Considered one of the Oklahoma’s foremost authorities on water, Duane Smith specializes in regional and tribal water planning. As Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for 13 years, he garnered unique experience in the administration of Oklahoma water law and implementation of state and federal water programs. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Oka’ Institute where he promotes water sustainability research and initiatives. At Oka’, the impact of his exemplary leadership has been far-reaching. Last year, Mr. Smith became just the third person awarded an honorary doctorate of science from Kenya’s JOOUST [joost] University for his contributions to international water management and policy as part of an ongoing exchange program between Oka’ and Africa’s Pi Institute.

Amy Elizabeth Hays holds the position of Assistant Director of Development and Outreach at the Oka’ Institute, bringing over 30 years of professional experience in natural resource management to her current role. Hays's academic background includes degrees in wildlife and fisheries sciences, as well as rangeland ecology and management from Texas A&M University. This education, combined with her three decades of experience working with producers on private lands, equips her to direct initiatives in sustainable community development, land stewardship, water policy, and science-based water research. Since joining in September 2022, she actively applies science-based solutions to environmental challenges, concentrating on restoring soil health, recovering grasslands, and improving water quality through strategic land and water management strategies. Additionally, Hays engages in grant writing and project management, significantly enhancing the institute’s ability to secure research funding and execute projects efficiently.

Genan Westmoland holds the role of Office Manager at the Oka' Institute, leveraging her expertise with a Masters in Human Resource Management to seamlessly blend her administrative skills with strategic HR practices to create a supportive and efficient workplace environment that allows the Oka’ team to focus on their core objectives.

Joseph Harris is the Communities Development Specialist at the Oka’ Institute, where experience meets innovation in fostering community engagement and development. With an approach that balances strategic planning with meaningful outreach, Joseph leads initiatives that empower communities, enabling them to thrive and adapt in an ever-changing world. Will be a key architect behind the development of the Oka’ Institute’s Center of Excellence, Joseph’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in establishing a hub that catalyzes knowledge, innovation, and collaboration.

Caleb Biles serves as a GIS Analyst for the Oka’ Institute. Before Joining the Oka’ Institute, Caleb received his M.S. in Environmental Science from Oklahoma State University. After graduating, he primarily worked as a GIS and Natural Resource Specialist, focusing on wetland delineations and natural resource mapping and reporting. At the Oka’ Institute, Caleb specializes in using both ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online to create interactive maps, products, and platforms. Caleb is also a licensed drone pilot through the FAA and serves as project lead on remote sensing projects, using a variety of drone and satellite technologies to accomplish research goals.

Tailor Atkinson serves as communication specialist for the Oka’ Institute. In this role, she is responsible for external and internal communications, helping lead the organizations storytelling, design and social media strategies. Before joining the team, Tailor worked for three years in an agriculture non-profit with a focus in youth, education development and communications.

Cole Fagen is the Watershed Coordinator at the Oka’ Institute. Cole helps lead the Land Stewardship mission by fostering relationships with private landowners in critical watersheds, promoting best management practices that benefit healthy ecosystem, providing technical assistance to land owners and managers wanting to improve the hydrologic function of their properties. Cole provides technical insight and ecological knowledge to guide the Oka' Institute towards it's Land Stewardship goals.

Alan Peoples is a 30-year retiree from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and spent over 20 years as Chief of Wildlife Division where he was responsible for the management of over 100 employees and 1.4 million acres on 87 Wildlife Management Areas. Since retiring Peoples has started a new position as Watershed Coordinator for the Oka’ Institute and is back to helping landowners implement best management practices and will focus on helping to improve soil health and preserve water resources.

Dr. Andrew Whitaker serves as lab coordinator and soil scientist for the Oka’ Water Institute. In this role, he manages all environmental analysis and is in charge of quality control and safety within the laboratory in order to ensure efficient acquisition of data and its soundness. Before joining the team, Andrew worked as an environmental soil chemist postdoc at Oklahoma State University where he studied soil carbon sequestration and mineralogy throughout Oklahoma.

Dr. Christine Pappas is the Policy and Education Coordinator. Dr. Pappas is a professor with East Central University and is the Chair of of Policitcal Science and Legal Studies Department of Law, Politics, and Society.

Kevin Blackwood is the Field Research Coordinator.