Shannon Rich

Shannon Rich has spent her career leading organizations through transformational projects by challenging traditional methods. As president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, she directed the single largest endeavor in the organization’s 90-year history—the opening of the Gaylord–Pickens Museum.  Before joining the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Rich served as executive vice president at John Q. Hammons Hotels, opening both the Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel and the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott. 

Since Rich joined the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, her leadership has resulted in a tremendous impact on the organization’s statewide exposure, educational programming, and guest experience.  Under her leadership, more than 45,000 Oklahoma students have experienced the museum through the free field trip program; one of the most active teen boards in the state was created; there has been a significant increase in overall donor support; free family programming is now offered year-round; notably a $19 million capital campaign was launched and completed.  Shannon personally started the Second Century Board to raise mission awareness among young professionals; she and the team have enhanced the overall guest experience and significantly increased revenue associated with the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony.  While noting the meaningful growth and mission expansion most importantly Rich has built a strong board and staff culture encouraging the best engagement from each stakeholder. 

Rich continues to make a lasting impact on her community.  Her awards and honors include being recognized as one of Oklahoma’s “Most Admired CEOs,” she is a three-time honoree and inductee of the Circle of Excellence for the Journal Record’s “50 Making a Difference” and a member of the inaugural “Achievers under 40.” And was recently recognized by 405 Magazine as one of the influential leaders in Oklahoma City.  

Rich built her career from a hotel desk clerk in college all the way to the C-Suite, often finding she was the only woman room.  She paved the way for equal representation for women and young professionals by, serving as the first woman board member and president of The Downtown Club, as well as the first female member of the executive committee and officer for Oklahoma City All Sports Association.  In addition, she was a founding co-chair of Leadership Oklahoma City’s L.O.Y.A.L. (Linking OKC’s Young Adult Leaders) program. Her passion for equity and creating opportunities for women to succeed in the workplace led her to start LeadHERboard, the only online directory of its kind by women for women. LeadHERboard and Shannon were recently recognized by the Journal Record with its inaugural Empowering Women Award.

Rich is a fifth-generation Oklahoman and a proud graduate of Oklahoma City University.  She and her husband, Kelly Kerr, have one daughter—Mia. Together, they enjoy playing pickleball, golf and being outdoors.