Email
PrintLeading the way for Tulsa's Young Professionals
As TYPros' sixth chair, Michael Christian shares his outlook for 2010.
Michael Christian, a 28-year-old from Seattle, joined Tulsa’s Young Professionals (TYPros) in 2005 when he was looking for an organization that would allow him to meet new people and become active in the community. Since joining, he’s served as the chair-elect, as well as crew and co-crew leader of the Ambassador Crew, which promotes Tulsa and TYPros in order to attract and retain young professionals. Now, as TYPros’ sixth chair, Christian shares his outlook for 2010 and why he looks forward to the organization’s fifth anniversary.
Where did you attend college?
Oklahoma State University, on a wrestling scholarship.
What was your major?
Economics (but don’t mistake me for an economist).
When and why did you move (back) to Tulsa?
I moved to Tulsa in the summer of 2005, right after I graduated from OSU. I moved to Tulsa because I was offered a great opportunity in Bank of Oklahoma’s Accelerated Career Track program.
What is your current profession?
I work in the Alternative Investments Group at BOK. We focus on investments in hedge funds, private equity funds and real estate on behalf of our clients.
When and why did you join TYPros?
I attended my first TYPros event in the fall of 2005. I was looking for an organization that would allow me to meet new people and become active in my community. TYPros fulfilled both those needs.
As the new TYPros chair, what are your goals for this year?
Tulsa’s Young Professionals has nine work crews that empower our membership to pursue their passion for making Tulsa a better place to live and work. My top priority is to help each crew be successful in the initiatives they have challenged themselves with in 2010.
Outside of that, our organization will be focusing on downtown Tulsa and its revitalization. People often accuse Tulsa of being segregated geographically. The incredible thing about downtown is that it belongs to all Tulsans. Its success can be a great unifier for our city.
We will also focus on developing stronger relationships with employers and aiding them in attracting talented individuals to our city.
How many hours do you devote to TYPros each week?
It depends, but more often than not, it’s a second job.
What do you think is most important to promote to those who are thinking about moving to Tulsa for a career (both natives and transplants)?
Tulsa really is a hidden gem. There are many great companies and leaders in our city that provide the opportunity to build a successful career. For those entrepreneurs, there is an incredible amount of resources to start your own company.
Which TYPros event(s) do you most anticipate for 2010?
We will be hosting many great events in 2010, but I very much look forward to our fifth anniversary party. It will be a great opportunity for our organization to showcase how we’ve become one of the top young professional organizations in the country.
What is your must-have item to take into meetings?
My black-and-white composition book. My boss always carries one and I thought it was a great way to keep my thoughts together. However, my handwriting is worse than a doctor’s prescription. I sometimes have trouble reading what I wrote.
How do you receive your local news?
Twitter. I really underestimated how useful this little site could be.
What is your beverage of choice at TYPros functions?
Marshall Beer — is there any other option?
What is your favorite Tulsa restaurant?
Depends on the meal. Wild Fork for breakfast, Dilly Deli for lunch, (my fiancée) Paige’s home cooking for dinner (love you, babe).
Where do you go for happy hour/nightlife?
It depends on the mood I’m in. Downtown, Cherry Street, Brookside and Jenks’ RiverWalk all offer great options.
When you are not working or attending a TYPros-related activity, what do you do for fun?
Fun — that’s what TYPros is! Honestly, I enjoy playing lots of Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders. They’re my girls’ favorite games.
What are some of your local favorites that you recommend young professionals (YPs) check out?
For a city our size, it really is amazing the breadth of arts that we have available. From the opera to the ballet, Light Opera to the symphony orchestra, Tulsa is gifted with culture. I would highly recommend that if any YPs haven’t attended one of these events, they do so.
Three words to describe Tulsa?
Awesome, emerging, home.
Three words to describe you?
Outgoing, energetic, kind.
