Cari Elledge, President
Cari Elledge is a fifth grade teacher from Norman, Okla., with 15 years of experience in education. Most recently she served as the full-time release president of the Professional Educators of Norman. She was elected OEA vice president in Spring 2021 and became OEA president after President Bishop announced her resignation in January 2025. After graduating from El Reno High School, Cari earned a bachelor’s in elementary education, with an emphasis on communications, political science and education from the University of Oklahoma. She also earned a master’s in instructional leadership and academic curriculum from OU with an emphasis in reading and social studies education. Cari has been an active leader on the state level for OEA. She served two terms as zone director for Southwest B on OEA’s Board of Directors and six years as chair of the Communications Committee. As a teacher leader in Norman, she helped form a cadre of leaders fully trained in the Marzano model of teacher/leader evaluation. She trained members across the state on NEA’s Degrees Not Debt program and frequently presented professional development sessions on How to Effectively Communicate/Lobby Your Legislators. Politics are a passion for Cari, who was named OEA’s 2019 Gene Rochelle Political Activist award winner. She has volunteered for numerous political campaigns for pro-public education candidates and frequently lobbies throughout Oklahoma’s legislative session.
Dr. Rhonda Harlow, Executive Director
Former classroom teacher Dr. Rhonda R. Harlow was named OEA’s next executive director in early 2025. Dr. Harlow brings a wealth of experience, deep organizational knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to public education to this role. Her leadership journey included serving as a local leader for the Enid Education Association, a passionate run for public office in 2016 as a candidate for Oklahoma Senate District 19, and since 2021, Dr. Harlow had served as OEA’s Associate Executive Director. In her past role, Dr. Harlow supported the OEA mission through directing the Centers for Organizing & Leadership Development, Teaching & Learning, and Membership. Dr. Harlow brings to OEA over 25 years of experience in education, beginning with her various roles as reading specialist, instructional coach, and classroom teacher in Enid, OK, a place she still calls home. Dr. Harlow holds a Ph.D. in Education with a focus on Social Foundations and Political Activism from Oklahoma State University. Her research focused on educator advocacy and labor movements, which has already proven invaluable to the association.
