Jeff Martin -- The founder of Booksmart Tulsa is making us a bit more highbrow. By bringing storytellers to town from all over, Martin always gives us something to think about. That's perhaps why Martin's been so successful at shepherding new book clubs.

Judi Grove -- No one has done more to bring breast cancer awareness to Tulsa, starting with Grove's founding of Breast Impressions a few years back to offer breast-casting kits to women facing surgery. Now best known as chairwoman of Turn Tulsa Pink -- the effort to bring a certain shade to many highly-visible Tulsa landmarks -- Grove's enduring passion for this worthy cause once again deserves community-wide recognition.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma

Rev. Mike Goolsbay - He abruptly became senior pastor at Destiny Church in 2005, inheriting $6.7 million in debt and a wrongful death lawsuit. In the last few years, he's turned the church completely around, paying off the debt and now leading it through a long-term expansion project -- and paying cash for it.

Tom Wallace -- The structural engineer by day is mayor of the Brady Arts District by night. Wallace's activism doing so much for Brady, and it's starting to pay off. UTW is proud of what that area is becoming with his help.

Dennis Sells -- We're starting to see Tulsa become a coffee snob town, and people like Dennis Sells are the ones causing it. The owner of SF Bean keeps an industrial coffee roaster in his freaking garage -- that's how devoted he is to his craft. Over the next few years, we're likely to see more of this guy.

Randy Foutch -- Longtime oil executive was named Ernst & Young's serial entrepreneur of the region in 2012. And Foutch has a resume to justify that honor. After selling two companies for $1 billion, you'd expect somebody to head to the Caribbean. But Foutch started Laredo Petroleum Holdings, which now has a $2.2 billion market cap. Yowza! Maybe soon he'll start making some real money.

Tom Dittus -- The owner of the Blue Rose Café has made his restaurant into one of the hottest music scenes in Tulsa. Not only that, in 2011 he successfully transitioned Blue Rose from Brookside to Riverside, opening it up to families in the process. That takes some doing and Dittus should be proud of what he has accomplished. We know we are!

Jenna Smith -- We admit we don't know a lot about her yet, but the choreographer of Wahzhazhe, 2012's ballet telling the story of the Osage people, wowed us this past summer. Her work was made all the more powerful by the fact that Smith is Osage herself. We're looking forward to great things from this ORU graduate!

Dustin Pittsley -- This guy is really taking the New Tulsa Sound to the world. In addition to touring regionally, he's opened for national country phenomenon Dierks Bentley. Not one to lose track of his roots, though, Pittsley founded the Stone River Music Fest, an annual event in Chandler, Okla. Pittsley is definitely one to watch.

Eric Doss -- As director of the Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences, this unassuming man led his school through the unthinkable. When TSAS burned down in September, Doss and his staff got right to work and re-opened the school at a new location only one day later. Great work for a great educator.

Omar Cisneros -- According to Facebook, Cisneros speaks Spanish, English, and Spanglish. That's helpful when you're as busy as Cisneros is. The TCC student is president of the TCC Hispanic Association, as well as an interpreter at East Central High School and intern at the immigration department of a local law office. Cisneros will no doubt have quite a bit to contribute to Tulsa going forward.

Janet Levit -- The dean of TU Law School has quite a pedigree. The Yale Law graduate has clerked for Stephanie K. Seymour, chief judge of the 10th Circuit Court, and in 2011 was discussed as a nominee for the U.S. Court of Appeals. But she hasn't rested on her laurels. This year, Levit was appointed to the new U.S.-Russia Energy Working Group and her school created a new partnership with a Chinese university on energy law. That's some energy!

Olivia Duhon -- This gorgeous singer comes to us from Lake Charles, La., but we're sure glad she's here. Duhon performs several nights a week at various locations around Tulsa and Broken Arrow, bringing a haunting voice to rouse our spirits with her sweet jazz music.

Zeke Duhon -- Duhon (Olivia's brother) is a senior at Union High School, but that hasn't stopped him from becoming one of the most prolific rising songwriters in town. Watch out Tulsa, Zeke just might break loose this year.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma -- PSO has been a great corporate citizen over the years. Whether it's harvesting wind farms in western Oklahoma or recycling its power poles, PSO is striving to make the state a more environmentally sound place. We want to give them a UTW kudos.

