Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits Names Visions Award Honorees
The statewide organization recognizes six individuals for their leadership and impact in the nonprofit sector.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Awards
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The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits has announced its six honorees for the annual Visions Awards. These awards honor individuals who serve as agents of change within the state's nonprofit sector.
Why it matters
The recognition program aims to celebrate local leadership and highlight the significant contributions of those working to address various community needs throughout Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits has operated for 45 years. This year, the organization selected 6 individuals for its annual Visions Awards.
The players
Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits
This organization has operated for 45 years to support the state's nonprofit sector through advocacy, training, and recognition programs.
Phil Lakin
He is the recipient of the President's Award for his leadership and contributions to the nonprofit community.
Lee Allan Smith
He received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his long-term impact on the state.
Kris Hopper
She received the Inasmuch Special Recognition Award for her service as an agent of change.
Katie Goss
She was honored with the Shirley Shanker Volunteer Award for her dedicated service.
The details
The honorees include Phil Lakin, Kris Hopper, Katie Goss, Nico Gomez, Robyn Sunday-Allen, and Lee Allan Smith. Each individual was chosen for providing leadership and serving as an agent of change within the Oklahoma nonprofit community.
Timeline
The Visions Awards ceremony and dinner will occur on November 19, 2026.
Culture Shift
The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits continues its long-standing tradition of community recognition, reinforcing its institutional role as a central hub for state social services. The event highlights a shift toward prioritizing philanthropic leadership in the face of ongoing regional challenges.
Residents and community members can engage with the nonprofit sector by attending the upcoming ceremony in Oklahoma City. The awards serve to spotlight local initiatives that directly affect the resources and support services available across the state.
The takeaway
These awards provide a platform to celebrate the individuals who drive essential social progress throughout Oklahoma. Recognizing these leaders encourages continued volunteerism and innovation within the state's diverse nonprofit ecosystem.
What happens next
The organization will hold an awards dinner at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City on November 19, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's philanthropic community in the Oklahoma Awards section.
More information
Find additional information on Visions Awards on the official organizational portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Okcfriday.
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