Staff

Shannon Gilbert is President & CEO of the Oklahoma Arts Institute and a mission-driven leader with 15 years of experience in arts education, fundraising, and strategic communications. Before joining OAI in June 2025, she spent over seven years helping lead major fundraising campaigns and national arts programming at the Kennedy Center. Shannon brings a collaborative, growth-oriented mindset to her work and is passionate about expanding access to high-quality arts education across Oklahoma. She believes deeply in the power of investing in Oklahoma students and educators to strengthen communities and shape the state’s cultural future. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband, Rowdy, and their daughter, Arden.

Emily Claudé grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where her early interests in dance, film, photography, and acting took root. After several years in Boston and a diverse career spanning multiple industries, she found her professional home at the Oklahoma Arts Institute in 2005. She is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for young artists and is continually inspired by the talent she sees across Oklahoma.

Originally from Ponca City, Shana Gibelyou holds a nonprofit arts management degree from Oklahoma City University, graduating magna cum laude and receiving the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Dance Management award. As a performer, teacher, choreographer, and adjudicator, she has competed at the Jazz Dance World Congress in Germany and has taught and performed ballroom, Latin, swing, and aerial dance. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Shana co-founded a nonprofit organization that serves nearly 200 orphans in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and has made ten trips there since 2009. A three-time modern dance student at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain, Shana is proud to return for her 23rd summer on staff. She and her husband enjoy cheering on their 11-year-old daughter, Elise Joy, as she explores her growing passions in art, music, dance, and crafts of any kind.

Kara Keeton is Major Gifts & Community Relations Officer of the Oklahoma Arts Institute and a passionate supporter of high-quality arts education for all. With experience in sales, marketing, event planning, and human resources, Kara brings a depth of heart for living creatively and serving community generously. A native of Oklahoma City, she holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Central Oklahoma and spent time living in NYC & abroad before settling at home. In addition, Kara is a certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach supporting women holistically on their healing journey. She enjoys traveling, reading, cooking and exploring great wonders of nature with her son, Harvey.

Madison Leslie is the Office Manager & Board Liaison for the Oklahoma Arts Institute and a proud alum of the OSAI chorus (2018, 2019). The arts have always held a special place in her heart, inspiring her to pursue a career in arts administration. Previously serving as Programs Manager for Canterbury Voices, Madison brings valuable experience in supporting nonprofit organizations and helping them thrive. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Oklahoma City University and brings enthusiasm and passion to her role. Madison is dedicated to OAI’s mission of fostering a lifelong love of the arts, just as the Institute helped shape her own goals and aspirations during her time in the program. Outside of the office, Madison is a songwriter in the recording studio and a singer with Canterbury Voices. She can often be found crafting with her two cats by her side or finding the next best food spot in OKC!

Originally from Minco, Oklahoma, Caleb first experienced the magic of OSAI as a member of the flute section in the orchestra in 2009 and ’10. He studied music at Oklahoma City University, has worked in masterclasses with Jeanne Baxtresser, Marina Piccinini, and many more, and received many awards, including the International Crescendo Music Awards Gold Medal in 2013. Caleb now performs with various ensembles in the metro area, including the OKC Philharmonic and Painted Sky Opera. He previously served four years as the Program Manager for the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras, of which he is also an alumnus. When not making music or helping others to do so, he enjoys reading, writing, sewing clothing and quilts, and spending time with his friends and family.

Wren Pfahl is an arts administrator and flutist originally from Hendersonville, Tennessee. She spontaneously moved to Oklahoma in 2016 to study music at Oklahoma City University, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in flute performance in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Wren developed a passion for nonprofit work and arts administration when she began as an intern at Oklahoma Youth Orchestras. She later served as their Communications Director for two years before joining the OAI staff in 2021. As a flutist, she frequently performs in the Oklahoma City metro and Fort Smith areas. Outside of music and work, Wren enjoys thrifting, watching TV and movies, reading, weightlifting, and being a helicopter mom to her two cats, Kitty and Atticus.