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Steve Turnbo

1945 – 2023

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Steve Turnbo is a leader – in public relations, in business and in civic affairs – throughout Oklahoma. With more than 45 years experience, he has worked with a long list of corporations, government agencies, nonprofit groups and executives.

As chairman emeritus of Schnake Turnbo Frank, Turnbo is closely tied with all client planning and management, primarily in the areas of strategic planning, consulting, executive coaching, community outreach and media relations.

Steve began his career as the sports information director at The University of Tulsa in 1967. Three years later he joined one of Oklahoma’s largest advertising agencies as a public relations account executive. He later served as vice president of the public relations division of that agency.

He formed his own public relations firm in 1981 and later merged with Schnake and Associates, Inc., forming the firm where he now serves as chairman emeritus.

He has led many associations and is currently involved with several organizations geared to helping Oklahoma grow including: The University of Tulsa Board of Trustees: Oklahoma Academy: Oklahoma Center for Community & Justice:, John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation: Tulsa Community College Foundation: Will Rogers Memorial Foundation: Domestic Violence Intervention Service; Tulsa Regional Chamber; Life Senior Services: TU Kendall College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors.

Steve’s recent and previous civic involvements include: Past Chair and Current Member, Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Committee; Trustee Emeritus, The University of Tulsa; Chairman, Oklahoma Academy; Chairman, State Chamber of Commerce; Chairman, Metropolitan Tulsa Chamber of Commerce; Vice Chairman, Will Rogers Memorial Commission; Board Member, Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice; Advisory board, LIFE Senior Services; President, Board of Directors, Will Rogers Memorial Foundation; and Vice President, Tulsa Public Schools Foundation Athletics Hall of Fame

Among Steve’s many recognitions are: the J. Paschal Twyman Award in 2020; named Distinguished Graduate, Leadership Oklahoma in 2017; Inducted into The University of Tulsa College of Business Hall of Fame in 2015; Public Relations Society of America Paul M. Lund Public Service Award in 2014; Named to the prestigious College of Fellows of the Public Relations Society of America in 2002.

Steve was an All Missouri Valley Conference All State selection at The University of Tulsa in 1967 and played baseball at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, where he was named to the NJCAA All American Baseball Team in 1965.

Steve holds an Associate in Arts degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, and a bachelor of science degree from The University of Tulsa, Bachelor of Science
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Associate in Arts.

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