About Us

The Ada Jobs Foundation

We’re a 501c3 non-profit that’s purely focused on the economic development of Ada. 

Through key partnerships with local government offices, businesses, investors, and non-profits we’re able to deliver services to improve and expand the economic footprint of our city.

Who We Help

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Local Businesses

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Manufacturing

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Tech Companies

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Start Ups

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Utility Providers

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Investors

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Site Selectors

Meet the Team

Peggy Saunkeah, Interim President & CEO

Peggy Saunkeah joins the Ada Jobs Foundation (AJF) as the Executive Assistant, following an impressive career in both Oklahoma and Florida, as an executive assistant, office administrator, paralegal, grant manager, teacher, and Director of East Central University’s Career Center. Saunkeah recently retired as the Executive Assistant for the Office of the President of East Central University (ECU) and the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Trustees where she served President Katricia Pierson and President Emeritus John Hargrave. Saunkeah holds a Master of Science in Human Resources degree from East Central University, and an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University. 

Saunkeah is President of Legal Studies Advisory Board at ECU and an advisory member of the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Committee on Legal Assistant’s Services.  Peggy is the Chair of Ada’s Take Part: Beautification and Infrastructure Task Force since its formation in 2013.  She is a charter member of the Pontotoc County Coordinated Community Response Team and is a member of several other associations and councils, both locally and statewide.  Most recently, Peggy was appointed as a member of the Commission of Ministry for the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.

Saunkeah’s husband, Bobby, is the Director of Research and Public Health for the Chickasaw Nation, and they have one daughter, Lili. Saunkeah and her family attend St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Ada.

Email: psaunkeah@growada.com
Office: (580) 235-0070
Daniel Castaneda, Economic Development Specialist

Daniel’s responsibilities include business attraction, retention/expansion, entrepreneurial, and community development strategies.

Prior to coming to Ada, Daniel led civic engagement campaigns and events for Dream Action Oklahoma as their Civic Engagement Coordinator. He was also the Clean Cities Intern for the Association of Central Oklahoma Government’s in which he was responsible for helping increase alternative fuel technologies in the state and created the Bicycle Friendly Business Guide that outlines the needs and benefits of bike friendly practices.  

Daniel holds a Master’s Degree in Regional and City Planning and Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sustainability, both from the University of Oklahoma.

Email: dcastaneda@growada.com
Cell: (405) 474-1574
Office: (580) 235-0070

Let’s Grow Ada Together

Board of Directors

Current Board of Directors

Chair

Christy Idleman

OG&E

Vice Chair

Jim Lawson

Pontotoc Technology Center

Secretary-Treasurer

Amy Kaiser

First United Bank

Past Chair

Jeannie Forneris

LegalShield

Member-at-Large

Randy McFarlin

City of Ada

Director

Nathan Elliott

Chickasaw Nation

 

Director

Chad Lancaster

Vision Bank

Director

Brigette Jones

Citizens Bank

Director

Wendell Godwin

East Central University

Director

Preston Draper

CLEET

Director

Shane Hudson

MSA Global

Director

Lucas Clark

First United Bank

Director

Terrence Farrell

MSA Global

 

Ex-Officio & Advisory Board Members

Lakelynn Green

Ada Main Street

Darcy Stacy

CLEET

Tracy Roles

City of Ada

Mike Anderson

Ada Public Schools

Travis Graham

Pontotoc Technology Center

Dr. Michael Scott

ECU School of Business

Sarah Frye

Ada Homeless Services

David Keith

Oklahoma Heritage Bank

Gary Starns

Pontotoc County Commissioner

Karen Hudson

City of Ada

Saba Tahmassebi

Robert S. Kerr Research Lab

Mason Groves

Ada Area Chamber of Commerce

Trevor Sutton

Ada Main Street

Jim Hamby

Ada Industrial Development Corporation

Senator Greg McCortney

OK Senate District – 13

Representative Ronny Johns

OK House District – 25

Brandy Turpin

Ada Area Chamber of Commerce