Judi Grove

Seneca Scott -- Just reelected for a third term, Scott may be the hardest-working legislator we have. Whether he's working in Kendall-Whittier, Tulsa North, or now -- with redistricting -- Sperry, Scott has the stamina of the Energizer Bunny. With all that youth, charisma, and energy, is there possibly a mayoral run in his future?

Michael Whelan -- The young vice chair of the Tulsa County Democratic Party has energized area liberals, helping solidify support for Democratic candidates downtown and certain parts of City Center. That hasn't quite panned out electorally, but it did earn him an invitation to the White House Christmas party. It's too bad he had to shave his ridiculous mustache to get in the door.

Chad Oliverson -- Actor and marketing director, Oliverson's day job(s) are promoting events for the Tulsa PAC Trust and the Guthrie Green. But he stays involved with the theatre in a more firsthand way as well, having played most recently in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Staying crazy busy the way Oliverson does is what keeps Tulsa alive.

Chris Huntley -- Pizza fans in Broken Arrow can applaud Huntley, a franchisee owner in the Marco's Pizza chain, 4650 W. Houston St. But Huntley is also noteworthy as a bit of a new era businessman. Formerly a manager for the Chris Nikel car dealership group, Huntley in recent years successfully invested in Tulsa and Broken Arrow properties, and he serves as a QuikTrip landlord in Texas. Truly, he puts the "busy" in business.

Tom Bennett III -- Born into a banking family, the co-CEO of First Oklahoma Bank has guided his company to become the state's fastest-growing bank by assets. Going from $9.7 million in assets in 2009 to almost $200 million this fall is impressive no matter who you talk to. Competition for the Bank of Oklahoma?

Blake Ewing -- As a new city councilor, Ewing speaks his mind but also serves as the council's resident funny guy, frequently interjecting a wry remark into drab council proceedings. His day job as a Tulsa entrepreneur included the December opening of The Phoenix Café at East 6th Street and South Peoria Avenue, which features a menu with a rare trifecta: bagels, coffee and beer.

Kristen Thompson -- Every national movement needs a local leader to gain a foothold. Thompson serves as just that for Raw: Natural Born Artists, an organization recently established in Tulsa but already prominent in other cities. The idea is to bring together artists in the early stages of their careers, with an emphasis on events that bring together a diverse group of creative types. Fashion, film and music were highlighted in 2012 by Tulsa's Raw, with Thompson serving as event director extraordinaire.

Selser Schaefer Architects -- These folks -- led by the wife and husband team of architects Janet Selser and Robert Schaefer -- did a great job designing the AHHA! Hardesty Arts Center. The pair creates beautiful, sustainable buildings, and will be leaving their downtown office for the sure-to-be gorgeously renovated former Tulsa Ice Co. building next door to UTW. Welcome, neighbor.

David Malone --It's not rocket science, it's brain surgery, and everything dealing with the body's electrical system, from the CPU on down. Here is a neurosurgeon of renown, fiercely independent in practice with a reputation of length and breadth across the country. David Malone PLC is the present and future in a specialty of specialties in the medical profession.

Chet Cadieux -- We get our gas there. When we're in a hurry we get a meal there. Tulsans are strangely loyal to QuikTrip. Maybe that's because president and CEO Chet Cadieux has been good to Tulsa. Not every corporate headquarters boasts two ponds for employees to fish on. This TU grad received the Distinguished Alumni award last year and is on track to continue to take QT onward. Now if only he could do something about gas prices.

Edgar Casanova -- The former insurance agent, who speaks no English, realized that Tulsa didn't have any cuisine from his native Venezuela. So -- in true American style -- he started a Venezuelan restaurant. And boy is it good! Casanova's Restaurant, 10915 E. 31st St. Ste. 1315, has an a la carte menu to die for. This man is living the American dream.

Blake Ewing

Joe Medina -- The football head coach at Cascia Hall has been on a ridiculous multiyear winning streak. Despite moving up to 4A this year, Medina's Commandos have dominated, racking up an 11-1 record, including a 70-0 shutout over College High School.

