OKLAHOMA CITY (April 21, 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt today announced his team for the Memorial Marathon Governor’s Challenge. This year’s team highlights American Dream stories from across our state, inspired by Governor Stitt’s Reigniting the American Dream initiative.
Governor Stitt started his company with just $1,000 and a computer, building Gateway Mortgage from a tiny startup into a nationwide lender. Even during the 2008 housing crisis, he kept pushing forward instead of giving up, reflecting the very American Dream that this team represents.
“In this country, a child, no matter their background, can grow up to be a teacher, a doctor, a CEO, or even President. Even a shy pastor’s kid from Norman, Oklahoma, can become Governor. We live in a nation founded on the belief that you can achieve any dream God places on your heart, and that dream is worth fighting for,” said Governor Stitt.
The Governor will be joined by three inspiring Oklahomans whose life journeys embody the American Dream and the grit that embodies the Oklahoma Standard.
Raised in Enid by a single mom who worked multiple jobs, Trevor Pemberton turned a challenging start into a distinguished career in law and public service. He rose from private practice litigator to Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals before founding Pemberton Law Group. Active in his church and community, he has led multiple nonprofit boards and is committed to helping others find constructive paths forward.
As Principal of McLain High School, Dr. Rob Kaiser leads a school community where students are encouraged to rise above challenges and pursue their American Dream. He is known for celebrating small daily victories. His leadership centers on building a culture of high expectations, deep support, and real opportunity for every student who walks through McLain’s doors.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Oklahoma, Dan Rotelli worked multiple jobs as a young husband and father before joining BIS as a salesperson. He eventually became owner and CEO, transforming BIS from a regional imaging firm into a nationally recognized software and IT solutions company and creator of the Grooper platform.
“The Memorial Marathon is one of my favorite events every year," said Governor Stitt. “It’s an important moment to remember those we lost and important reminder of where the Oklahoma Standard comes from."
This is Governor Stitt’s eighth year hosting the Governor’s challenge. All teams who register will automatically be entered to compete against the Governor’s team. Teams that beat the Governor’s team time will earn a special edition “I Beat the Governor” t-shirt mailed to them after the race.
Graphic of Governor Stitt’s 2026 team can be found here.
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