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ABOUT DIANE

Vote – February 11, 2025 Diane Anderson, Mayor 2025

 
I am authentically invested in Ponca City.  I have lived here for over 40 years and chose to raise my family here.  Two of my three children live here as well as their children, my grandchildren.  My focus is building a better tomorrow for them and you through actions today. 
 
I hold degrees in Business, Liberal Studies, and a master’s degree in human relations, Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma.   My faith is important to me, and I am a member of New Life Baptist Church.
 
My position with Phillips 66 before I retired was in Communications and Public Relations, where I managed community relations as well as crisis and media communication. These positions provided experience in budget preparation and management, navigating the audit process, and leading and motivating employees.  Additionally, I inititated, started and managed 5 networks groups in the company and lead them through thousands of hours of volunteerism in our community.  Which translated into thousands of dollars for non-profits in the community.
 
Through the years I have seen the evolution of Ponca City.  The good, the not so good, the needs improvement, and the improvements.  I believe in our community, and I am determined to be the leader who makes significant contributions to and in our community for the benefit of all citizens.  No hidden or personal agendas, no sights set on future endeavors, other than those that impact Ponca City.

Living here feels right—it’s where I’ve grown, connected, and found my sense of community.
 
I have the background in leadership, through work, volunteering and personal experience to help fulfill the vision of Ponca City and to set a vision for our, Ponca City’s Smart Growth.  We need someone in City Hall who knows how to budget, understands the issues we are facing, willing and able to make hard decisions.  I, Diane Anderson am that leader and ask that I be your choice for Mayor.

As your Mayor, I will work tirelessly to build collaborative relationships for our town and its citizens.  I will lead with integrity, provide strong, steady and unbiased leadership. As Mayor, I will listen and provide opportunities for all citizens be a part of the dialogue and to be heard. 
I lead with dedication, sincerity, and commitment as your next Mayor.
 I am Diane Anderson, the Smart Choice for Mayor 2025.

Experiences and offices  previously held

·        Served 3 terms (9 years) as City Commissioner
·        2 Years as Vice Mayor
·        Serve as President (Grand Worthy Matron) for the Order of the Eastern Star, Oklahoma Jurisdiction, PHA
·        20 Years as Community Relations and Communications Director
·        Charter member of revitalization Committee for Attucks Community Center.
·        Attucks Community Alliance Board Member
·        Board member for Marland’s Place
·        Member of City Arts Committee
·        Past Chairperson of University Center Foundation
·        Past Board Member Girls Scouts of Northeastern Oklahoma (state agency)
·        Lifetime Member Girl Scouts
·        Chairperson Oklahoma Community Institute (statewide agency)
·        Served on various Chamber of Commerce Committees to include Ambassadors, Education, and Governmental Affairs
·        Served as Board member for United Way of North Central Oklahoma
·        Graduate of Leadership Ponca City
·        Served as Tri-Chair for Leadership Ponca City
·        Worked with Partner-in-Education
·        Sponsor of Ponca City High School African American Club
.         Served on Ponca City Main Street Board and Committees
.          Served as a CASA (court appointed specialty advocate)
.           Past Chair of Oklahoma Community Institute
.           Member of Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame Committee
.            Served with the Oklahoma Municipal League
 

Briefly include your accomplishments and activities

·        Awarded Distinguished Alumni at Northern Oklahoma College
·        Named Citizen of the Year by Chamber of Commerce
·        Twice honored as 50 Women Making a Difference in Oklahoma
·        Awarded the Larry Hughes Award
·        Recipient of Friends-of-Education recognition
·        Master’s Degree from The University of Oklahoma
·        Graduate of First Citizens Police Academy
.         Created Oklahoma Rodeo Association
.          Organized Ponca City’s first Juneteenth Parade

Contact information

VOTE FEBRUARY 11, 2025, DIANE ANDERSON, MAYOR 2025

Ponca City woman makes history

Ponca City Now – February 18, 2014 6:27 am

 
 

 

Ponca City City Commission is saying goodbye to a women who made history.

Diane Anderson was Ponca City’s first black American to serve on the City Commission.

Anderson said she was proud and humbled to have been elected.

” I think I was elected not so much from the standpoint that I was a black person or that I was a woman,” Anderson said. “I think I was elected because people felt I was capable of doing the job, and the fact that I am a black American didn’t stop them from voting for me and putting me in that office, and so I think that says a lot about our community and how we value diversity of thought, people, religion.

Anderson who served for nine years said there are many reason’s she is leaving.

She said it’s time to give someone else that opportunity.

“I chose not to run for a fourth term for several reasons, one big reason is because I have a 10 year-old son and an 11 year-old daughter,” Anderson said. “As they get older they are requiring more and more of my time, they are in a lot of sports, they are in Girl Scouts, they’re Boy Scouts and so having that extra time will do it. I also feel that you can become stagnated in one position and I didn’t want that to happen to me.”

Mary Beth Moore ran unopposed for Anderson’s seat.

Anderson said she knows her and is an excellent person for the position.

Anderson said it is hard to nail down one thing she is most proud of.

“ I am really proud of the skate park, Dan Moran Park,” Anderson said. “I am really happy we got that, it’s very well used. It was difficult. A lot of people sometimes equate skateboard parks with the wrong faction of the community, but I don’t think we have a wrong faction, I think sometimes we don’t give our kids enough credit. I am happy that we got the skate park done. I am also really excited that we have the water pads going and we’re going to have another one.”

She also said she was proud of helping bring the free wi-fi and University Multispectral Laboratories to town.