Committee hears from two nominees for city commissions; votes scheduled for June 18

Two applicants appeared before the Urban Economic Development Committee on June 11 as part of appointment items the committee previewed for the full council.

Joyce Arlene Roberts introduced herself as a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and as a commissioner on the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission. She said she represents the Indian Healthcare Resource Center of Tulsa on that board and serves on its board of trustees; she added that she has worked at American Electric Power for 28 years and cofounded its Native American employee resource group. Roberts is the nominee to fill a Human Rights Commission seat vacated by Kimberly Teehee; the term expires July 1, 2026. The committee noted Roberts’ dual roles and said the city values liaison work between commissions.

Sofia Magda Noche described 15 years of residence in Tulsa, a background of cultural and community work and a professional career in housing development and law. Noche said her family’s long history building cultural institutions informed her interest in public service; she told the committee she has worked on equitable housing projects including redevelopment in Kendall‑Whittier and North Tulsa and has owned a development company. Noche is the nominee to replace Tina Tran on the (transcript: "Plantation Affairs Commission") with a term expiring Jan. 1, 2027.

Both nominees were told their appointments will be placed on the council agenda for formal action on June 18 and that they are welcome to attend but are not required to be present for the council vote.

Ending: The committee did not vote on the appointments; both items were scheduled for the council’s June 18 agenda.