Jim Bridenstine -- In a rare election victory over a long-tenured incumbent, Bridenstine bested John Sullivan in the Republican primary and ultimately claimed a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bridenstine, a military pilot, keeps a first-grade drawing (later framed by his mom) attesting to his desire to fly even at a very early age. Can he find a way to soar through partisan politics?

Kirk Wester -- He puts the community action in the Community Action Project, serving as director of neighborhood revitalization for the nonprofit anti-poverty organization. His work overseeing an ultimately unsuccessful grant application for millions in federal funds was by no means a wasted effort. Already underway are lower-cost measures like text alerts and community outreach to build strength from within neighborhoods like Kendall-Whittier and west Tulsa's Eugene Field. The application effort will no doubt help with a strategic response to problems posed by poverty.

Chief George Tiger -- Inaugurated in January 2012 as principal chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, to say Tiger has been active on the business front would be an understatement. The Creek Nation purchased the Riverwalk Crossing shopping and entertainment complex in Jenks for $11.5 million. The Creeks have also been in talks to take over naming rights for the Expo Center at the Tulsa County fairgrounds and perhaps earn development rights to the old Drillers Stadium at the fairgrounds.

Eliot Nelson -- The downtown phenomenon is taking South Tulsa by storm. This year, he plans to launch McNellie's South and Yokozuna South -- two great restaurants that need to reach as many people as possible. Is there any limit to this guy's Irish empire?

Kevin Taubman -- Vascular surgeon with OU Physicians Surgical Specialists and St. John's Hospital, he is respected among peers, complementary specialists, and a medical network that spans the state. Nominated for a teaching award in 2012, Taubman performs vital work saving lives and training the next generation doctors.

Joe Craft -- The CEO of Alliance, a local coal company, recently made the Forbes billionaire list. But don't think he's just another rich guy. In October, he took the Warren Buffett Giving Pledge to donate "the vast majority" of his assets to philanthropic causes.

Moai Broadcast -- Rapidly becoming Tulsa's most prominent indie/dance/jam band, Moai Broadcast founded the Easter Island Festival, which after three years is coming into its own. Though they've been around since 2008, this genre-bending (or --breaking) band is in the process of connecting with its fans on an ever-more intimate level in order to, as Gary Hizer put it, "create something bigger."

Jasmine Tobie -- The food services supervisor at Tulsa Job Corps, Tobie has served up support for the youth enrolled in the Job Corps. The federally-funded program offers vocational training as well as a chance for youth to earn their GED or pursue other educational goals. She also participated in training this year offered by the North Tulsa Development Council.

Larry Fox -- The general counsel at American Airlines has helped organize the Tulsa Holiday Parade of Lights for more than 25 yerars. The parade has caught some heat over the last couple of years, but that hasn't stopped him from putting on a great show! Despite competition from the Tulsa Christmas Parade, Fox remains above the fray, buckling down and getting the work done.

Jim Bridenstine

Gary Hizer -- UTW's music writer knows every inch of the Tulsa scene. Whether he's writing about country, rock, or our very own New Tulsa Sound, Hizer brings a depth of passion for our city and our music that you won't find anywhere else. If you read him every week, you're bound to find a concert that fits your taste!

Anthony Barber -- There are three things Barber loves: God, Tulsa, and competition. That may be why he was so active in the TU Newman Center while he was in college and grad school and remains an integral part of Catholic Young Adults today. He even coaches the Cascia Hall robotics team on the side...on top of a full-time job. Barber sure knows how to give back to the community that raised him.

Julie Watson -- The co-director of Tulsa Roots Music stays busy on the music scene. The trained lawyer has been instrumental in booking for All Soul Acoustic Coffeehouse, 2952 S. Peoria Ave., and the new Guthrie Green. Watson certainly helps Tulsa on its path to become the next Austin.

Jonathan Townsend -- Former president of the ORU College Democrats. Wait, what? Yes, this man did the unthinkable: organized Democrats at Oral Roberts University. (It may help when there are so few!) But Townsend hasn't stopped his activism since graduation in 2012. He is now involved with the NAACP Young Adults, speaking last November on racial violence.

