Campaign Chairs Sally and Jeff Starling,Honorary Chairs Christian Keesee and Larry Keigwin Lead Effort to SupportOklahoma’s Arts Community

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Allied Arts is proud to announce the leadership team for its 2025 fundraising campaign, which aims to strengthen and sustain the vibrant arts community throughout central Oklahoma. The campaign will be led by Campaign Chairs Sally and Jeff Starling, with Honorary Chairs Christian Keesee and Larry Keigwin, all of whom bring extensive leadership and experience to this important initiative.

Campaign Chairs: Sally and Jeff Starling

Sally and Jeff Starling are committed community leaders and philanthropists with deep roots in Oklahoma’s cultural and civic life. Sally currently serves on several prominent boards, including those of the Oklahoma City Ballet, Casady School, and the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma. She has led successful capital campaigns for the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, Oklahoma City Ballet and Casady School. Sally’s vision and leadership have played a key role in advancing quality of life issues like the arts and education across the state.

Jeff Starling, a seasoned attorney, has a long history of leadership in both the business and philanthropic sectors.  He currently serves on the boards of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Foundation and Allied Arts and is the Immediate Past Chair of Science Museum Oklahoma.  His prior service includes leadership positions with the State Chamber of Oklahoma, board chair of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and co-chair of the Planetarium Capital Campaign for Science Museum Oklahoma.  His involvement in shaping public policy and supporting cultural institutions makes him an invaluable asset to the campaign's success.

Honorary Chairs: Christian Keesee and Larry Keigwin

Christian Keesee and Larry Keigwin bring their visionary leadership and passion for the arts to their roles as the Allied Arts 2025 Honorary Chairs. In addition to being the Founder and President of Oklahoma Contemporary, Keesee serves as Trustee of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund and Kirkpatrick Foundation, both significant contributors to the arts.

Keigwin, Artistic Director of Keigwin & Company, has earned national recognition for his contributions to dance and innovative choreography. Together, they have had a profound impact on Oklahoma’s arts community, with both dedicating their time and resources to ensure the continued growth of cultural institutions in the state.

"We are thrilled to have such a distinguished team guiding this important campaign," said Sunny Cearley, President and CEO of Allied Arts. "The Starlings, along with Mr. Keesee and Mr. Keigwin, are passionate advocates for the arts, and their collective vision will help ensure that the arts continue to thrive in Oklahoma for generations to come."

The 2025 campaign, aimed at meeting or exceeding the $3.8 million raised in 2024, will support Allied Arts' mission to fund a diverse array of local arts organizations, helping to sustain Oklahoma’s vibrant cultural community. With these world class leaders at the helm, Allied Arts will be in a position to provide elevated resources to the arts in Oklahoma.

‍