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Our Staff

Meet the Downtown Tulsa Partnership team!

Brian Kurtz
President & CEO

From trips with his grandma to the original Kaufman’s department store during the holidays to taking the bus to work with his dad in Downtown Pittsburgh, Brian has always had a special affinity for downtowns. While he will always love the view from the tops of the tallest buildings in any place, the street level — the intersection of people and place in the most planned, yet random environment — is where the magic and activity happen. He loves food, from cooking at home with his family and friends to trying Tulsa’s newest and mainstay restaurants. But what he loves most about food is its ability bring people together around a table to share time and stories with one another. Brian’s been working to enhance downtowns and urban areas for more than 15 years and has the fortune of leading a passionate team working toward a Downtown Tulsa that is welcoming and thriving for all.

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Debra Edwards
Office & Finance Administrator

Debra appreciates the simplicity of life, good food, friends, and family. She spends her spare time crafting projects for others, sewing, and reviving old furniture to give it new life. She is learning to navigate through the correct ways of staining and painting projects, (YouTube videos make it look so much easier). In the midst of storms, celebrating with her seven grandchildren and my Boo (great nephew) makes life brighter each day and their joy fills her heart. The one avenue she's looking forward to travel through is learning woodworking and building her first piece of art.

Emily Scott
Director of Planning & Vitality

For the past six years, Emily has led neighborhood revitalization efforts with a focus on tactical, visible projects that make a measurable difference in quality of life. From public space improvements and housing initiatives to community-driven planning and small business support, her work centers on turning ideas into action. With a background as dynamic as her project portfolio— including experience in accounting, birthwork, and running her own food cart— Emily brings creative problem-solving and a deep respect for place to every effort. She holds a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University, a Bachelor's in Economics from Winthrop University, and is a certified AICP planner.

Cassandra Williams
Marketing & Communications Manager

Cassie thrives on creativity and fun inside and outside of work. She loves getting friends together for a good themed party, and is a playful aunt to 11 nieces and nephews. Her artistic talents shine through in her love for crochet, sewing, painting, and drawing. Evenings are spent with her husband, Carson, and their two dogs, Bennie and Roscoe, enjoying long walks and spoiling them with love. Carson and Cassie met at the University of Oklahoma and share a goal of walking 100 miles together by 2025.

Daniel Jackson
Communications & Engagement Coordinator

Daniel has always loved implementing ideas, whether big or small. A Tulsa native, Daniel continues to be passionate about uplifting Downtown as a destination for business, residents, and visitors. A graduate from the University of Oklahoma, Daniel brings creativity and efficiency to his role as DTP's Communication and Engagement Coordinator. Known as "Downtown Danny" in the Downtown community, Daniel enjoys the culture and diversity that Downtown has to offer. In his free time, Daniel loves watching the latest hit films and TV shows, traveling, and being outdoors. 

Jacob Gatlin
Operations Manager

Jacob loves the outdoors and tries to be in nature as much as possible, from hiking, fishing, and exploring, to sitting on his porch admiring the pasture. Jacob was raised on a farm in Meeker, Oklahoma, so his lifelong goal is to have a ranch one day. He cherishes his four children, who are his passion and "the footprints he will leave behind." Jacob's friends describe him first as a father who has always been there for his kids and also a person who would do anything for his friends. His 10 years of manufacturing experience led him to Downtown Tulsa Partnership, and he is grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of such a great program to help an even greater city. 

Carley Gibson
Outreach Coordinator

Carley is a dedicated and compassionate individual with a strong passion for supporting those struggling with mental health and addiction. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she plans to continue her education with a master’s degree in Social Work. As a mother of four — three boys and a baby girl — Carley balances her family life with her commitment to professional growth. Known for her positive attitude and uplifting energy, Carley is described as the life of the party. She is deeply motivated to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Cyrus Carter
Tulsa Service Year Fellow, Community Engagement

Cyrus is a recent graduate of the University of Tulsa and has joined Downtown Tulsa Partnership through the Tulsa Service Year program. With a longstanding passion for public service and advocacy, he now supports Community Engagement and Economic Development efforts at DTP— an experience that has already sparked a growing interest in urban planning. A Tulsa native, Cyrus enjoys playing basketball, exploring a wide range of music, and spending time with friends and family. He looks forward to the year expanding his skills and contributing to the Downtown Tulsa community.