Nathan Pritchett -- Named in 2012 as the first ever executive director for what's now known as Hardesty Center for Fab Lab Tulsa, 710 S. Lewis Ave., Pritchett helped guide the center through another year of fantastic projects and events -- all open to the public. Designers, crafters, engineers and makers of all kinds know about the tools available at the self-serve fabrication lab.

Meray Boustani -- This soprano for Tulsa Opera has been on the rise for some time, most recently at the PAC Brown Bag It with Trio Aleszky in November. But she has sung in more than a half dozen operas, along with several other solo roles over the years. She's been written about in The New York Times, but she has stayed here in Tulsa. That's an honor.

Victor Marquez -- He's scared the crap out of us for the last several Halloweens with his Psychopath Haunted Ride in Sperry. As a long-time garbage man, Marquez's dream to become a special effects makeup artist has finally come true in Psychopath, and is chronicled in the upcoming documentary by his nephew, Oregon filmmaker Manny Marquez.

Darrin Davis -- Director of Bands of Broken Arrow Pride can boast numerous accomplishments, the 2012 Grand National Championship runner-up spot not least among them. Pride has been consistently good over the years and we continue to expect good things from Davis' group.

Sharon Braun Hutton -- She runs the new downtown business Letterpress of Tulsa, proving that the adage what's old is new again can also be a business plan. The shop, at 412 E. 2nd St., specializes in print jobs using 19th century technology for that authentic ink look that only comes from pressing down on wooden type. It's a real craft enjoying a modern renaissance. The shop handles digital files with ease and even offers lessons for those unafraid to get their hands dirty.

Julie Hakman -- Hakman recently won accolades for her work in the background check industry. Her company, American Checked, Inc., in 2012 was named one of the top 100 fastest-growing inner city businesses by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. She deserves even more respect for working to raise standards in an increasingly important field, as almost every position now requires some form of background vetting before a hire is made.

Bill Leighty -- This potential mayoral candidate (and UTW contributor) talks a lot about transportation. But he's also a big proponent of downtown redevelopment and making Tulsa into a more sustainable, walkable city. Will that drive him to City Hall? Only time will tell.

Jason Smith -- The owner of Phat Philly's has brought the restaurant back to life with a new location. Now at East 13th Street & South Peoria Ave., Phat Philly's brings Tulsa a taste of life back east with mushrooms and grilled onions to go atop our steaks. The best part: unlike cheesesteak vendors in Philly, Smith won't send you to the back of the line if you take too long to order!

Jeremy Simmons -- A clinic specialist for HOPE (Health Outreach Prevention Education), Simmons helps Tulsans living with HIV and assists in preventing the spread of the disease. In 2012, he helped organize Dining Out for Life, in which area restaurants donated portions of their take to help HOPE's mission. With work like that, Simmons truly lives it and breathes it.

Gary Hizer

Todd Cunningham -- As the executive director of Tulsa Project Theatre, Cunningham heads up the only union-affiliated theatre in town. Not only that, he has a serious feather to put in his cap as TPT wraps up a successful, Christmas-time run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Not just any dream will do as Cunningham takes TPT to new and greater heights!

Michael Radoff -- A newspaper industry veteran (of all things), Radoff doesn't try to tamp down his ambition of making the city of Tulsa the provider of truly prompt and efficient customer service --whether it's paying a water bill or reporting a neighbor's ill-kept yard. If the average citizen's dealings with the city improve over the next several months, it will be in large part because of new hire Radoff.

Kathy Taylor and Bill Lobeck -- The former (and future?) mayor and her husband have been very generous Tulsans, donating to causes such as the recent Winterfest, where a good time was had by all.

Nancy Hermann -- For two decades, Hermann has helped promote the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Hermann's effort and dedication as marketing director make Tulsa's arts scene truly vibrant by connecting it to the community at large.

Danny Manning -- In his first season at TU, Manning has already accumulated an impressive record as men's basketball coach starting off 4-1 at home. Although the Hurricane has struggled in away games, Manning has shown that there is some life in our hometown team after all. He's a steady hand as TU takes on some tough times.

Brandon Clark -- Three-time ABoT "Artist of the Year" and four-time "Best Red Dirt" winner, Brandon Clark keeps busy. Between his band and his solo gigs, he made more than 280 appearances in 2012. With a new side project in the works, we only wonder what 2013 will bring.

