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.

Joseph Harris is the Associate Director of The Oka’ Institute, where he oversees day-to-day operations and supports the Institute’s mission to advance sustainable water and community initiatives. Combining strategic leadership with a hands-on approach, Joseph works across all focus areas to align programs, partnerships, and staff efforts toward shared goals. A key architect behind the development of the Center of Excellence, his vision and commitment continue to strengthen Oka’s role as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact across rural Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation.

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.

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 the Communications and Development Specialist for the Oka’ Institute, where she leads the organization’s storytelling, strategic communications, design, and digital outreach. She manages everything from the Oka Drop quarterly newsletter and weekly blog features to conference marketing, and special projects across the Institute’s water and land stewardship initiatives. Before joining Oka’, Tailor spent three years in the agriculture nonprofit sector, focusing on youth development, education programming, and statewide communications. She brings a strong background in agricultural communications, event planning, and cross-platform content strategy, along with a passion for connecting communities to the role water plays in sustainable, resilient futures.

Katie Buckler serves as an Environmental Scientist, Chemistry Specialist for the Oka' Institute, working on research projects that protect both human health and the environment. In this role, she participates in environmental sampling and executes field quality control management systems, ensuring the quality of environmental samples. Additionally, Katie joins Dr. Whitaker in the lab supporting environmental sample analysis. Prior to joining the team at Oka', Katie worked for the Environmental Protection Agency where she worked on research projects in both surface and groundwater systems and developed multiple Quality Assurance Project Plans, Health And Safety Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures.

Clay Horton serves as the Watershed and Land Stewardship Coordinator at the Oka Institute, responsibilities include designing and managing the institute's land stewardship initiatives, focusing on research-driven practices like soil health, prescribed fire, conservation, and restoration projects. He leads the development and implementation of land-based projects, guides education and outreach through field days and technical assistance to landowners, tribal partners, and conservation groups. Clay coordinates with institute staff to integrate stewardship with water sustainability goals, applies agricultural economics to project design and incentive strategies, and oversees contracts and agreements associated with land management projects.

Mason Martinez serves as the Community GIS and Education Specialist. He uses his knowledge of groundwater sciences, GIS, and public speaking to empower and aid communities in developing sustainable planning and implantation of water supplies. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology from Oklahoma State University and Master’s Degree in Water Resource Policy and Management from East Central University.

Puja Gyawali works as a Community Data Specialist for the Oka’ Institute. As a recent graduate from the Master of Science in Water Resource Policy and Management degree, she is focused on putting practical knowledge on field by helping rural communities of Oklahoma with data driven sustainable water management practices. Puja is positive that developing integrated visualizations and data summaries will promote trust and transparency and help leaders make better decisions that improve water quality, public education, and public health. With additional skills of ArcGIS pro, ArcGIS Online and Power BI. Puja is a dedicated member of communities’ hub team at the Oka Institute.

Susan Sexton serves as the Community Engagement Specialist at the Oka Institute, she is a graduate of ECU where she received her B.S. in Environmental Health Science and Water Resources Policy and Management M.S. Before Joining the Oka’ Institute, she worked as a contractor to the EPA for 22 years and has experience working in research to support water resource sustainability, and implementation of best management practices. She has passion and a heart for connecting people to purpose. Known for her approachable nature and infectious enthusiasm, she bridges the gap between science and community, empowering individuals to take part in sustainable water solutions. She brings energy, empathy, and expertise to every conversation.

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.

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.

Dr. Gilson Sanchez is apart of the Environmental Research Faculty with East Central University.

Matt Bailey is the Environmental Intern at the Oka’ Institute, where he integrates scientific knowledge with practical field experience to support sustainable water and land management initiatives. A graduate of East Central University with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Health Science, Matt was the first student to earn ECU’s new GIS Certificate and is currently the first to pursue a Master of Science in Biological Sciences – Water Science. At the Oka’ Institute, Matt contributes to Oka's mission through field work, GIS analysis, and data visualization that inform community-based decision-making. His work also includes community outreach and land management efforts, bridging technical expertise with collaboration to advance Oka's vision of promoting water sustainability and resilient communities.

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.

Kevin Blackwood is the Field Research Coordinator.