LAWTON – Southwest Oklahoma native Mark Woommavovah has been named president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Southwest Oklahoma.
Woommavovah succeeds former president/ CEO Lauren Ellis, who has accepted a position as CEO of United Way of Norman in Norman, United Way of Southwest Oklahoma officials said in a news release.
“We are excited about having someone of Mark’s caliber on board,” said Natalie Fitch, chairman of the board of directors. “He brings a wealth of experience and skills in relationship building, team building and project implementation, as well as a great knowledge of the southwest Oklahoma community and strong business acumen. With his leadership, we will continue to expand United Way’s impact on quality of life across southwest Oklahoma.”
Woommavovah is a retired lieutenant colonel of the U.S. Army and former chairman of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma.
He received a scholarship to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, according to the news University of Oklahoma on an ROTC scholarship. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and a commission as a military police officer.
Woommavovah is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma ROTC commissioning class of ’92, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, according to the news release. He spent 31 years in the Army, one of only 12 Comanche citizens to earn the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Woommavovah is married to Amber, and they have three sons: Marcus, Michael and Dylan. He was a leadership and talent scout, a senior instructor of military science at the University of Oklahoma ROTC and a coach for the University of Oklahoma Army ROTC 10-Mile Team and Sooner Battalion Running and Triathlon Club.
He was also a volunteer youth track and cross-country coach for Cleveland County Family YMCA, a member of the OK Runner Team and a mentor and advisor for the student athletes at the University of Oklahoma.
Woommavovah felt honored to serve the United Way of Southwest Oklahoma, he said.
“UWSWOK is committed to serving our community and making a difference through small acts of kindness,” he said. “Our organization believes that expressing gratitude and giving back to our communities creates a positive ripple effect in our lives, leading to a happy and purpose-filled existence, meaningful relationships and a strong connection to the community.”