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.