Spring is the time of change, which fittingly coincides with a variety of leadership changes at OEA. After many years of serving our public schools and wearing several hats at OEA and NEA, Executive Director Carolyn Crowder is retiring.
Some of you might be dubious of this announcement if you know Crowder’s backstory. This is not the first time that she has tried to retire, but much to the delight of her husband and their dog, Fred, this is truly her time to step away and enjoy her much deserved break.
After 42 years in service, Crowder set out to retire in 2020, but when OEA’s Executive Director resigned, Crowder answered the call and served as the Interim-Executive Director. Her role was meant to be temporary, but she selflessly gave OEA another four years of service.
What kept Crowder going was the same belief she had for the students in her classroom.
“Always remember, it’s about them – not you,” she said.
Crowder served as the president of OEA from 1997 to 2003. She went on to serve on the National Education Association Executive Committee before she served as the Executive Director for the Denver Classroom Teachers Association and later the Tennessee Education Association. With a long history at OEA, Crowder has seen a lot of change.
“I fell in love all over again,” Crowder reflected. “I got to renew some previous relationships and form some new ones with whom I will work hard to not ever lose touch.”
There is one thing Crowder looked forward to every year that she will miss: Back to School events. These were moments that reminded her of her passion for teaching and the work she does.
“I truly enjoy meeting with brand new educators who have grand dreams of making a difference in the whole new career they’re stepping into – and helping them see how OEA can help them realize those dreams,” Crowder said.
Although she is off to new adventures, Crowder will continue to be one of OEA’s biggest advocates.
“My hope is that the strides we have made these past 4 years have set OEA up to continue growing and making our mission a reality,” she shared. “I will be OEA’s biggest cheerleader as I watch you accomplish more than I ever dreamed of.”
Crowder looks forward to sleeping in late, going on trips, making a difference in the community, and ultimately, win the lottery to, “fund all the programs we could never get the legislature to adopt!”
Although it is hard to bid farewell to one familiar face, Crowder is leaving OEA in good hands with another. Our current Associate Executive Director, Rhonda Harlow, was chosen by the OEA Board of Directors to step into the role.
Harlow is no stranger to education or the Association’s work. She has a B.S. in Journalism/Public Relations, M.Ed. in Education/Reading Specialist and a Ph.D. in Education/Social Foundations. She was a National Board-Certified teacher at Enid Public Schools for 12 years and was an Adjunct Instructor at Northwestern Oklahoma State University for eight years. During her teaching career, was also active in her local association serving in many roles before joining OEA staff.
During the last four years, Harlow has had the privilege of working side-by-side with Crowder.
“I have valued the opportunity to work with and learn from Carolyn who has vested her expertise, wisdom, and love for this organization into service for OEA,” Harlow reflected. “Incredible people have come before me, and I am honored and humbled to be entrusted to this role.”
Similarly to Crowder, Harlow also brings lessons from the classroom to her work at the Association. In her last couple of years in the classroom, Harlow established six classroom expectations: “We respect each other, We try our best, We are a team, We learn from our mistakes, We create, We celebrate each other’s success.” These expectations help to develop a positive learning environment, and Harlow maintains this at OEA.
“I want to have a collaborative approach to the work that is done by giving space and voice for the members and staff,” she said.
Harlow looks forward to the 2026 election cycle with the continuation and expansion of the Let’s Activate and Civication campaigns, working to improve local organizing capacity focused on the local’s issues and interests, and more member engagement opportunities.
Although Harlow has a key role in the Association, she recognizes that members are the most important part of the association. She begins her new chapter with a message to members:
“OEA is not a building. OEA is not the staff. You are the OEA. Your engagement and involvement are what drives this organization. OEA staff is here to offer supports, trainings, and resources to build your leadership skills and your locals.”
We thank Carolyn Crowder for her passion and commitment to public schools, educators, support personnel, administrators, and families and welcome Rhonda Harlow to her new role.
