Board Members

John began his career with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in July, 1999 as a correctional officer at Joseph Harp correctional Center. In 2013 John transferred to Mabel Bassett correctional Center as Captain, while pursuing his bachelors degree. John saw the need for improving physical plant operations and, when the opportunity presented itself, he became Maintenance Administrator and transition out of security to the head of construction/maintenance. In 2019 John received the ARROW Award for multiple cost saving projects, such as installation of major HVAC systems replacement, construction of the R.I.S.E. Cosmetology School, Guardian Angels program and Prison Fellowship. John is currently a sponsor of Inmate Council, several community services inmate projects, a board member of R.I.S.E.. John was personally invited to participate in the Warden’s Exchange program in December 2020, which he graduated in August, 2021. 

Rep. Tammy West is serving in her third term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, having been elected in November 2016. Her strong leadership abilities combined with her exceptional communications skills were significant reasons she was appointed Majority Whip by Speaker Charles McCall earlier this year.  A strong supporter of local control of schools West was first elected to the Putnam City School Board in 2009 and reelected in 2014, both times unopposed. She served as president of the Putnam City Board of Education in 2013.  In 2017, West completed the Southern Leadership Conference’s Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills program, the premier professional development program for elected and appointed Southern state officials. Tammy West was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the State Regents for Higher Education during the 2017 session. In addition, West was presented the 2018 Rising Star Award by the State Chamber of Oklahoma for her role as a legislative leader in the business community. In 2019 West was awarded the AARP Legislative Leadership Award and named the Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Realtors®. Additionally, West was one of 11 select legislators chosen from a pool of legislative applicants within the Southern region to attend the Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills (CALS). She was appointed to the Southern Leadership Conference Education Committee by the Oklahoma Speaker of the House. The Speaker of the House also nominated West to attend the 16th annual State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF) conference at the prestigious Darden School of Business. In addition, the Speaker also appointed her as a GOPAC and Prison Fellowship member. Tammy West serves on the Board of Directors for RISE, Re-entry Investment in Student Education. Rep. West is known for thinking enovatively in the area of criminal justice reform. She has been effective in enacting legislation that provides for a victim-centered, restorative justice deferred prosecution progam, while still promoting public safety and protecting victirms. Rep. West is Vice Chair of the Appropriations sub-Committee on Health and is a member of the Full Appropriations and Budget, Common Education, and Rules Committees. West has lived for 38 years in the statehouse district she represents. A graduate of Central State University (now UCO) with a degree in business management, she has owned and operated a successful small business, Wellness Plus, for more than 20 years.  Her peers elected Tammy West to serve as the Caucus Vice Chair her first year in office. Next, she was elected Caucus Chair, followed by the appointments by the House Speaker to serve as an Assistant Floor Leader and, currently, the Majority Whip. Tammy and her husband, Jon, are active members of Council Road Baptist Church and have three grown children and two grandchildren.  

Brandon Emerson began a career as a physical therapy assistant in 2001 after graduating from Rose State college. As a Therapist I have enjoyed working in many different areas of therapy. I currently work as a home health therapist in Oklahoma helping people regain there abilities. I enjoy teaching Pre K children at the Bridge church in Piedmont. My wife and I enjoy facilitating Financial Peace University in our community and church. I have had the privilege of serving with the R.I.S.E program since its inception and have been truly blessed to see God move in a mighty way.