One year ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder promoted Erin Oldfield to Vice President of Community Engagement and Executive Director of Thunder Community Foundation. This past year, Oldfield has worked on a new strategic plan to enrich the Thunder’s civic and non-profit partnerships. She said, “We set out a new vision for what we wanted the foundation to do moving forward. We wanted to make sure that our donations reflect community needs. Last week, we launched our community foundation grant cycle, which is something we have never done before. We put $100,000 into the community on Giving Tuesday. Our goal is to create lasting, long-term change through deeper investments, not just through goodwill but through strategic, sustainable finances and resources.”
Oldfield said her team hosted “listening events” and spent time researching existing data from some non-profit community partners. “This year we spent time listening to our community partners, finding out what was truly helpful for them and what they needed. We would rather go a mile deep with them than a mile wide.”
When asked about her vision for the future, she said, “We are trying to stay in touch with what is coming next. I’m excited about a new program called Youth Innovation Pathways. We received a grant from Google for the first time this year that will allow us to set up a program in schools called Innovate-ED. This is brand new, but it will allow teachers to help their students explore machine learning and STEM. We must be forward-thinking in our giving and service to the community.”
Oldfield said, “My favorite thing about my job is being a part of the growth of the organization. I have worked for non-profit organizations my entire career. When I saw the opening at the Thunder, I jumped at the chance to work for a world-class organization that truly embraces and emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact within the community.”
Her advice to young people who are interested in a career path like hers? “I am dedicated to service. The Thunder is my vehicle for maximizing what I want to achieve in my personal career; how I want to invest my personal time. I got here because I was service-led. I was so excited that this position existed with a team that I love as a fan. But I think that you need to be willing to do hard work, quietly and consistently.”
To get involved with the Thunder Community Foundation, fans can participate in initiatives, including bidding in online and in-game auctions; purchasing raffle tickets; and supporting the general fund. The work of the Thunder Community Foundation is made possible thanks to the support of generous fans, the community and corporate partners.
