Oklahoma City Ballet sends this information as posted below:
OKLAHOMA CITY — June 30, 2025 — Oklahoma City Ballet has named Dana McCrory as its new John Kirkpatrick executive director. McCrory was selected following an extensive search led by a committee composed of current and former board members of Oklahoma City Ballet, along with respected civic leaders.
McCrory brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership to her new role, having built a distinguished career advancing philanthropic efforts and growing organizational capacity across some of Oklahoma’s most impactful institutions. She most recently served as executive director of university initiatives at the University of Oklahoma Foundation, where she led a dynamic team in support of fundraising efforts across the OU system.
Prior to her work at OU, McCrory was president and CEO of the Oklahoma Humane Society, guiding the organization through more than seven years of transformational growth and statewide expansion. Her career also includes leadership roles at the INTEGRIS Medical Foundation, the Oklahoma Zoological Society — where she successfully led a major capital campaign — and the Oklahoma State University Foundation, where she served as vice president for development.
“I am so excited for the opportunity to work alongside Dana and am looking forward to many years of continued success with her as the John Kirkpatrick executive director of Oklahoma City Ballet,” said Rich Johnson, president of the board of trustees.
McCrory succeeds Jo Lynne Jones, who is retiring after seven years at the helm of Oklahoma City Ballet. Under Jones’ leadership, the organization experienced a period of tremendous growth, increased sustainability and expanded community engagement.
“I am thrilled to join Oklahoma City Ballet and help steward its next chapter,” McCrory said. “The ballet is a cultural treasure in our city, and I’m honored to work alongside the board, staff and talented artists to ensure its continued excellence and impact.”
“Dana is passionate about our city and our state and shares our vision of a ballet that is accessible to all our communities. I know she will lead Oklahoma City Ballet with the tenets of mutual respect, meaningful collaboration and sincere compassion present in every aspect of the organization,” Johnson added.
McCrory and her husband, Dr. Mac McCrory, live in Oklahoma City with their beloved rescue animals.
The John Kirkpatrick executive directorship is an endowed position, supported by a gift from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund. The position is named in honor of John E. Kirkpatrick, who played an integral role in the founding of Oklahoma City Ballet alongside Yvonne Chouteau and Miguel Terekhov.
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