ABOUT US
The Oklahoma Society for Culture Appreciation (OS4CA) was founded with the following missions:
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Promote Culture and the Arts within the State of Oklahoma through managed events, logistic support, and financial grants.
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Promote Oklahoma Art and Culture to communities outside the state.
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Bring together divergent cultures and build community utilizing The Arts and realization of our own commonality as humans.
The Oklahoma Society for Culture Appreciation, Inc is a registered 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization.
Donations are Tax Deductible to Extent Allowed by Law.
EIN: 85-3846414
Our Story
Founded in 2020, the Oklahoma Society for Culture Appreciation seeks to fulfill its mission with a philosophy of Promoting Education and Community Through Entertainment.
We are driven by a vision of cultural celebration that is not imported, but homegrown & fueled by local talent, business engagement, and meaningful partnerships. Our events are not only designed to entertain, but to educate, empower, and connect the people of Oklahoma and beyond.
What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence, our dedication to cultural literacy, and our belief that collaboration is stronger than competition. We aim to create programming that highlights the rich diversity within our communities while supporting the artists, educators, and organizations that call this state home.
We are a collective of individuals united by a passion for culture and a shared goal: to build inclusive, engaging, and educational experiences; to administer charitable grants and programming; and to form strong, long-lasting partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Together, we’re working to cultivate a landscape where culture thrives; not just through who we bring in, but through who we lift up.
Founded By: Melinda West, Shailaja Marion, Zachary Murphy
The Board
Officers
Office of the Chair
Melinda West
Chairperson of the Board
Zac Murphy
Vice-Chairperson of the Board
Community Relations Officer of the Board
Secretariat
Eric Hammons
Secretary of the Board
Benjamin Ekhoff
Deputy Secretary of the Board
Treasury
Shailaja Marion
Treasurer of the Board
Roger Smith
Deputy Treasurer of the Board
Sergeancy
Otto Schenck
Sergeant-at-Arms of the Board
Peter Adolphsen
Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms of the Board
Officers for Personnel
Heather Alden
Personnel Officer of the Board
Matthew Jackson
Deputy Personnel Officer of the Board
Officers for Community Relations
Tara Bennett
Deputy Community Relations Officer of the Board
Uriah Davis
Deputy Community Relations Officer of the Board
Voting Members
1. Kristie Wofford
2. Stephen Piveral
3. Heather Humphrey
4. Lizette Ojeda
5. Brandon Miles
6. Chris Perez
7. *vacant*
8. *vacant*
9. *vacant*
10. *vacant*
Advisors to the Board
Brandi Summers, Volunteer - OS4CA
Mileena Summers, Volunteer - OS4CA
Past Members of the Board
Jessica Hays*
Bran Allen*
Michael Simmons
Eric Wise*
Chelsey Gay*
Bill Scott^
Harmony McDaniel
Shannon Walsh^
Brian Barger^
Lori Hill^
James Ochoa^
Kaitlyn Arnold
Danielle Haller*
Heather Ball*
Mary Cervantes
Jessica Clay
Blake Ridgway^
Chip Knight^
* denotes service as an Officer of the Board
^ denotes service as an Advisor to the Board Only
Organizational Leadership
CABINET
Communications & Technology
Zac Murphy
Director
Tara Bennett
Assistant Director
Operations
Melinda West
Director, President of OS4CA
Eric Hammons
Assistant Director, Vice President of OS4CA
Finance
Shailaja Marion
Director
*vacant*
Assistant Director
Logistics
Peter Adolphsen
Director
Nicholas Simmons
Assistant Director
Programming & Guests
Melinda West
Director
Otto Schenck & Sarah Galbreath
Assistant Directors
Staff Coordination
Heather Alden
Director
Matthew Jackson
Assistant Directors
DEPARTMENT HEADS
Kristie Wofford - Head of Access Control
Serenity Nara - Head of Accessibilities
Tara Bennett - Head of Attendee Services
Samuel Rose - Head of Audio/Visual Operations
Benjamin Ekhoff - Head of Charity
Brandon Miles - Head of Contests
Beka Schenck - Head of Cosplay
Stephen Piveral - Head of Creative Arts
Nick Simmons - Head of Facilities
Lisa Rowland - Head of Guest Relations - Cosplayers
Kaitlyn Arnold - Head of Guest Relations - Performers & Artists
Kate Wolfinger - Head of Information Services
Kai Seaton - Head of Logistics Operations
Benjamin Ekhoff - Head of Main Events
Crystal Finch - Head of Merchandise Sales
Makenzie Demuth - Head of Panels & Workshops
Ashten Notz - Head of Personal Assistants
Kris Lowe - Head of Registration
Roger Smith - Head of Shopping Bazaar Operations
Ethan McGowan - Co-Head of Staff Hospitality
Jay Newman - Co-Head of Staff Hospitality
Elizabeth Mansolo - Head of Traffic Control
Jessica Clay - Head of VIP Services
Donate
DONATE TO OS4CA
Donations allow us to continue producing events and additional educational programming.
Current Donations will be applied to: 2026 Event & Community Volunteers
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
$5
$10
$15
Other