TRUST SERVICES articles

KATHRYN SAWYER

Kathryn Sawyer joined Trust Company of Oklahoma in 2023. 

Prior to joining TCO, Kathryn was an attorney with Swanson Law Firm, where her practice focused on analyzing and implementing ethical solutions with minimal tax consequences for clients’ unique business and estate planning needs. Kathryn also has experience as in-house counsel and director of safety for a small oil and gas company. Additionally, she has extensive experience working at the Oklahoma Tax Commission reviewing proposed legislation and forecasting the impact to state revenues.  

Kathryn graduated from the University of Tulsa with a BSBA in energy management. She then earned her law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law.  

She is a member of the Tulsa County Bar Association and the Oklahoma Bar Association, where she serves as the state liaison for the tax section. Kathryn enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs playing disc golf and board games. 

KATHY TURNER

Kathy Turner joined Trust Company of Oklahoma in 2020, serving our clients and trust administrators. She demonstrated exceptional skills and commitment, earning a promotion to trust officer in 2022. 

Kathy came to TCO from State Farm Insurance, where she worked for nearly 30 years. She worked in both business and personal lines fire underwriting departments before being promoted to accounting coordinator, a position she held for eight years.  

Currently, Kathy is actively pursuing the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation, further demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and excellence in the field.  

Beyond her professional achievements, Kathy has been a long-standing volunteer with Special Olympics and United Way Day of Caring, with a desire to make a positive impact.  

As a native Tulsan, Kathy finds joy in spending quality time with her family and friends. Her love for Grand Lake is evident, as she seizes every opportunity to escape there whenever possible.

MADELAINE HAWKINS

Madelaine Hawkins joined Trust Company of Oklahoma in 2021. Prior to joining TCO, Madelaine practiced probate, estate planning, and oil and gas law at Robertson & Williams. 

Madelaine graduated from Texas Christian University with her bachelor’s in social work and the University of Kansas with her master’s in social work. She earned her law degree from the Oklahoma City University School of Law, where she was a member of the Order of Barristers and Phi Delta Phi. 

Madelaine is a member of the Oklahoma County Bar Association. She serves on the Board of Directors for Calm Waters, Young Professionals Board of Infant Crisis Services, and the Board of Trustees for First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City Endowment Fund.

ANDREW KING

Andrew King joined Trust Company of Oklahoma in 2021. At TCO, Andrew uses his legal experience to administer trusts, consult with clients on their estate planning needs, and to solve complicated business matters for his clients.  

Prior to joining TCO, Andrew was an attorney with McAfee & Taft, where his practice focused on estate planning, probate litigation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and real estate transactions. 

Andrew graduated from Oklahoma State University with dual degrees in economics and political science. He then earned his law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law. 

Andrew is a veteran of the Army National Guard, serving six years, including leading a mortar fire team in combat operations in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011-12.  

Andrew is a member of the Tulsa County Bar Association, the Oklahoma Bar Association, the Tulsa Estate Planning Forum, the Tulsa Title & Probate Lawyers Association, and currently serves as the co-chair of the fundraising committee for Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma in Tulsa.

SARA SHAKLEE

Sara Shaklee joined Trust Company of Oklahoma in 2016 as an administrative assistant, working in various capacities of trust administration. She was promoted to serve the executive team in 2020, then elevated to trust officer in 2021. She earned the title of assistant vice president in 2023.</br>

Sara came to TCO after experience in both the business and legal sectors, working for a boutique firm in Tulsa specializing in civil and banking law.</br>

Sara studied for her associate degree at Tulsa Community College, where she received highest honors in the state for macroeconomics, before transferring to Penn State University to continue her Bachelor of Business Administration in finance. Sara is pursuing both her CTFA and CFP® designations.</br>

She is a member of Executive Women International, serving on the Sergeant at Arms Committee.</br>

A native Tulsan, Sara has one daughter at Holland Hall. Aside from her loves of tennis, cooking and travel, she enjoys dedicating her time to supporting nonprofit organizations, especially those that serve women and children in need.

BRITTNEY ADKISSON

Brittney Adkisson joined TCO in 2015 as executive assistant to both the CEO and the COO. She was promoted to assistant vice president in 2020.