Clark Wiens -- The Circle Cinema just keeps getting better and better. After years of work, Wiens and the folks at the Circle finally opened a theatre auditorium in the original site at 10 S. Lewis Ave. The way things are going, they're set to re-open their main theatre this summer. We couldn't be more excited.

We the Ghost

Susan Hurtado -- For a long time, Hurtado has been frustrated with the way we conceptualize "charity." For her, giving is not about how much you donate to an organization but how you live your life each day. That's why she started the St. Zita Catholic Worker House last April: she calls Tulsa to live in voluntary poverty and -- like the widow in the New Testament -- to give all we have, not just the surplus.

We the Ghost -- We've written a lot about We the Ghost this past year, and they keep getting better. This up-and-coming local band won three ABoT music awards, had six nominations, and released a new EP just last month. We the Ghost just might have some staying power.

George Kaiser -- He's one of the richest men in the world, yet few do more for our city than this man. Whether it's funding Educare or investing in downtown, Kaiser and his foundation making Tulsa a better, more vibrant place. He may have become for Tulsa what Warren Buffett is for Omaha.

Jeff Castleberry -- Who would have thought that the Brady Arts District would become the happening place it is now. Castleberry took a tremendous risk when he opened Caz's Bar more than 15 years ago and Caz's Chowhouse several years later, but now it's paying dividends with all that's been happening in the area. We only hope he makes enough mac and cheese to keep up with the demand.

Candace Conley -- The chef at The Girl Can Cook offers catering services and culinary classes from her kitchen on Cherry Street. No matter what kind of dinner you're fixing, Conley can show you how to do it -- with style! Active on new media as well as in the kitchen, she epitomizes what a 21st-century entrepreneur has to do to be successful.

Aubrae Filipiak -- An outspoken advocate for sustainable food production, Filipiak works as a chef-instructor at the Culinary Institute of Platt College, 3801 S. Sheridan Road. The institute features a student-run restaurant, Foundations, which offers impressively ambitious fine dining.

Rebecca Ungerman -- Fun and talented, Ungerman's recently formed Spinning Plates Productions made a big splash at SummerStage Tulsa. A jazz and cabaret vocalist, Ungerman's first musical came into focus with "The Unwitting Wife," which she developed (with help from collaborators, including Lisa Cole) and performed in. Described by Ungerman as "the lesbian/bisexual musical you can take your grandparents to," the production also appeared in Israel's Tiberias International Theater Festival.

Danny Williams -- The new U.S. attorney for Oklahoma's Northern District, Williams serves as Tulsa's top federal prosecutor. A graduate of the University of Tulsa law school, he spent most of the last 20 years in private practice. Williams was nominated for the post by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Brandon Clark

Candice Carter -- The young fashion designer continues to create clothing both straightforward and striking. Her pieces are runway-worthy but also within the realm of the practical.

Brian Horton -- What if we told you a corporate financial planner was one of the city's biggest supporters of local music? That's exactly what Brian Horton is. When he's not attending as many concerts as he possibly can, Horton heads up Horton Records, a non profit that signs Tulsa musicians and dropped a new album in September. That's on top of his day job. Holy cow.

Brian Paschal -- Executive director of Tulsa's Young Professionals, Paschal has credibility because he chose a return to Tulsa after years living in southern California. Now, he's the most outspoken message man for TYPros' main mission: to help Tulsa attract and retain young professionals.

Mark Gibson band -- This duo, Mark Gibson and Ryan Migani, which have become one of the hottest new things in Tulsa. After starting out in Austin, the Mark Gibson Band released their first album, Beautifully Deconstructed, in November. They continue to play live to build up their burgeoning local fan base.

Ryan Tedder -- The native Tulsan and Oral Roberts University graduate won a Grammy in 2012 for his work as a producer and songwriter on Adele's 21. A Tulsan through and through, Tedder will become a bit of a globetrotter with upcoming plans for his band, OneRepublic, to tour worldwide. He may not be a household name, but music A-listers are eager to collaborate while his band is poised for even more success.

Dan Crossland -- He belts out the hits with his band Crossland, and was honored in 2012 for an impressive fourth consecutive year as Tulsa's favorite Party Cover Band in the UTW-presented Absolute Best of Tulsa Music Awards.

