Dr. Kathy Laster, President and CEO of the Avedis Foundation kicked off the annual luncheon with the opportunity to honor a prominent member of the community and “a very special woman whose leadership, service, and dedication have positively impacted not only our community but also communities across Oklahoma for decades.”
Laster continued, “She has devoted her life to education, economic development, public service, and tribal leadership. From her early years as an educator to her work supporting businesses and workforce development throughout Oklahoma, she has consistently led with wisdom, humility, and heart. Since being elected to tribal leadership in 1987 and serving as vice chairman of Citizen Potawatomi Nation since 1990, she has helped guide the CPN through remarkable growth and success while remaining deeply committed to the people she serves. Her accomplishments are many: educator, advocate, mentor, board leader, Hall of Fame inductee, Citizen of the Year, and even recipient of an honorary doctorate in Humanities; but perhaps her greatest legacy is the respect and admiration she has earned through her integrity, compassion, service, and servant leadership.” She then called on Linda Capps to join her on stage, accompanied by a standing ovation, adding, “Linda, on behalf of the Avedis Foundation and the countless community members, we are honored to celebrate the extraordinary service and the lasting impact you have made on generations to come. As you retire at the end of June, you leave behind a remarkable example of dedication, kind heartedness, and inspiration.”
Avedis Board Chairman Jill Spencer then took the stage to recognize this year’s service award. The Michelle Briggs ‘We’re Here for Good’ Service Award is named after the Avedis Foundation’s first president and CEO Michelle Briggs, who led the Avedis Foundation from its establishment in 2012 until her retirement in 2018.”