Brittney has over a decade of experience in the financial services and banking industry. She came to TCO from BancFirst, where she started her career as a teller and was promoted to customer service representative.

Outside of TCO, Brittney is a court appointed special advocate for Tulsa CASA and volunteers on the Safe Babies Court Team.

JAMES L. MADDUX

James Maddux has almost 30 years of financial services experience, including trust and estate planning, investments, qualified plan consulting and banking. He joined TCO in 2020 and continues to serve as trust administrator.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Tulsa. James acquired the CFP® accreditation in 2003. He holds additional designations as a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor and as an Accredited Estate Planner®. 

James is a member of the board of directors for Happy Hands Education Center and his church. He is a past president of both the Tulsa Estate Planning Forum and the Tulsa Financial Planning Association, as well as numerous other nonprofits. 

James and his wife of 35 years are parents of two and grandparents of two.  When not attending the grandchildren’s events, James enjoys working in his shop and small-scale ranching.

RON BURKE

Ron Burke brought his wealth of experience to Trust Company of Oklahoma in 2019, assuming the role of senior vice president in the Oklahoma City region. 

With a career spanning 30 years, Ron’s journey includes a tenure at Bank of Oklahoma, where he served as senior vice president and trust officer for seven years. During his time there, he was recognized for his expertise by being selected to serve on the board of The Private Bank Central Administration and Investment Review Committee. Before joining Bank of Oklahoma, Ron held roles at First Financial Network Inc., Bank of America, and Ameriprise. 

Ron’s academic foundation is rooted in finance, with minors in accounting and economics, earned from Oklahoma State University. Currently holding the position of president emeritus of the Oklahoma City Estate Planning Council, he holds designations including the Certified Financial Planner™, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, and the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor. 

Beyond his professional pursuits, Ron finds joy in various interests. Ron enjoys traveling and immersing himself in diverse cultures. His intellectual curiosity extends to theoretical physics, a field where he consistently seeks knowledge to unravel the mysteries of the universe. On a more thrilling note, he is an avid follower of Formula 1 racing, reveling in the excitement of speed and precision on the racetrack. Ron’s life is a dynamic blend of financial acumen, philanthropic dedication, and a zest for exploration and learning.  

EMILY CRAIN

Emily Crain joined TCO in 2017. In 2023, she was named director of marketing. Prior to joining TCO, Emily practiced probate, trust litigation, estate planning, and guardianship at The Allison Firm, PLLC.

Emily graduated from the University of Missouri with dual degrees in journalism and history. She earned her law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law, where she received the Order of the Barristers award.

She is a member of the Tulsa County Bar, the Oklahoma Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. She is a member of the Tulsa Estate Planning Forum and Tulsa Title and Probate Lawyers Association. 

She currently serves as president of the Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Section of the Oklahoma Bar, and as secretary of the Tulsa Title and Probate Lawyers Association. 

Emily serves on the board of directors for Tulsa Camerata and volunteers with Reading Partners.

Emily treasures every moment she can share with her two sons. She enjoys baking, going on adventures, and trying new hobbies, including coaching her sons’ youth football teams.

LESA A. CREVELING

Lesa Creveling has been with Trust Company of Oklahoma since 1999.

She was licensed as certified public accountant in 1987. She holds a bachelor’s and law degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

Before joining TCO, Lesa practiced law in the private sector, concentrating on estate planning, taxation and probate.

She is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, Tulsa County Bar Association and the Tulsa Title and Probate Lawyers Association.

Lesa has served as president of both the Tulsa Estate Planning Forum and Metro Christian Academy Foundation. She also served as an officer of the Oklahoma Bar Association Estate Planning, Probate and Trust section.

MICHAEL R. HAIRSTON

Michael Hairston is executive vice president, chief operating officer, and member of TCO’s Board of Directors. Michael has been in the trust industry for 35 years, 25 of those with Trust Company of Oklahoma.

Before joining TCO, he served as vice president of the private financial services group of the Bank of Oklahoma. Prior to this, he managed the personal trust division at Valley Bank and Trust Company in Salt Lake City, Utah. Michael began his trust career in 1981 with Utica National Bank and Trust Company.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Oklahoma State University and completed the National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern University.

