Liz Speake wrapped up the last several years of a long career at the Kerr Center as the Chief Administrative and Business Officer.

Liz was raised on a cattle ranch near Wister. She started to work part-time for the Kerr Foundation while a high school student, and continued during summer vacations and Christmas breaks while attending college. She received her bachelor’s degree in Business from East Central University in Ada.

In 1983, she started back to work for the Kerr Foundation, and set up the business system records for the new Kerr Center in 1985. In 1994 she took a few years off to have more time with her three children, but returned to work in 1997.

Liz has enjoyed a variety of responsibilities at the Kerr Center, including working in the education/communication department. In 2005, she began working in the business department again. She has especially enjoyed being a part of an organization that helps farmers and ranchers be more sustainable.

As the Chief Administrative and Business Officer, Liz was responsible for paying the bills, payroll, keeping up with budgets, and grant billing, as well as Human Resources, plus all the other things that fall under the administrative and business department umbrella.

Best wishes, Liz!