A.J. Kirkpatrick

Spending a summer living in England helped Kirkpatrick realize he loved urban areas. The trip inspired his career in urban planning, which began at the City of Oklahoma City and eventually led him to become director of operations at Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc., which contracts with the city to provide management services for the downtown area. “I am a big believer in creating great urban places and spaces,” says Kirkpatrick. “Nothing against the surburbs – they have a place and fill a need – but I think urban places are just more interesting and full of opportunities.”