Board of Directors
Kevin Russ
Board Chair
5th Grade Teacher, Norman Public Schools
Kevin Russ is a 5th grade teacher for Norman Public Schools and a two-time graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Elementary Education and Education Administration. He is passionate about building strong school communities and serves in leadership roles focused on culture, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Kevin is actively involved in connecting schools to the broader community and is excited to help engage and empower young professionals to shape the future of the city.
Hailey Couch
Immediate Past Chair
District Elementary Instructional Coach for Norman Public Schools
Hailey Couch serves as a district Elementary Instructional Coach for Norman Public Schools and previously taught Kindergarten and 2nd grade. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Oklahoma City University and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision from the University of Oklahoma. Hailey received the Norman NEXT Under 40 Award in 2022 and has served as Membership Chair, Board Chair in 2025, and is now the Immediate Past Chair of Norman NEXT. Passionate about connection, collaboration, and lifelong learning, she is grateful to continue building relationships and empowering others in the Norman community.
Brent Norwood
Events 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.
Robert Love
Secretary
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.
Samantha Rudder
Sponsorship Chair
Tax Advisor at White Rose Business Group
Samantha Rudder is a tax accountant with 10 years experience. She owns and operates several small businesses, including White Rose Business Services, an 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.
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.
Jeremy Rudder
Treasurer
Travel Agent & Tax Professional
Jeremy is a Norman-based travel agent and tax professional who is excited to join the Norman NEXT Board as Treasurer. After spending more than a decade in Portland, Oregon, he returned home with a renewed commitment to investing in Norman’s people, businesses, and future. Professionally, Jeremy works closely with individuals and small businesses, blending financial insight with a people-first approach. He also serves on the board of The Safe Place Community Center, supporting efforts to create affirming spaces and resources for queer and trans youth in Oklahoma. Drawn to Norman NEXT’s focus on collaboration, leadership, and impact, Jeremy is passionate about building strong, engaged communities. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his pets, exploring local restaurants and bars, and keeping up with the latest TV obsessions.
Holly Peppler
Government Relations Chair
Business Owner, Strategic Benefit Partners
Holly Peppler has called Norman home since 2009. She is the proud owner of Strategic Benefit Partners and has 15+ years of experience in the employee benefits industry. Holly is a proud graduate of Leadership Norman, Class of 2024, and also received the Next Under 40 award in the same year. Holly is passionate about making Norman the best community it can be for everyone who lives and works here.
Samantha Johnson
University Relations Chair
Lecturer, Econ Club Advisor & Undergrad Advisor, University of Central Oklahoma
Originally from South Dakota, Samantha received her bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance at Black Hills State before receiving her Master’s and PhD in Economics at Washington State. She joined OU in 2021 as a teaching specialist focusing on teaching the introductory economics classes. Beyond teaching, she is also the undergraduate coordinator and advisor for Econ Club. She loves being a little nerdy and interacting with her students showing that econ can be a fun topic that applies to everyone!
Membership Chair
Membership Chair
Position Currently Unfilled
We are currently seeking a Membership Chair. If you are interested in serving on the Norman NEXT Board of Directors, please reach out to us.
Carlie Langlois
Marketing Chair
Sr. Student Program Coordinator, OU College of Medicine Student Affairs
All the way from California, Carlie is a OU alumna with a bachelor’s in Advertising. She currently serves as a Sr. Student Program Coordinator for OU’s College of Medicine Student Affairs office. In short, she plans College of Medicine events anywhere from the White Coat Ceremony to awards banquets. They are also a part of the Medieval Fair of Norman and enjoys going to Norman events. She is passionate about helping people find their place in their community and is excited to do so with Norman NEXT.
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.