With no background in government or politics, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has leaned on his business background to find people to serve in his administration according to a report by Oklahoma Watch.
And like many business leaders, he’s turned to both personal and formal networks.
One of those got noticed in some circles: YPO, formerly the Young Presidents Organization.
Stitt, who built Gateway Mortgage Group into one of the country’s largest mortgage companies, has picked three cabinet members and one agency director who share his membership in the exclusive, invitation-only network of executives.
YPO has chapters in Oklahoma City and Tulsa and offers executive coaching and leadership development to a global network of 27,000 members. To qualify, members must run or hold top positions in companies that meet sales, asset or enterprise value benchmarks before they turn 45. Annual dues are $3,525, and local chapters can also assess dues.
YPO stresses confidentiality, so members don’t talk much about the organization’s meetings or forums. Chapters host forums and retreats, including activities for spouses and children.