Committee Interviews Two Nominees for Board of Appeals and TPAC trusteeship

The Urban and Economic Development Committee interviewed two nominees on March 12 for city boards and scheduled both appointments for the March 26 City Council meeting.

Jeremy Griffin, nominated to fill a vacancy on the Board of Appeals, told the committee he has worked as an electrician for more than a decade and is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. "I am Jeremy Griffin. I'm with the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers. I'm electrician by trade," Griffin said, adding he has been a Tulsa resident for about seven years and wants to support local economic development.

Paul Johnson appeared later to seek appointment to the board of trustees of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC). Johnson said his finance background and prior service on the Tulsa Ballet board would help as TPAC moves into a capital campaign and construction phase. "The mission of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center is to facilitate and deliver performing arts experiences that entertain, inspire, and empower our community," Johnson said in prepared remarks.

Why it matters: Both appointments will go to the full City Council for confirmation. Committee members said they welcomed Griffin's trade and local perspective and Johnson's finance experience for TPAC as the center plans renovations and an expanded program footprint.

What happens next: The committee chair said the council will vote on Griffin's appointment at the March 26 council meeting scheduled between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.; Johnson's appointment will be considered on the March 26 5:00 p.m. council agenda. No committee vote or final confirmation occurred during the committee meeting.