About Isaiah

A 4th generation Oklahoman, Isaiah has lived in Norman since 2004. As the son of pastors, he was imbued with a sense of service early in life. At age 18 he moved to Los Angeles to volunteer with the Assemblies of God Dream Center outreach mission, which operates over 125 ministries from the 15 story former Queen of Angels hospital. Programs ranged from Food Trucks, Adopt-A-Block, Drug Rehabilitation, Homeless Teen Outreach, Inner-City Childrens’ Operations, and Homeless Assistance Programs. These experiences crystallized his conviction of the importance of strong communities.

From there, he traveled to East Africa on a solo tour, where he taught English, worked with deaf students and AIDS orphans, participated in the staple crop harvest with local farmers, and drove cattle with the Maasai.

Isaiah returned to Oklahoma in 2004 to attend OU, where he studies public policy. Last year Isaiah had the opportunity to work as an intern in the Norman City Manager’s office. From this experience, he developed a unique perspective on the relationship between municipalities, the legislature, and the community. He conducted research on mixed-use zoning, LED street lighting, and the Storm Water Master Plan, issues that speak to the future of Norman and its quality of life for future generations.

In 2007, Isaiah joined the Army Reserve. His tenure has been distinguished by 6 months active duty service as the interim Operations and Training liaison for his Battallion. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal for his performance, dedication, and distinction in this vital role normally occupied by someone many years more experienced.

In addition to work, school, and military service, Isaiah has been an active leader in several community organizations. He serves on the steering committee of the Norman Sustainability Network, a local chapter of the Oklahoma Sustainability Network which promotes many issues related to sustainability, including responsible economic development, healthy food supplies, and accessible urban environments. He is also on the board of directors of OnTrac, a citizens’ advocacy group for Oklahoma rail transit. OnTrac is now serving in an advisory capacity to Oklahoma public agencies and associations to guide our state’s mass transit future. In 2009, Isaiah helped organize Bike Against Hunger in Norman, a bicycle race and food drive benefiting the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.