John Oke-Thomas

John Oke-Thomas is a man of many talents and accomplishments, with a unique perspective on the world. Born into an upper middle-class family in Nigeria, John has lived in several countries throughout his life, including Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Along the way, he has experienced life as both a member of the privileged class and as a minority,and these experiences have shaped his worldview and his commitment to social justice.

John has made a significant impact in his community, serving on various boards, and founding organizations that promote economic development, business opportunities, and employment for multicultural business owners and professionals.The talented architect, John has used his skills to not only design beautiful and functional buildings, but also to advocate for the preservation of historically significant structures, such as the Washington Avenue Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. His dedication to community service and his passion for making a positive impact on the world make John Oke-Thomas an inspiration to all who know him.

Leadership Style

As a leader, John has a unique and effective style that sets him apart from others. He has always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact in his community and has brought that same passion to every project he has led. He leads by example and inspires his team members to be the best they can be. John’s leadership is characterized by his ability to listen actively, communicate clearly and encourage open dialogue. He is supportive and approachable, and always makes time for his team members, even in the busiest of times.

John’s leadership style is focused on collaboration and teamwork, and he believes in creating a culture of trust and respect. He encourages his team members to take ownership of their work and provides them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. John understands that each team member brings unique skills and perspectives to the table, and he leverages this diversity to achieve common goals.

Chairman of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

https://www.biz417.com/advice/leadership/q-a-john-oke-thomas/

John Oke-Thomas as the first African American chairman in the organization’s history, is a well-respected business owner and community leader who has been appointed as the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce for the year 2022. He brought a wealth of experience and a passion for diversity and inclusion to his role, having served on the Chamber board twice before and as a founding member of the Minority Business Association. In this role, he aimed to promote opportunities for non-college individuals and help move them into trades that do not require a college education, ultimately strengthening the middle class and improving society as a whole. As the leader of the Chamber, John was responsible for promoting the interests of local businesses, advocating for policies that promote economic growth, and fostering a supportive business environment in the region. With John at the helm, the Chamber of Commerce is poised to make a significant impact on the business community in 2022 and beyond.

417 Magazine interview with John in January 2022: https://www.springfieldchamber.com/finding-a-voice-john-oke-thomas/

Washington Avenue Baptist Church “Unity Award”

The Washington Avenue Baptist Church has a rich history dating back to 1867 when its members organized as the “Second Baptist Church [Colored]” and worshipped at other locations before moving to the current building in 1885. The church’s recent move to make way for the growth of the Drury University campus was met with controversy due to the building’s historical significance.

John played a vital role in preserving the historic Washington Avenue Baptist Church brick by brick. With the church’s demolition looming for Drury University’s expansion plan, John recognized the church’s cultural and historical significance to the African American community and worked tirelessly to find a solution.

Missouri Preservation: https://preservemo.org/washington-avenue-baptist-church/


Founding member of the Multicultural Business Association

John, as a founding member of the Multicultural Business Association, played a pivotal role in establishing a local non-profit organization that promotes economic development, business opportunities, and employment for multicultural business owners and professionals. The organization’s mission is to advocate for, build capacity, and create networking opportunities for women, minority-owned businesses, and entrepreneurs. John, along with other community leaders, entrepreneurs, and business professionals, recognized the need to empower and encourage entrepreneurs to obtain certification as MBE/WBE/DBE/Vets/disabled businesses to promote growth through local, state, and federal contracting. With over 25 years of service to the Springfield community, the Multicultural Business Association continues to grow and evolve under John’s leadership to address the changing needs of its members.

https://mbasgf.com/

 

 

 

BIZ 100 Most Influential Business Leaders (2016-2022)

John has been recognized as one of the most powerful and influential leaders in 417 Biz from 2016 to 2022. His impressive business success, impact on the local business community, and community involvement have made him a standout in the industry. John’s ability to move the needle in these areas has earned him a spot on the prestigious Biz 100 list year after year. His leadership skills have been widely recognized, and he has played a significant role in shaping the local business landscape. His contributions to the local economy and community are a testament to his dedication and hard work over the years.

https://www.springfieldchamber.com/finding-a-voice-john-oke-thomas/

Minority Small Business Person Award in Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa (2011) by SBA

Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business. John’s accomplishments as a minority small business

owner were recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in 2011. This prestigious award is given to minority entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence in business ownership and made significant contributions to their communities. It recognized their efforts to overcome the unique challenges faced by minority-owned small businesses and their contributions to the economic vitality of their region.

https://sbj.net/stories/your-performance-is-what-matters,76449

Awarded by Isabel’s House, Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks (2011- 2014)

Isabel’s House is a remarkable organization that provides a critical service to the community by offering a safe haven for children who are at risk of abuse or neglect. John’s service to Isabel’s House Board of Directors from 2011 to 2014 was truly remarkable. During his time on the board, he brought a wealth of experience and expertise that helped the organization to achieve its mission of preventing child abuse and neglect.

 

 

 

Honored to receive a proclamation by James E. O’Neal, the mayor of Springfield.

In 2011, John was honored to receive a proclamation from the Mayor of Springfield, James E. O’Neal. The fact that the mayor personally presented the proclamation to John highlights the importance of his contributions and the high regard in which he was held by the community.

Awarded by BGC Advantage for keystone family homes.

Keystone Family Homes was a total $42.8 million Project. Snyder Construction Group was selected as general contractor, with Oke-Thomas & Associates Inc. serving as project architect, according to BGC. The work involved the rehabilitation and redevelopment of 85 buildings and single-family homes and duplexes scattered across Springfield. John’s dedication to community development and his commitment to creating affordable housing options have made a significant difference in the lives of many individuals and families.