Downtown OKC Partnership Honors Three Visionary Leaders
The 39th annual Dean A. McGee Awards recognized leaders for their vital contributions to the growth of downtown Oklahoma City.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Awards
The Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership presented three leadership awards to individuals who have driven investment and revitalization in the city. The honors were distributed during the organization's 39th annual ceremony.
Why it matters
The honorees were recognized for their significant roles in shaping the districts of downtown Oklahoma City through dedicated leadership and investment. These awards highlight the commitment of local figures to long-term city improvement.
The 39th annual event honored 3 visionary leaders for their work within the community. The awards were presented to recognize major contributions to local infrastructure and district development.
The players
Avis Scaramucci
She is a local leader who received the Dean A. McGee Award for her efforts in urban revitalization.
Elizabeth Eickman
She was awarded the Stanley Draper Award for her significant contributions to the city's downtown area.
Chris Fleming
He received the Neal Horton Award for his commitment to leadership and investment in local districts.
Jennifer Nakayama
She serves as the President and CEO of the Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership.
Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership
This organization promotes and manages the economic and cultural development of the downtown district.
The details
Avis Scaramucci received the Dean A. McGee Award, while Elizabeth Eickman was honored with the Stanley Draper Award and Chris Fleming accepted the Neal Horton Award. The ceremony was overseen by event co-chairmen Deborah McAuliffe Senner and John Michael Williams.
Timeline
The 39th annual Dean A. McGee Awards ceremony took place on October 16, 2026.
Culture Shift
These awards reflect a long-term cultural shift toward prioritizing urban core investment, similar to the historical redevelopment of Oklahoma City's Bricktown district. This celebration marks a transition where local private leadership now acts as the primary catalyst for district growth.
The recognition of these leaders highlights specific downtown districts that are undergoing revitalization efforts, which may affect local property values and business accessibility. Residents may notice increased investment and infrastructure improvements in the areas championed by these award winners.
The takeaway
Recognizing individuals who spearhead urban development provides a clear signal of where the city plans to focus its future infrastructure resources. Celebrating these contributions helps the public understand the private-sector partners driving downtown growth.
Further reading
For more on community recognitions, see Oklahoma City Awards.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Okcfriday.
