ALLEN E. BIRD
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Allen (Skeeter) Bird is a 1985 Northwestern graduate with a degree in History. He received his master’s of public administration in 1998 from the University of Anchorage.

Upon graduation from Northwestern, Skeeter signed on with the Army and remained in active service until 1998. In that year he became a full time member of the Army National Guard and was stationed in Alaska until 2005.

During his military career as an Army aviator, he served in various positions which included: Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Financial Manager, and Battalion Commander. In July of 2005, after attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Skeeter retired from the Army National Guard and assumed responsibilities as the Executive Director, now Chief Executive Officer, for the Foundation.

LIZABETH RICHEY
ALUMNI DIRECTOR

Lizabeth Richey has served as Alumni Director since 2004. She began her career with the Northwestern Foundation and Alumni Association in 1991.

Raised in Elk City, Lizabeth began her college experience at Oklahoma Baptist University and completed her bachelor’s in business administration at Northwestern in 1996. She earned a master’s degree, also from Northwestern, in 2000.

Lizabeth is active in the Alva community singing in her church choir and the community choir. She is a past director with the Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Singing Church Women of Oklahoma.

MISTI KNOPF
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

A graduate of Northwestern Oklahoma State University in May of 1997, Misti Knopf earned a degree in business administration. Previously working for the university in the Business Office for four years, Misti came to the Foundation as accountant in 2002 and now serves as financial manager. She has also served as executive director for the Miss Northwestern Pageant for the past three years.

KELLEY BURGGRAF
OFFICE MANAGER

With a secretarial degree from Mid-America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, and 15 years experience in accounting, Kelley Burggraf joined the Foundation office staff in July of 2004 as administrative assistant and now serves as office manager.

As a pastor’s wife, Kelley serves in many areas of the church, including Children’s Ministry Director.

MARIE KADAVY
COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER

Marie Kadavy received her bachelor's degree in journalism and broadcasting with an emphasis in public relations and advertising from Oklahoma State University in 2009.  Before joining the Foundation staff in January 2010, she worked in the publications department of the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association in Stillwater.  Her experience also includes interning in marketing and communications at the Oklahoma State University Foundation.