Texoma Community Foundation’s First All-Female Officer Team

Oct 6, 2025

Texoma Community Foundation’s First All-Female Officer Team

By Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer

For the first time in our history, the Texoma Community Foundation (TCF) Board of Directors is led by an all-female team of officers. Board Chair Heather Burrage, Vice Chair Barbara Malone, and Secretary/Treasurer Ginger Nye each bring powerful expertise, deep community ties, and unique leadership styles to the table.

This is a milestone worth celebrating—as women and girls in Texoma can see themselves reflected at the helm of a community foundation shaping the region’s future.

“This is a big deal,” said Deb Boring, head of TCF’s Finance & Bookkeeping. “Younger women in the community can look at each of them and think, ‘That could be me.’”

At TCF, Heather, Barbara, and Ginger aren’t just filling officer roles. They’re shaping strategy, guiding grants, and investing their hearts and skills into strengthening communities across the four-county region.

The Power of Three

Though their paths are very different—law, counseling, banking, education—their service at TCF reveals a common thread: compassion matched with competence.

“They’re powerhouses,” says Nicole Thornhill, who is the Texoma Giving Partners director. “Each of them brings her own unique strengths and life experiences to the board. Together, they make an extraordinary team.”

For decades, leadership roles like these in community foundations, banks, and civic boards were overwhelmingly held by men. Women were more often volunteers, or served on much needed fundraising committees for the organizations, but few served in governance positions.

“That’s what makes this moment so meaningful,” says Michelle Lemming, TCF CEO. “It shows how far we’ve come. These women are at the helm, making big decisions for the future of Texoma, and doing it with strength and heart.”

Who are these talented ladies with such strong and diverse career backgrounds? Allow us to introduce you to them.

Heather Burrage: Analyzing Needs, Building Solutions

As Board Chair, Heather Burrage draws on more than two decades of legal practice at the Burrage Law Firm in Durant, Oklahoma. Her expertise in litigation, estate, and probate law honed her ability to analyze complex information and craft workable solutions—a skill she applies directly to her TCF role.

“My background as an attorney helps me read grant applications and see ways nonprofits can solve issues our communities are facing,” Heather said.

Heather has served on TCF’s Grants and Giving Committee throughout her nine-years on the board, finding it one of the most rewarding aspects of her service. She’s witnessed firsthand the impact of transformational grants—like the MacKenzie Scott gift—that allowed TCF to address urgent needs across counties.

Beyond reviewing paperwork, Heather invests her time in understanding local challenges, from mental health access to county-level disparities. She has helped bring together nonprofits to collaborate rather than compete, multiplying their impact.

“I’m enjoying serving as chair,” Heather says. “And I have no doubt that when I finish my term, I’m leaving it in very capable, wonderful hands. We truly have the best staff and board I’ve been privileged to be a part of.”

With Heather’s steady, analytical leadership, TCF is positioned to continue building bold, collaborative solutions for Texoma’s future.

Barbara Malone: Supporting Community Wellbeing

Barbara Malone, Vice Chair, has devoted more than four decades to Grayson College, where she directs Counseling and Social Services. Her career has been defined by supporting students facing everything from food insecurity to personal crises that threaten to derail their education.

“College can be a stressful time,” Barbara says. “Sometimes a small emergency—like a car repair or medical bill—can mean the difference between a student staying enrolled or dropping out. My focus has always been surrounding students with the support they need to succeed.”

Under her leadership, Grayson College launched programs addressing food insecurity and providing emergency aid. Monthly food markets, funded in part by grants, serve both students and the wider community.

That same passion carries into her work at TCF. “I feel like this board has a huge impact on our community,” she said. “It’s humbling to serve, and an honor to be asked.”

Colleagues describe Barbara as deeply grounded—someone who brings wisdom, compassion, and steadiness to every discussion. Deb calls her “steadying presence,” noting how Barbara leads in her family, church, career, and now at TCF with humility and strength.

Barbara’s next step: stepping into the role of Board Chair. For her, leadership is about continuing to serve and expand TCF’s positive influence.

Ginger Nye: Lifelong Learner, Community Builder

Ginger Nye, Secretary/Treasurer, has worn many hats in her professional and nonprofit life: banking, higher education, and volunteer leadership. A self-described lifelong learner, Ginger even created her own community program, Wind Down Wednesday, offering eclectic weekly talks and gatherings on topics ranging from songwriting to technology.

“I wanted to keep people engaged in learning and community,” she says.

Her TCF involvement began years ago with Reba’s Ranch House fundraising, then evolved into full board service. Having spent years on nonprofit boards working to raise funds, Ginger finds her current perspective as a grantor refreshing.

“It’s so rewarding to be on the giving side,” she said. “Instead of constantly chasing money, I get to help nonprofits make their vision happen.”

Her colleagues note Ginger’s creative, energetic approach, always ready to bring new ideas and connections. She embodies TCF’s belief in community as a place where people come together to learn, grow, and support one another.

Looking Ahead

The Texoma Community Foundation exists to connect donors with causes, support nonprofits, and strengthen the region. With Heather, Barbara, and Ginger leading as officers, TCF is positioned not only to continue its impact but to expand it with vision, strategy, and heart.

From Ginger’s vibrant, artistic energy, to Heather’s sharp professionalism, to Barbara’s grounding compassion, their leadership is proof that the strongest boards are those that draw from diverse skills, perspectives, and life experiences.

“If we can reach even one young woman who thinks, ‘Maybe I belong in leadership too,’” Michelle says, “then this moment is more than history—it’s hope.”

Right to left: Barbara Malone, Heather Burrage, Ginger Nye