Michael has been designated a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor by the Institute of Certified Bankers. He is a trustee of the Tulsa County Medical Society Foundation. He is also a former director and president of the Tulsa Estate Planning Forum and former director of the Green Country Council Camp Fire USA.

Michael is a member of the Rotary Club of Tulsa, where he is a Paul Harris Fellow and a Club Foundation Fellow. In addition, he serves as trustee of the Tulsa County Medical Society Foundation.

JENNIFER MAY

Jennifer May joined TCO in 2002 and was promoted to trust officer in 2008. She was promoted to assistant vice president in 2011. 

With almost 20 years of banking experience, Jennifer came to TCO from Bank of Oklahoma, where she worked in the institutional and employee benefits department.

A native of Tulsa, Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and marketing from Oklahoma State University and is a graduate of Cannon Trust School. She has also been designated a certified trust and financial advisor by the Institute of Certified Bankers.

She is a member of the Tulsa Estate Planning Forum and is actively involved as a volunteer for Tulsa Street School and Family & Children’s Services. 

JOANNA K. MURPHY

Joanna Murphy, senior vice president and member of our Board of Directors, joined TCO in 2010.  

Previously, Joanna had the opportunity to administer a variety of both domestic and international trusts and estates during her seven years as a trust and estate officer for Citigroup in both New York and Zurich, Switzerland. She has developed a special interest in estate settlement and working with families through these transitions.

A native Oklahoman, Joanna attended the University of Missouri and graduated with her BS Ed. in special education. She earned her juris doctorate degree from the University of Tulsa and her LL.M. in taxation from Washington University in St. Louis.

She is a member of the Oklahoma and Missouri bars, the Tulsa County Bar Association, and the Tulsa Estate Planning Forum.

RYAN SHORT

Ryan Short joined Trust Company of Oklahoma in 2016 and currently serves as senior vice president and director of Personal Trust Administration.

He came to TCO from Northwestern Mutual, where he directed the investment operations and compliance department for the firm’s Oklahoma and Arkansas offices. 

As general securities principal, he has supervised financial advisors for over 10 years and collaborated with them to ensure that planning recommendations, insurance contracts, and investment portfolios are aligned with client goals and objectives.  

Ryan is a graduate, magna cum laude, of the University of Oklahoma, a native Tulsan, and a Certified Financial Planner™ professional.

WHITTNEY STAUFFER

Whittney Stauffer joined TCO in 2017 as vice president in the Trust Services division and was promoted to senior vice president in 2021. She has experience in investment management, wealth advisory, financial planning, and providing banking and financing services to individuals, endowments, and foundations. Whittney currently oversees the Investment Management Agency at TCO.

Whittney received her bachelor of business administration in finance from the University of Oklahoma. In addition, she is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. 

She is a past trustee for the Philbrook Museum of Art and past board president of The Pencil Box. Whittney currently sits on University of Tulsa’s Friends of Finance board and currently serves as treasurer of the Tulsa Midtown Chapter of National Charity League, a mother/daughter service organization. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Tulsa, a Leadership Tulsa graduate, and a member of Harvard Avenue Christian Church.  

Whittney resides in Tulsa with her husband, Joey, and their two children, Meryl and Sam. When she is not chasing after kids and attending their activities, she loves to travel, especially to Colorado to snow ski, and cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners.  

MELISSA TAYLOR

Melissa Taylor joined Trust Company of Oklahoma in April 2013 as vice president and trust officer. She specializes in client trust and estate needs.

Prior to joining Trust Company, Melissa practiced tax law, probate administration, trust and estate planning and employee benefits law at GableGotwals.

Melissa graduated summa cum laude from the University of Oklahoma with degrees in letters and classics. She then taught Latin for five years before earning her law degree from the University of Tulsa, where she was recognized as “Most Outstanding Student”. Continuing her education, she went on to earn her LL.M in taxation from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Melissa is a member of the Tulsa County, Oklahoma, and American Bar Associations as well as Tulsa Estate Planning Forum. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Family Safety Center and volunteers with the Tulsa Area United Way. She is also a Class 49 member in Leadership Tulsa.