Dan Roberts -- With a background that includes success in ministry and business, Roberts shares his wisdom frequently as a guest speaker. A people person, Roberts put those skills to use in building Premier Staffing, a well-regarded hiring firm, as well as several other businesses. The great-nephew of Oral Roberts, he's done plenty to establish his own name as a savvy and sharing community leader.

Alicia Chesser -- Besides providing a dancer's insight into the arts for Urban Tulsa Weekly, Chesser boldly directs dance group Tulsa Modern Movement (along with fellow artistic directors Ari Christopher and Nina Madsen). Chesser is that rare insider and innovator who can also explain dance -- and what it means to be a dancer -- in a way that appeals to all of us.

Davit Souders -- Every Sunday night, rock fans of all stripes tune in to Homegroan, the all-local radio show hosted by Souders on Z104.5 The Edge. Souders has done it all in Tulsa local rock and alternative scene over the years, and he remains a driving force in helping new bands find their audience.

Reggie Dobson -- The owner/manager of Mercury Lounge, 1747 S. Boston Ave., has made waves in previous years, especially for pushing for taxicab stands downtown. But Dobson continues to wow the whole city, booking great musical acts for Mercury. It take a big man to get Oklahoma tattooed on his knuckles, and Dobson is just that man.

Candice Carter

Adam Scott Weintraub, aka Attorney Adam -- He keeps us in stitches even as he dispenses wise legal advice Wednesdays on Mix 96 Dave and Nina in the Morning. He's even been known to advise against suing somebody if the circumstances don't warrant it. How many attorneys will do that?

Gary McIntosh -- A white pastor with a predominantly black congregation at the recently renamed Transformation Church Greenwood, 1519 W. Pine St., McIntosh openly speaks about goals to set up churches in other cities. He's been honored by the community group 100 Black Men of Tulsa for his local efforts. Notably, the church's youth ministry offers a strong alternative for hundreds of Tulsa North teens.

Almead Stutts -- She has quietly built Stutts House of BBQ, 22021 E. Apache St., into one of the best barbecue restaurants in town. Now after she's celebrated 20 years in business, it's time for us to celebrate her. Congratulations, Ms. Stutts, on keeping it cooking so well for so long.

Bill Christiansen -- The well-known former city councilman announced his bid to be Tulsa's next mayor, visiting with citizens at various events and eventually coming out against the Vision2 proposal championed by Mayor Dewey Bartlett despite the tax package's support of aerospace and Christiansen's day job running an aviation company. Voters agreed with Christiansen on that issue, and he's working hard to build a greater rapport heading into the 2013 election.

Kate Hoback -- The 2012 chair of Tulsa's Young Professionals, the formal name for the Tulsa Regional Chamber-backed TYPros, Hoback found herself publicly expressing why the organization supported the Vision2 tax proposal. While the measure failed, Hoback delivered as an articulate spokeswoman for a major political issue. A talent advisor with ConocoPhillips, could public office be in her future?

Markwayne Mullin -- Perhaps one of the more recognizable public servants in this part of the state after a blitz of TV campaign ads, Congressman-elect Mullin wasted no time after his November election victory. He embarked on a whirlwind "listening tour" to visit each of the 26 counties he now represents.

Teresa O'Rourke -- A long-time Tulsa realtor, O'Rourke was instrumental in establishing the Kendall-Whittier Main Street to revamp the area on South Lewis Avenue between East Admiral Boulevard and East 11th Street. Things are moving slowly and probably didn't happen as smoothly as she intended, but her dream for her neighborhood is starting to come true.

Russell Burkhart -- As the resident healthy food guy at the Indian Health Care Resource Center, Burkhart tries to make sure people have food choices that are both healthy and culturally sensitive. To that end, he serves as president of the Pearl Farmers Market in Centennial Park -- doing his part to revitalize Deep Pearlem in the process.

George Kaiser

Julie Hall - The freelance grant writer keeps some North Tulsa social services funded almost single-handedly. Even though her Oklahoma Senate run didn't pan out, the avowed liberal earned some praise from as unlikely a source as Michael Bates for her devotion to her neighborhood. That's some bridge-building we want to see more of!

