President and CEO of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
President and CEO of Stillwater Medical
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Zannotti ’ s organization lends itself to progress in Stillwater and Payne County every day . The Chamber is the “ front porch ” into the community , she said .
President and CEO of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
Alane Zannotti
Alane Zannotti is well known to Stillwater . She has served as the Executive Director of Community Relations at Meridian Technology Center , has been a business owner in Stillwater , served on City Council and is now a trailblazer for economic development policy and driving growth . She started her current position in January 2023 . Zannotti said Stillwater and Payne County are “ absolutely ” making progress .
“ You can drive around town and see the progress of growth and expansion of our Downtown area . Most buildings are now full ! Stillwater Public Schools is growing and doing construction to be able to meet the needs of students ,” Zannotti said .
“ Stillwater Medical Center is growing and providing the medical support needed to keep people in town for services ,” she said . “ Oklahoma State University continues to have a strong enrollment and exploring new ways to connect with the Stillwater Community with the Student Food Farm and Botanical Garden .”
Speaking on behalf of the Chamber , she said companies are starting to take notice of what this community has and reaching out about possibly locating here .
Zannotti does think the community now has more women in leadership roles in local government , and elsewhere , than ever before , and that these women are making an impact .
“ When I was appointed to the Stillwater City Council , there were three of us serving . One was in the mayor position . We have continued to be a presence on the city council and now our city manager is a female as well ,” she said . “ The impact has been a better balance of ideas and perspectives for how local government operates and makes decisions .”
Zannotti ’ s organization lends itself to progress in Stillwater and Payne County every day . The Chamber is the “ front porch ” into the community , she said .
“ We are the connecting points for individuals and businesses to start a business , maintain a business and grow a business . Our focus is to provide support in order to have a strong and thriving business community ,” she said .
The Chamber of Commerce in Stillwater contracts with the City of Stillwater to do economic development . Its role in that is to help facilitate relationships with companies wanting to locate here and to aid the City of
Stillwater to ensure it is the right fit for all .
Zannotti said she believes local women leaders in government , or in business , or in other sectors , like education , are making a contribution to the area ’ s future .
“ I do think the current situation in Stillwater , where there are so many of us in leadership roles with major organizations , the contribution we are making , is significant ,” she said . “ We are continuing to grow the organizations we lead , set the example for young girls that they too can aspire to be leaders and we also are changing the perception that we shouldn ’ t be in these roles .”
Zannotti ’ s advice for young anyone wishing to participate in their community ’ s future is “ don ’ t hesitate to start volunteering to serve on committees that interest you .”
“ You don ’ t have to ‘ know it all ’ before you become involved . Trying something and participating helps you figure out if you want to pursue things further or move on to something else . Reaching out to those in positions that interest you is always welcomed . Find a mentor ,” she said .
Lastly , Zannotti said , “ The City of Stillwater is engaged in a comprehensive plan that includes community input ( Envision Stillwater ). I couldn ’ t be more excited about all that is happening !”
President and CEO of Stillwater Medical
Denise Webber
Denise Webber joined Stillwater Medical Center in May 2003 as an administrative fellow and then was promoted to director of physician practice management in 2004 .
In 2006 , she was promoted to the senior leadership team and then to chief operating officer . She assumed her current position as President / CEO in 2016 . She is the first woman to serve in this role . Webber earned her bachelor ’ s degree in sports medicine and master ’ s degree in health care administration from Oklahoma State University .
After completing her graduate degree , she served as fellow at Stillwater Medical under the guidance of then CEO , Jerry Moeller and COO , Jay Johnson . She expected to work a few years at Stillwater Medical to learn the ins and outs of healthcare administration and then move on to gain more experience in other locations . But fate had other plans for her , she said . “ My husband and I met in college , and we fell in love with Stillwater ,” Webber said . “ I never dreamed that
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