OKTL believes in Transparency: Here are our By-Laws

Oklahoma Technology Leadership

By-laws

 

Article I: About the Oklahoma Technology Leadership Group

Section 1. Name

The name of this organization shall be Oklahoma Technology Leadership (OKTL).  

Section 2. Purpose

OKTL is dedicated to driving value for IT leaders across Oklahoma by providing a forum for sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources. The organization aims to:

  • Serve IT leaders throughout the state with enriching events, talks, and materials.

  • Engage and build a unified vision for technology leadership in Oklahoma, contributing to the development of the region's technology initiatives.

  • Facilitate educational events, networking opportunities, and collaborations that will improve the technological landscape of Oklahoma.

 

Article II: Membership

Section 1. Eligibility

Membership in OKTL is open to all professionals with a leadership role in Information Technology (IT) or related fields who are at the top levels of leadership at their organization or are responsible for over 30+ people in their organization, including, but not limited to, CIOs, IT Directors, Chief Technology Officers, and other senior IT leaders across Oklahoma.

Section 2. Types of Membership

  • Council Members: Individuals holding senior leadership positions in this organization. These members have voting rights to allow new full members and full sponsors. They are also responsible for venue selection and event planning.

  • Full Members: Individuals holding the senior leadership position in an organization's IT department. Full members have voting rights and access to all events and resources.

  • Full Sponsors: Organizations that provide critical services to the IT leadership community, such as nationwide vendors, sponsors, and service providers. The Council Members must approve full sponsors to join and have voting rights and access to all events and resources.

  • Guest Members: These are non-member participants who are invited to attend specific events for networking or educational purposes. Guests may attend one event annually, after which they must apply for full membership.

Section 3. Joining Process

  • Interested individuals must complete a membership application through the OKTL website or an intake form at events.

  • Membership approval will be based on the individual's qualifications and relevance to the mission of OKTL.

  • Approved members will be notified and provided access to OKTL's resources, events, and communications.

Section 4. Member Responsibilities

  • Participation: Members are encouraged to actively engage in OKTL events and activities, including attending meetings, volunteering for event support, and contributing to the organization's initiatives.

  • Communication: Members should participate in and contribute to discussions, whether in person or via communication channels such as email groups or digital platforms.

  • Code of Conduct: All members must adhere to professional and respectful behavior during OKTL events and within all OKTL communications.

Section 5. About the Council

  • The OKTL Council is compose of the following individuals:

  • David Westman - BancFirst

  • Jorie Deleon - Loves

  • Eddie Blankenship - COX

  • John Marcellus - Our Blood Institute

  • Jim Oplotnik - NSIS

 

Article III: Leadership and Governance

Section 1. Council

OKTL shall be governed by the Council, which oversees the organization's activities, finances, and strategic direction. The Council will have up to seven members elected by the membership but will have at least five members.

 

Article IV: Meetings and Events

Section 1. Regular Meetings

OKTL shall host regular meetings, including:

  • Regular CIO Group Meeting: Exclusive for CIOs, focusing on strategic leadership issues.

  • IT Leadership Breakfast: Open to a wider range of IT leaders for networking and educational discussions. Hosted Quarterly.

  • Bi-Yearly CIO Leadership Summit: A larger spring and fall event focusing on emerging technology and leadership topics.

Section 2. Event Participation

OKTL will host various events, including but not limited to:

  • Networking Events: Informal gatherings to foster collaboration and idea-sharing among members.

  • Panel Discussions and Workshops: Focusing on current technology trends, leadership strategies, and industry-specific issues.

  • Vendor Partnerships: While vendors may participate, they will not control the agenda. Vendors may sponsor events or attend OKTL-approved sessions without influencing the core content.

Section 3. Special Events

OKTL may partner with external organizations to support or promote related events, such as:

  • Innotech: An annual conference focused on innovative IT leadership.

  • Oklahoma IT Symposium: A statewide gathering of IT professionals.

  • Techlahoma: Events focused on specific technical skills, project management, and cybersecurity.

 

Article V: Financials

Section 1. Funding

OKTL will be funded through corporate sponsorships and possible event fees. Sponsors may include technology providers and service organizations.

Section 2. Sponsorships

Sponsors may contribute to OKTL by funding events, providing resources, or offering venues. Sponsors will have exposure at OKTL events but will not influence the direction or agenda of the events. Sponsorship levels and benefits will be defined in a separate sponsorship agreement.

Section 3. Member Dues

At this time, OKTL will focus on corporate support and sponsorship rather than dues to ensure accessibility for all institutions.

 

Article VI: Communication and Technology

Section 1. Website and Digital Platforms

OKTL will maintain a website for event registration, member intake, communications, and resource sharing. Members can access the calendar, event notifications, and updates through the website or other digital platforms such as email groups and social media.

Section 2. Communication Channels

OKTL will communicate with members using email, Teams, and the website. A six-month calendar of events will be posted to help members plan their participation.

 

Article VII: Amendments

Section 1. Amendments

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Council or by a majority vote of the full membership at an annual meeting.

 

Article VIII: Dissolution

Section 1. Dissolution

In the event of OKTL's dissolution, any remaining funds or assets after payment of debts and liabilities will be distributed to a nonprofit organization focused on advancing technology and innovation in Oklahoma, as determined by the vote of the full members.