“Digital Broadband and Oklahoma Municipal League” Panel

Monday, July 24, 2023 | 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM | Breakout Room 1

Moderator: Felecia Freeman

Panelist: MJ Barton, Tribal & Programs Outreach Manager, Oklahoma Broadband Office

MJ Barton is a dedicated advocate and expert in the field of tribal and broadband outreach programs. With a deep passion for bridging the digital divide and empowering underserved communities, MJ has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative initiatives to connect tribal nations with reliable broadband infrastructure and essential digital resources.
MJ has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by tribal communities in accessing affordable and high-speed internet services. She has worked closely with tribal leaders, community organizations, and government agencies to design tailored outreach programs that address the unique needs and cultural sensitivities of each community.

Through her strategic leadership, MJ is spearheading numerous broadband projects, enabling Tribal Nations to harness the power of technology for economic development, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. She plays a pivotal role in securing funding and forming partnerships to expand broadband infrastructure in tribal areas, leveraging their expertise to navigate regulatory frameworks and overcome logistical barriers.

MJ’s expertise extends beyond infrastructure development. She has also been actively involved in digital literacy and skills training programs, to equip tribal members with the necessary knowledge and tools to fully leverage broadband connectivity. By fostering collaboration between Tribal Governments, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders, she is facilitating the creation of comprehensive training initiatives that empower tribal communities to thrive in the digital age.
Currently, MJ continues to work tirelessly towards achieving universal broadband access and digital equity for all tribal communities. Their dedication and expertise make them a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and address the challenges and opportunities presented by tribal and broadband grant programs.

Panelist: Edyn Rolls, Director of Strategies, Oklahoma Broadband Office

Edyn Rolls is a dynamic leader in the public and private sectors with experience in various roles ranging from receptionist to Director of Strategies. She is currently serving as the Director of Strategies at the Oklahoma Broadband Office, where she is responsible for implementing the State Broadband Plan. In this role, Edyn works closely with the Broadband Governing Board and the Broadband Expansion Council to ensure that affordable, high-speed internet options are available to at least 95% of Oklahomans. To achieve this goal, the state of Oklahoma has committed over $1 billion in state and federal funding, with Edyn playing a key role in creating and administering grant programs to fund broadband infrastructure and accessibility.

Prior to her current role, Edyn worked as a Grants Analyst at the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and as the Director Of Scheduling and Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff at the Executive Office of the Governor of Oklahoma. She also served as a Staff Assistant and a Receptionist at MIKEL FLORES AND ASSOCIATES PC, where she gained valuable experience in customer service, administration, and project management.

Edyn received her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a focus on Business Administration and Management, General from Oklahoma City University in 2021. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government from the same university. During her time at Oklahoma City University, Edyn was involved in several student organizations, including the Student Government Association and the Model United Nations team.

Outside of her professional work, Edyn is actively involved in volunteering. She serves as a Board Member at Children’s Health Foundation, where she contributes to the organization’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of children in Oklahoma. Edyn is also an Advisor for Gamma Phi Beta International Sorority, where she provides mentorship and guidance to young women seeking to develop their leadership skills and make a positive impact in their communities.

Panelist: Mike Sanders, Executive Director, Oklahoma Broadband Office

Mike Sanders was hired as executive director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office in March 2023.

Since taking the reins of the office, Sanders has quickly built out the professional staff and is setting the course for productive and streamlined operations.

Prior to taking the position, he started and operated his own business, Sanders Strategy and Consulting Group.
Sanders served six terms in the Oklahoma House of Representatives beginning in 2008. He chaired the House Utilities Committee and Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Transportation and served as House Majority Leader.

Prior to his legislative service, Sanders worked in the White House for President George W. Bush as Director of Interns. He managed more than 1,0000 interns and put policies and procedures in place that returned the White House Intern Program back to prominence.

Additionally, for Sanders’ dedicated service to the White House and nation on September 11, 2011, he was awarded the Distinguished Honor Service Award by President Bush.

Sanders continued his service in the Bush Administration in senior management at the United State Department of Agriculture as senior advisor to the chief of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and as deputy chief of staff in USDA Rural Development.

Sanders earned his undergraduate degree in History and Pre-Law from Oklahoma Christian University and attended Georgetown University to work on a Master’s degree in Government.

Sanders is a native of Kingfisher, where he lives with his wife, Nellie, and sons, Davis and Walker.

Panelist: Daniel McClure, Deputy General Counsel, Oklahoma Municipal League and Mayor of McLoud, Oklahoma

Daniel McClure is a native Oklahoman. He was raised in Midwest City, OK and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2009 with dual bachelors degrees in Economics and Political Science. Following that in 2011, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a masters degree in Public Administration.

Starting his municipal career, in 2014 Daniel was overwhelmingly elected to the Midwest City Council. While serving on the Council he focused on community development efforts and chaired the Taskforce on Crime, Punishment, and Rehabilitation. He started his position as Research Director at the Oklahoma Municipal League in 2015. During his tenure he earned his Juris Doctorate graduating Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University School of Law where he attended as a Hatton W. Summers scholar.

In 2019 Daniel and his wife Stormy moved their family to McLoud, OK. Shortly after, he was appointed to the McLoud City Council, where he now serves as the mayor. He also currently serves as the Deputy General Counsel at the Oklahoma Municipal League and is a proud member of the Choctaw Nation.