About Us

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.

Vision

To create a thriving Ada where innovation, collaboration, and opportunity drive a prosperous community and vibrant economy.

Mission

Grow Ada, under the Ada Jobs Foundation, drives economic development in the city of Ada, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. It collaborates with organizations and community agencies to address the specific needs of community development.

Who We Help



Local Businesses



Manufacturing



Tech Companies



Startups



Utility Providers



Investors



Site Selectors

Meet the Team

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

Peggy Saunkeah
Interim President & CEO

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

Daniel Castaneda
Economic Development Specialist

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

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