Russell Tarpey - Chairperson
Russell Tarpey is a versatile Engineering and Business Executive and Certified Educator with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning technical management, business ownership, and vocational education. He currently serves as the Computer Networking Instructor at Gordon Cooper Technology Center, where he leads industry-aligned training for entry-level IT roles. Russell has held various teaching and IT leadership positions at a variety of public and private schools.
Prior to his career in education, Russell spent a decade in senior leadership at Cisco Systems, managing large-scale engineering teams and multi-million dollar budgets. He is also a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience as a business owner, having successfully built and operated multiple ventures in the service, automotive, and real estate sectors. In addition to his corporate and entrepreneurial background, he is a proud husband, father of two wonderful girls and a joyous grandfather.
Russell’s dedication to professional excellence and community impact was recently recognized as a 2024 Oklahoma 55 over 55 recipient. He remains active in the evolving technology landscape as a member of the OBU Cyber Security Program Advisory Board.
Ed Bolt - Vice Chairman
Ed Bolt is a Shawnee resident and longtime community volunteer with a background in public service, business leadership, and nonprofit involvement. He attended the University of Oklahoma as a Political Science major and spent 29 years with AT&T, where his work included supporting state government and higher education institutions.
After retiring in 2008, Ed invested in downtown Shawnee by renovating a condemned building into a photo studio and art gallery, contributing to local revitalization efforts. He later served as Ward One City Commissioner and Mayor of Shawnee, experiences that strengthened his commitment to community-based solutions and collaborative leadership.
Ed and his wife Phyllis have lived in the Shawnee area since 2002. Together, they are active in their church and numerous nonprofit organizations focused on improving quality of life for families and individuals in the Shawnee community.
Gérard Nsabimana - Board Member
Gérard Nsabimana serves as the pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in Shawnee. He completed his seminary education at Duke Divinity School in North Carolina. Prior to entering full-time ministry, he pursued graduate studies and earned a Masters in Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University, equipping him with valuable insight into issues related to economic development, food systems, and sustainable communities.
Originally from the small East African country of Burundi, Gérard’s journey has been shaped by international education and cross-cultural experiences. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources from Africa University in Zimbabwe. Gérard has passion for sustainable agriculture and community development.
Throughout his career, Gérard has been passionate about helping others—whether through pastoral care, community outreach, leadership development, or advocacy for those facing hardship. His ministry is grounded in the belief that faith communities can play a transformative role in addressing social challenges, supporting families, and fostering hope.
Gérard is married to Alina Nsabimana, a native of Romania. Together they are raising three daughters.
Erin Crosby - Board Member
Born and raised in Shawnee, Erin graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Secondary Science Education. She taught various science courses across multiple Oklahoma school districts for 13 years. In 2019, Erin earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oklahoma City University. Currently, she works as a Nursing Supervisor on the Intermediate Care Unit at a local hospital. Erin has been married to Greg Crosby since April 1996. They have three adult children, a dog, and a cat. She enjoys live music, sporting events, and actively participates in her church. She is honored to be part of an organization that aims to positively impact the community.