OKLAHOMA QUALITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2026 AWARD WINNERS
Formal Awards Ceremony to be Held at Upcoming Oklahoma Excellence Summit
Oklahoma City, OK (March 4, 2026) — The Oklahoma Quality Foundation (OQF), the state’s leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing organizational performance and excellence through the Baldrige Excellence Framework, today announced the recipients of the 2026 Oklahoma Quality Foundation Awards. Each year, OQF recognizes organizations that demonstrate a sustained commitment to continuous improvement, strong leadership, and measurable results that positively impact the communities they serve.
“The organizations we honor this year represent what’s possible when leadership, accountability, and innovation work together,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “They are not only improving their own operations they are setting a standard for excellence that strengthens Oklahoma’s workforce, communities, and future competitiveness. Their achievements deserve recognition and celebration.”
2026 Oklahoma Quality Foundation Award Winners Include:
Level 5 – Oklahoma State Excellence Award – LifeShare Network
LifeShare Network is Oklahoma’s federally designated organ procurement organization, serving as the vital link between organ and tissue donors and transplant recipients across the state. The organization is widely recognized for its forward-thinking use of technology, data-driven decision-making, and innovative outreach efforts that increase donor awareness and expand life-saving opportunities for Oklahomans and recipients nationwide.
Level 3 Commitment to Excellence Milestone Award – Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa (IHCRC)
Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa delivers comprehensive healthcare services designed to improve the physical, mental, and cultural wellbeing of American Indian communities. With a strong emphasis on leadership alignment, workforce engagement, and community partnerships, IHCRC has built a reputation for operational excellence, employee development, and a deeply rooted mission to empower individuals through accessible, high-quality healthcare.
Level 3 Commitment to Excellence Milestone Award – Norman Public Schools (NPS)
Norman Public Schools is one of Oklahoma’s largest and most recognized public school districts, serving thousands of students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. NPS is known for its strong governance structure, strategic planning discipline, and commitment to continuous improvement, resulting in consistent academic performance, expanding advanced learning opportunities, and a culture that prioritizes student wellbeing, workforce excellence, and community engagement.
OQF also announced the date for the 2026 Oklahoma Excellence Summit which brings together leaders from business, education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit sectors to share best practices, learn performance improvement strategies, and celebrate organizations committed to excellence. The Oklahoma Excellence Summit is scheduled for April 9, 2026, at the Moore Norman Technology Center – South Penn Campus.
Deputy CEO of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Heather Turner will formally recognize the award winners during the April 9th program, and attendees will gain practical tools to strengthen performance within their own organizations.
“We congratulate this year’s award recipients for their discipline, vision, and measurable impact,” said Heath Wright, Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma Quality Foundation. “Their work demonstrates that performance excellence is not a one-time achievement, it’s an ongoing commitment. The upcoming Summit is an opportunity for organizations across Oklahoma to learn from these leaders, connect with peers, and leave with actionable insights that elevate their results.”
Registration details and the full summit agenda will be released in the coming weeks. Organizations of all sizes and industries are encouraged to attend and explore how the Baldrige Excellence Framework can accelerate growth, strengthen culture, and improve outcomes.
About the Oklahoma Quality Foundation
The Oklahoma Quality Foundation is committed to advancing organizational excellence across Oklahoma through the Baldrige Excellence Framework. By providing training, resources, and recognition, OQF supports organizations in achieving their missions, improving results, and becoming more competitive.
Media Contact: Kym Koch, kym@kochcomm.com