Ada Jobs Foundation

Education: Master of Regional and City Planning with emphasis on Community and Economic Development from the University of Oklahoma in 1993. Thesis titled, “Marketing Communities for Economic Development”

Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs and Administration from OU in 1991

Experience:  Mike came to Ada after spending over 10 years leading the community development efforts in Shawnee and Muskogee and 3 years as a city planner in Oklahoma City. He led efforts to enhance community appearance and pioneered revitalization processes to remove dilapidated structures and breathe life into deteriorating neighborhoods and business districts. Under Mike’s direction, Shawnee adopted the first rehab code in Oklahoma and Muskogee passed the first modern manufactured housing code in the state. Through these entrepreneurial efforts, Shawnee has seen around $15 million in reinvestment. He was instrumental in the neighborhood revitalization efforts that have culminated in over 200 new houses built on infill lots in the two communities. Mike has served on various boards and committees over his career ranging from Habitat for Humanity to the local chamber. He has shared his knowledge across the state on topics such as community image, visioning and design. Mike is not only a leader in Oklahoma but nationally where he served as the Region 3 Commissioner on the governing board for certified planners, American Institute of Certified Planners.

Mike is a member of the American Planning Association, American Institute of Certified Planners, International Economic Development Council, Southern Economic Development Council, Oklahoma Professionals Economic Development Council and the Governor’s Economic Development Team.

Ann Marie Miller, Director of Marketing and Research

    Ann Marie Miller is the Director of Marketing and Research for the Ada Jobs Foundation, a non-profit foundation with a mission to create and retain quality jobs for the Ada area.  The foundation works under contract for the City of Ada to carry out Ada’s economic development program.   Miller has been with the Ada Jobs Foundation since July 2005.  

   Miller is a 2005 graduate of the William S. Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University (OSU).  Miller graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing.   Miller attended OSU on an Oklahoma State Regents Scholarship and completed her degree in three years. 

   At OSU, Miller was an active member and officer of Alpha Beta Chi (Army Blades), a service sorority dedicated to serving the Army ROTC program at OSU and providing community service to local non-profit organizations. Miller was also a member of Phi Kappa Phi, a national Honor Society.

   Prior to joining the Ada Jobs Foundation, Miller worked as a Marketing Assistant for the Student Union Activities Board at OSU. She developed marketing materials for over 500 annual events conducted by the Student Union Activities Board.  While attending OSU, Miller also conducted research for a variety of businesses and non-profit organizations and assisted in the development of their marketing plans.  Miller has expertise in multiple graphic design software programs.  

   Miller is a native Oklahoman and Chickasaw Citizen. She was valedictorian of the 2002 graduating class of Deer Creek High School in Edmond. 

    In 2008, Miller was selected as Oklahoma's Young Careerist 2008 by the Oklahoma Federation of Business and Professional Women. Miller is actively involved in BPW on the state and local level. In 2009, Miller graduated with Class VI of the Oklahoma Citizens Academy, which is hosted by the Oklahoma Community Institute. Miller is currently pursuing her CEcD certification through Oklahoma University's Economic Development Institute. Miller is a member of the Southern Economic Development Council. Miller is actively involved with the Young Professionals of Ada and serves on a variety of committees and boards in the community.

Julie Hightower is the Administrative Assistant for the Ada Jobs Foundation, a non-profit foundation with the mission to create and retain quality jobs for the Ada area. Hightower has been with the Ada Jobs Foundation since September 2009.

    Hightower is a 1999 graduate of Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science. Prior to attending Panhandle State, Hightower received her Associates Degree from Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma in 1997.

    Hightower is a native Oklahoman from Checotah and is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She was a member of the 1994 graduating class of Checotah High School, where she was a member of FFA, FBLA, Journalism, and Speech.

     Prior to joining the Ada Jobs Foundation team, Hightower worked for Claims Management Resources, an insurance subrogation firm in Oklahoma City. She is a prime example of a young professional that has made the move from an urban center to Ada. When asked about her experience, she stated “I enjoy living in Ada, because while I still have access to all the big city amenities, I don’t have to worry with the hassles such as traffic, noise, and congestion.”

    Hightower currently serves on the Networking Committee of the Young Professionals of Ada, as well as a Membership Ambassador for the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce.  Hightower recently received certification in QuickBooks and will graduate from Class 2 of Leadership YoUniversity in June 2010.

    Outside of the office, Hightower enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Hightower is an avid outdoor person, some of her favorite activities include playing sports, fishing, and spending time at Oklahoma's beautiful lakes.