In the last three years, Shauna Rupp has been no stranger to the podium, either presenting awards to individuals and businesses or introducing speakers for networking programs.

But Thursday night, the Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce executive director found herself at a podium for an entirely unexpected reason – she was named the 2021 New Executive of the Year by her peers at the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives annual conference in Bartlesville.

“It’s an honor to have been nominated and voted on from a room full of peers and fellow chamber directors I respect,” Rupp said. “Representing our ‘jewel of a town’ is a privilege and I will keep trying to earn my keep!”

The award is given to a local chamber’s top paid employee who has been in that position for three years or or less and is based on an application that includes letters of recommendation from the community.

On hand for the awards presentation were Brian Henderson, Kingfisher chamber president, and his wife Carla; Phyllis Stinnett, vice president; City Manager Dave Slezickey; Paula Leffingwell and T.J. Harris, former work colleagues at Kingfisher Public Schools.

Supporters kept in a separate room until the surprise presentation also included her husband Kerby Rupp, daughter Jessica Meyer and her husband Denton, and son Jacob Rupp and his girlfriend Katelynn Castleman.

“The (chamber) board is extremely proud and totally not surprised by this award. Shauna has been a blessing to not only the chamber but the town of Kingfisher,” Henderson said.

“She continues to learn, grow and bring energy and new ideas to the chamber membership which benefit our community.

“Shauna is a continuation of strong leadership the chamber has been fortunate to have over the years and we could not be happier for her.”

Slezickey was present on behalf of the city, which apportions tax dollars to the chamber to promote economic development.

“I have been amazed with Shauna’s positive attitude, hard work and willingness to partner, share and collaborate with everyone needed to achieve success,” he said later. “She is very deserving of this recognition and I’m privileged to work with her.”

Rupp moved to Kingfisher with her family 10 years ago, bringing a background in marketing and public relations.

She worked in the KPS counseling office and then at Chisholm Trail Technology Center before accepting the chamber director position in February 2019, succeeding 19-year veteran Judy Whipple.

Brian Walter, a 25-year chamber member as owner of Walter Building Center, described Rupp as “an incredible blessing to the Kingfisher community” in his recommendation letter for her award.

“She has been focused on growth and inclusiveness since the beginning,” he wrote in part. “And most of all, she has embraced hard work on her own behalf, providing an example we can all respect and work to emulate.”

“Shauna has a genuine heart for humanity and for the city of Kingfisher,” Leffingwell wrote in her recommendation letter. “One of her best assets is her infectious smile and positive attitude.”