Leadership
Executive Director
Julie Cunningham has served the Oklahoma Water Resources Board since 1994 in technical, policy, and executive capacities in all divisions. As Executive Director, Julie leads the agency in accomplishing its complex mission of planning for and developing the state’s water resources and administering multi-billion-dollar infrastructure financing programs to foster water supply reliability and economic and environmental resiliency. Julie is past president of the Association of Western State Engineers and Interstate Council on Water Policy, Secretary/Treasurer of the Western States Water Council, and Commissioner on four interstate river compacts. Julie is passionate about transforming the water industry and state policies and services to promote innovation, efficiency, and opportunity for Oklahomans. She is an Oklahoma City native and Oklahoma State University alumnus.
Board
The OWRB defines policy and conducts the state's water business through a nine-member Board appointed by the Governor. Members serve staggered seven-year terms and represent all geographic areas of the state and diverse groups of water users.
Jennifer Castillo (Oklahoma City), Chairman, represents industrial water use interests. She is an attorney at Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company in Oklahoma City. Ms. Castillo has previously served as Vice President of the Oklahoma Bar Association in 2017 and as President of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation in 2020. Ms. Castillo represents the OWRB’s Region 5 and her term expires in May 2025.
Thomas A. Gorman (Bartlesville), Vice Chairman, represents agricultural water use interests. He is a real estate broker and president of Gorman Management Company. He served as Mayor of Bartlesville during construction and completion of the city's large water infrastructure projects. He continues to serve on the Water Resources Committee, and has served on the city council, as well as numerous civic organizations. Mr. Gorman represents Region 6 and his term expires in May 2027.
Suzanne Landess (Guymon), Secretary, represents soil conservation interests. She is the co-owner of a ranch in Texas County, and serves on the Texas County Conservation District Board. Ms. Landess represents OWRB Region 1 and her term expires in May 2026.
Darren Cook (Grove) represents municipal water use interests. He is the City Attorney and Director of Economic Development for Grove, Oklahoma. He serves on several boards including the Grand Gateway Economic Development Association, the Grove Chamber of Commerce and the Grove Rotary Club. Mr. Cook represents the OWRB's Region 8 and his term expires in May 2029.
Charles Darby (Broken Bow) represents recreational water use interests. He is the Senior Pastor at Faith Christian Center in Broken Bow and has been actively involved in community and civic affairs for many years, formerly serving as mayor and city councilman, along with numerous other distinctive local boards and agencies. Mr. Darby represents the OWRB's Region 9 and his term expires in May 2030.
Ron Justice (Chickasha) represents rural residential water interests. He is a retired County Extension Agent and served 12 years in the Oklahoma Senate representing District 23. He is actively involved in Grady County and State Cattlemen’s, Mineral Owners’, and State Agriculture Agent’s Associations, and member of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Justice represents the OWRB’s Region 4 and his term expires in May 2028.
Bob Latham (Tulsa) represents industrial water use interests. He is the owner of Circle B Measurement & Fabrication, and founding partner of the Latham, Steele & Lehman law firm. Mr. Latham represents OWRB’s Region 7 and his term expires in May 2028.
Matt Muller (Altus) represents irrigation water use interests. He began farming at the age of 15 and currently operates a diversified crop farm in Jackson and Greer counties. Mr. Muller represents the OWRB's Region 3 and his term expires in May 2025.
Robert L. Stallings (Enid) represents oil and gas production interests. He is the founding partner, chairman, and principal engineer for Envirotech Engineering & Consulting. He has worked in the oil and gas industry since 1980. He also has strong background in water issues having worked on multiple water infrastructure projects throughout western Oklahoma, and is a licensed well driller. Mr. Stallings represents the OWRB's Region 2 and his term expires May 2024.
