Board Nominees 2025
Vote for your Board Nominees at the January 18, 2025 Annual Meeting
Joshua (Josh) Pickering - New
Born and raised in Tulsa, I am a lifelong gardener and outdoor enthusiast with a deep passion for botany, wildlife, and stream and riparian habitats. As the board president of Oxley Nature Center, I actively contribute to conservation efforts. I’m also an avid citizen scientist, specializing in native fish and plant species.
John Voegele - New
John is semi-retired after being in the corporate world for over 30 years with the same company. For the last 12 years, he has had his own company, iHelpTulsa.com, helping small businesses and home users with IT and computer issues. He and his spouse, Rick Hollingsworth, have been around Spring Creek for the past 24 years, having a residence at Cedar Crest.
“The first 17 years we were weekenders at Cedar Crest but we have been full-time residents since 2017. The creek has been awe inspiring through the years: catching sand bass in the spring, floating in the creek and kayaking in the summer, taking in the reflection in the water of the turning leaves in the fall, and watching the fog rise from the water in the colder months.
Spring Creek is a treasure that must be protected, and I am willing to help in any way to preserve it.”
Mike Appel- For a second term
“Along with my partner Emily Oakley, I own and operate Three Springs Farm, a diversified, certified organic vegetable farm on Spring Creek near the town of Oaks. Since moving to our farm in 2006, I have come to have a deep appreciation for Spring Creek. I enjoy its beauty year-round – swimming it's cool, refreshing water daily in the summer and finding peace sitting on its banks during colder months. I have a profound respect and appreciation for the work of the Spring Creek Coalition, experiencing first-hand the truly invaluable contributions SCC makes to our community.”
During Mike’s first 3-year term he set up our Adopt-a-Road program, tested and continues to experiment with Biochar as a means to reduce phosphorous in streams, and met with Representative David Hardin and Shanon Phillips, Water Quality Director, OK Conservation Commission, to discuss our water monitoring results and the importance of Spring Creek.
Chris Beckwith - For a second term
Chris Beckwith lives in Tulsa and runs a Broken Arrow based company in the outdoor recreation industry. He brings a background in some of the technical and policy issues facing the Spring Creek watershed. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a law degree with an emphasis in Natural Resources law. Chris owns land on Snake Creek, a tributary of Spring Creek in Mayes County, that is enrolled in a pollinator habitat program.
During Chris’ first 3-year term he has provided valuable insights into our lawsuit against the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, followed significant bills up for passage in 2024, and added his expertise and help wherever needed.
Sandy whitekiller - For a Second Term
“I am honored to continue to serve as a board member for SCC.
I have lived along Spring Creek for 24 years and have been involved with the Coalition in cleanups, tree planting, and water testing.
I see the changes in Spring Creek and know the Coalition is vital for a sustainable healthy waterway.”
During Sandy’s first 3-year term she has shown she is a true water warrior who cares deeply about Spring Creek. Sandy is a mainstay at all our water monitoring days, creek cleanups and more, and helps engage the Spring Creek community by bringing with her family and friends.
Beth rooney - for an Additonal term
Beth and her husband Martin bought land on Spring Creek near Lucky Springs in 1999 and have been active on the creek ever since.
"Whenever I spend time on Spring Creek,” notes Beth, “I am awed by its beauty and its water. Spring Creek is a jewel that needs protecting, now more than ever."
From the start of her involvement in SCC fifteen years ago, Beth has held many positions including President, Treasurer, Membership Chair, Web Master and Newsletter Editor. She has taken an active role in every initiative on behalf of the creek including fund raising, educational events, creek cleanups, and coordination of our legal response to the poultry problem.
SCC Bylaws state that a person should not serve as a member of the Board of Directors consecutively for more than two full terms of office unless such restriction is specifically waived for good cause. In recognition of Beth’s many contributions to Spring Creek Coalition, the SCC Board recommends she be voted in for an additional term.