which includes Hillcrest Medical Center, Oklahoma Heart Institute, Hillcrest Hospital South, Bailey Medical Center, Hillcrest Hospital Claremore, Hillcrest Hospital Cushing, Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta, Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital, and the Utica Park Clinic Physician Group.
The State Chamber is also proud to announce four new members of its Board of Directors. Rachel Cannon (founder and co-CEO of Prairie Surf Media), Dave Carpenter (president and COO of American Fidelity Corp.), Stephania Grober (president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma), and Stephanie Regan (director of Corp. Citizenship at AAON) will join the board starting July 1. Current board member Dustin Hillary (president of Southern Plains Cable/Hillary) will move into a new role as a member of the Board Executive Committee
“We are excited about the changes to our board,” said Chad Warmington, president and CEO of the State Chamber. “Chairman Gross brings a calm and commanding presence that has served him well, making him an excellent choice as the chair for our organization. His insight into one of the state’s largest industries and his experience working all over the country will give the Chamber a unique perspective. Alongside Chairman Gross, we are pleased to welcome several accomplished individuals to our board who bring a wealth of expertise and diverse backgrounds. Their collective experience in various sectors will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and decision-making processes. Together, we are poised to make significant strides in resolving our state’s workforce issues and achieving tangible results for our members and stakeholders.”
Media Contact – Brent Skarky – 405-818-1939 – Brent@okstatechamber.com
