Governor’s Office
Governor Fallin today announced the appointment of Robert J. “Bob” Ross to the Oklahoma Board of Education. Ross will replace Bill Shdeed, who resigned, and will serve as an at-large member. His appointment requires confirmation from the Oklahoma Senate.
Since 2003, Bob Ross has been with Inasmuch Foundation and Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation (EEJF). He became president and CEO of both in 2005. Inasmuch Foundation is a philanthropic organization that invests in education, health and human services and community enhancement in Oklahoma. EEJF provides grants and contributions to media institutions and journalism schools nationwide, primarily in the areas of investigative reporting, youth education, professional development and special opportunities.
“Bob Ross is a visionary Oklahoma leader whose philanthropic work has helped to support schools and learning programs across the state,” said Fallin. “He has dedicated his life to making an impact in our community, and the Board of Education will provide him a great opportunity to directly affect and improve our public schools. I am proud to welcome him to the team.”
Ross said he is excited to start working in his new position.
“As Governor Fallin has said many times, nothing is more important to Oklahoma’s future than providing high quality public education,” said Ross. “I am looking forward to working with the Board of Education, Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, and our entire education community to provide the greatest level of support to our students and educators.”
Prior to his work at Inasmuch Foundation and EEJF, Ross was an attorney with the Oklahoma City law firm McAfee and Taft. He serves on the Board of Directors for a variety of organizations including the University of Oklahoma Foundation, Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma Public School Resource Center, John W. Rex Elementary School, Smart Start Central Oklahoma, and Teach for America-Oklahoma City.
In 2013, he was awarded the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits’ Visionary Impact Award.
Ross earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma. He and his wife Heather have two children and live in Oklahoma City.
An outstanding appointment. Bob is the reason OKC has Educare.An outstanding early education program for low income families. We are better with Bob involved in Education decisions. Yea Governor Fallin.