Tom and Charlie Sewell -- The brothers Sewell own Tulsa Gas Technologies, founded in 1991 and now enjoying a raised profile thanks to a major governmental push for natural gas-powered vehicles. The company installs natural gas fuel dispensers. While the mini-boom has relied mostly on costly after-market conversions, more fleets are choosing this alternative, putting the Sewells in a prime position to be industry leaders.

Lisa Regan -- The owner of Garden Deva Sculpture company, 317 S. Trenton Ave., Regan makes cut-metal artwork but doesn't cut away from a good cause. Regan this year supported charitable efforts to Cambodia and always seems willing to collaborate with the community for the greater good.

Jabar Shumate -- A member of the House of Representatives beginning in 2004, Shumate made a successful Senate run in 2012. He bested former Tulsa City Councilor Joe Williams in the Democratic primary. His leadership in the House may allow him to hit the ground running in the Senate.

Megan Thomson -- An administrative assistant with the nonprofit John 3:16 Mission, Thomson's efforts go back years in supporting the group's battle to combat homelessness. This year, she also participated in training offered by the North Tulsa Development Council.

Lo Detrich -- Gone but not forgotten. Lo's life was as inspiring as it was short. Though she passed away last year, UTW salutes the work she did for cystic fibrosis and the bravery she showed as she faced the disease.

Bill McCright -- When it comes to storytelling, McCright has done it all. One of three executive producers on the award-winning Last Raid at Cabin Creek Civil War documentary, McCright has kept busy this year directing Tom Sawyer (A Play with Music) and The Drunkard and the Olio for the Tulsa Spotlight Theatre.

Billie Sue Thompson -- Artistic director for the Actor's & Children's Theatre, Thompson has a long list of acting and director credits. In 2012, she directed "Women on Fire" and Theatre Tulsa's "Arsenic and Old Lace." She also co-starred in "Chasing Manet" -- so those credits keep getting longer.

Davit Sounders

Clark Inkanish -- The Wichita-Caddo-Cheyenne spiritualist was honored in 2012 by the Tulsa Indian Club for his service to the community. He also blessed the Route 66 Marathon course this year and has been involved with the Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry.

Jeremy Stevens -- If Stevens were only Teacher of the Year for the Union Public Schools' 8th Grade Center, he might warrant inclusion on this list for his devotion to teaching vocal music. But Stevens' summer vacation put him over the top with his presentation of "Wrong Way Broadway," a SummerStage Tulsa production which featured a creative re-working of Broadway classics.

Christina Burke -- As curator of Native American and non-western art at the Philbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road, Burke has rich source material, to be sure, putting together memorable exhibits this year featuring colorful woven baskets and elegant pottery. But Burke also has been working hard to ensure that the museum's anticipated downtown expansion moves smoothly heading into its expected 2013 opening.

Randall Whalen -- A principal at the nonprofit Theatre Pops, Whalen directed the David Mamet play "November" in 2012, serving up a much needed comedic take on political machinations. Beyond a single play, Whalen has long worked to boost theater in Tulsa.

Bob Jack -- Seemingly every big or noteworthy new development in Tulsa involves Manhattan Construction, and Jack serves as the company's senior vice president for its Tulsa office. The geothermal wells in Guthrie Green, the north side's University of Oklahoma Wayman Tisdale Specialty Health Clinic, and the dramatic expansion at Saint Francis Hospital are but three examples of Manhattan's work, with Jack helping oversee it all.

Rose Washington -- The executive director of the Tulsa Economic Development Corp. oversees a non-traditional loan operation that can help small businesses when commercial lenders won't. In 2012 the venture -- which receives substantial funding from government dollars -- began a partnership with business incubator The Forge and the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center.

Ron King -- Proving that creativity and business go together hand in hand, King works at Precise Marketing Solutions to put together eye-catching and results-oriented marketing materials. But his role also is that of mentor, both at the company and within the community through his volunteer efforts.

Donnie Gendron -- He is one of the most successful bar/club owners in Tulsa metro and his businesses continue to grow. Recently he opened Red Dirt Dance Hall & Saloon, and he has a few more locations opening soon. His bars span from City Center to South Tulsa, Broken Arrow to Bixby. They are as diverse as a red dirt bar and an Irish pub. May we propose a toast?

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