Board of Directors
Hailey Couch
Board Chair
District Elementary Instructional Coach for Norman Public Schools
Hailey Couch currently serves as a district Elementary Instructional Coach for Norman Public Schools, and previously taught Kindergarten and 2nd grade. Hailey obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Oklahoma City University in 2013, followed by a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision from The University of Oklahoma in 2021. IIn 2022, Hailey received the Norman NEXT Under 40 Award and currently serves as the Chair of the Board for Norman NEXT. Hailey previously served as Membership Chair. She enjoys engaging with others to learn their stories and what shapes their identities, and is beyond thrilled to build and foster relationships with members of the Norman community as Chair of Norman NEXT this year. Hailey truly enjoys collaborating and connecting with others, and strives to empower those around her daily. She is a lifelong learner and is excited to learn and grow alongside her fellow Board members in the hopes of leading towards a brighter future in Norman. This organization means so much to her and she is grateful to be a part of it.
Nick Bartell
Secretary
Academic Advisor. The School of Visual Arts at the University of Oklahoma
Nicholas Bartell graduated in 2009 from the University of Oklahoma with his BFA in Drama and has made theatre education, directing, and performing in the OKC Metro Area his career focus. Notable education credits include acting instructor for The Sooner, public school teaching at Jackson Middle School and Longfellow Middle School, Camp Director for Oklahoma Shakespeare’s Young Company Theatre Camp, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s Director of Secondary Education, Adjunct Professor of Performance at the OU School of Drama, and a year with the State Department of Education developing the Art Tech Grant Project as an Arts Specialist. As a theatre artist in the community, Nick stage directs for Cimarron Opera Company, performs with Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park, and dialect coaches for Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Since 2023 Nick has served as Academic Advisor for the OU School of Visual Art, and loves the opportunity to encourage and support artists in their pursuit of their education and career in the arts.
Samantha Rudder
Treasurer
Tax Advisor at White Rose Business Group
Samantha Rudder is a tax accountant with 10 years experience. She owns and operate several small businesses, including White Rose Business Services and accounting firm located in Downtown Norman. Alongside her partner Cody, who helps with the businesses, she enjoys water activities, playing volleyball, and traveling with her son Connor.
Taylor Johnson
Government & Community Relations Chair
Transit and Parking Program Manager for The City of Norman
Taylor Johnson is the Transit and Parking Program Manager for the City of Norman. In this role, he oversees the operations/contractors of the City’s public transportation and parking services. Taylor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and a Master’s degree in Regional and City Planning from the University of Oklahoma. Taylor enjoys spending time with his family and reading.
Robert Love
Events Chair
Production Manager at Lazy Circles Brewing
Robert Love is the brewer at Lazy Circles Brewing in downtown Norman. Robert has experience in beverage curation, production, and service. He was born and raised in Norman and likes building and maintaining the community that keeps Norman a unique place to live in Oklahoma.
Brent Norwood
University Relations Chair
Professor of Economics. Department Of Economics at The University of Oklahoma
Brent Norwood attended Texas A&M for his Bachelor of Science in Economics, the University of Delaware for his Master of Economics & Entrepreneurship, and the University of Oklahoma for his PhD in Economics. He began at OU in 2021 as a teaching specialist. His research in applied public policy focuses on areas that impact low- and middle-income families and statistics in sports. Brent is the faculty advisor for three fraternities and various clubs. He serves as the Assessment Liaison for the Economic Department, a Digital Faculty Consultant & Creator for McGraw Hill, and is participating in the 2023 cohort of Lead Sooner.
Jodie Stewart
Marketing Chair
Production Manager at Lazy Circles Brewing
Jodie Stewart was born and raised in Norman, OK, and works at the Women’s Resource Center as the Communication and Events Specialist. Passionate about addressing domestic and sexual violence, Jodie has served on the legislative committee for End Violence in Oklahoma (EVO). She thrives on opportunities to be creative, give back to her community, and invest in younger generations.
Regan Schrier
NEXT Level Chair
Outreach Specialist for Pioneer Library System
Regan is excited to be joining the board of Norman Next as the Next Level chair! She has been an active member for the last few years and is ready to continue to engage with the community in a new capacity. Regan works as an Outreach Specialist at Pioneer Library System and is also a producer and singer for The Royal Dukes band in Oklahoma.
Matthew Mairet
DEI Chair
Librarian for Norman Public Schools
Matthew Mairet is a teacher-librarian with Norman Public Schools. He is an avid runner, reader, and record collector, and can often be found Saturday mornings at the Norman Farm Market. Aside from his work with children, Matthew is committed to serving the Norman community through volunteer work & mutual aid projects.
Evan Pettit
Sponsorship Chair
Store manager at Gilliam Music
Evan Pettit is the store manager at Gilliam Music in Norman and oversees overall sales for the store with a focus on pianos/keyboards along with band and orchestra instruments. Evan was born and raised just south of Madison Wisconsin but has called Norman home since 2009. He holds a bachelors of music from UW-Platteville, Masters of music from University of Iowa and doctorate of musical arts from University of Oklahoma.
Kevin Russ
Membership Chair
4th grade teacher. Norman Public Schools
Kevin Russ graduated from OU in 2022 with a bachelors in Education. He has since worked for Norman Public Schools as a 4th grade teacher. Kevin enjoys videography as well as traveling, and listening to music. He is very excited to be on the board of Norman NEXT as the membership chair and is looking forward to the year ahead.
Katelyn Andres
Immediate Past Chair
Therapeutic Counselor, Addiction Recovery at Hope Community Services, Inc.
Katelyn is a Texas transplant who came to Norman for her undergraduate degree and never left! Her days are very full working as a therapeutic counselor, raising her two children, and staying active in the community. Her passions are empowering people, advocating for the voiceless, and finding joy in simplicity. Norman Next has been an integral part of amplifying the voices of young professionals for many years. Katelyn is excited to continue serving on the board for NEXT and is ready to meet more great people and further her connections (and impact!) in our great city.
Staff
Kassie Downey
Executive Coordinator
Musical Theater Director/Performer
Kassie Carroll Downey was born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma. After high school she chased her dreams of getting a degree in theater and graduated with a bachelor of music in musical theater from The University of Central Oklahoma. She has been pursuing her career since on stage and off teaching, performing and directing for companies from Oklahoma, to New York to Sydney Australia. As a performer Kassie has performed Off-Broadway in New York, has toured and has performed in regional theaters all over the country. Directing and teaching has always been a huge passion for her and after years of traveling she found herself being pulled back home to give to the very community that gave her some much growing up. Kassie has taught at her alma mater in the music theater department and has taught/directed at many theaters throughout the Norman and OKC metro are. She is a huge advocate for the arts and is grateful to Norman for having such incredible opportunities for artists of all kinds. Working for Norman NEXT has been a blessing as it’s introduced her to so many phenomenal people while also opening her eyes to all of the incredible things Norman has to offer.