50 Most Powerful Oklahomans 9-20

50 Most Powerful Oklahomans 21-38

50 Most Powerful Oklahomans 39-50

What Oklahomans do you think exercise -- through position, ability or wealth -- the most influence in overall decision-making affecting Oklahoma’s present and future?OKC FRIDAY asked that question on 310 ballots mailed to state and city leaders. The ballot had to be mailed back by June 18. The results are tabulated, and there were several surprises this year.While there are literally thousands of smart and wealthy business leaders in the state, the ones who win votes every year are the men and women most involved in civic and charitable organizations.#1 Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby received the most votes in the 2018 MOST POWERFUL OKLAHOMAN statewide poll, winning by an even larger margin than his past two years at #1.Anoatubby’s brilliant leadership has brought wealth to the Chickasaws and prominence through more than 100 tribal businesses.The visionary Chickasaw Governor is extremely popular, known especially for his kindness and generosity to individuals and the community as a whole.He has provided the leadership and the tribal support to save virtually every worthwhile project in this state. Many nonprofit organizations would have closed their doors during the past few years, if not for the Chickasaw Nation stepping up to be the lead sponsor at fundraising events.#2 Clay Bennett, the man who transformed Oklahoma City’s image worldwide by bringing an NBA team to town, the Oklahoma City Thunder, received the second most votes again this year. Despite seemingly reserved in public interviews, Bennett is articulate, funny and wildly popular with the audience at the events, whethere he is being honored or speaking as an inductor, like the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.Despite losing his friend and Thunder partner Aubrey McClendon and some health issues, Bennett continues to be the most powerful man living in Oklahoma City.#3 Larry Nichols of Devon Energy moved from first place to third during the last oil bust. His leadership and community philanthropy continue to make a mark on the community and state.#4 David Rainbolt’s gradual ascension in the Power Poll lands him just behind Nichols. This past year he has taken over the spotlight in politics for the influential as the spokesman for the StepUp Oklahoma Campaign. He also continues his philanthropic work as a donor and board member of many nonprofit causes.#5. Christy Gaylord Everest is the matriarch of the Gaylord family and the Ed and Thelma Gaylord Foundation. Its generous support of diverse charities makes it one of the biggest donors in the state.#6. U.S. Senator James Lankford managed to walk the Republican tightrope of supporting President Donald Trump and standing against the President on some issues without offending the voters in Oklahoma Trumpland.#7. OKC Mayor David Holt is newly elected and immensely popular with his constituents as he leads the capital city into a new era.#8. U.S. Representative Tom Cole is serving his eighth term in Congress representing the Fourth District. Quiet and accessible, he particularly looks out for the 14,000 plus farmers in his district and issues affecting Native Americans. He is a Chickasaw.#9. Harold Hamm champions U.S. oil exports and is exceptionally influential in national politics serving as a board member of one of the Republican Super PACs and is a strong supporter of President Trump.#10. George Kaiser, head of Bank of Oklahoma, is a Tulsa liberal with a passion for improving public education.Philanthropists, bankers, University Presidents, politicians, oilmen and an NBA owner and player make up a diverse top 20 Most Powerful Oklahomans.OKC FRIDAY would like to congratulate the 2018 50 Most Powerful Oklahomans and thank our voters.