COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland to Receive Wes Watkins Vision Award Tomorrow, Oct. 7, 2025, at Dream BIG Oklahoma Gala

-MEDIA RELEASE-

SHAWNEE, OK —Ann Felton Gilliland, chair/CEO of Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH), will receive the Wes Watkins Vision Award during the Dream BIG Oklahoma Awards Gala hosted by REI Oklahoma on Oct. 7, 2025, at the Grand Casino in Shawnee.

The Wes Watkins Vision Award, the evening’s top honor, recognizes leaders whose bold vision and sustained commitment have made a lasting impact on Oklahoma’s communities and economy. Named after longtime congressman and economic development champion Wes Watkins, the award is among the state’s most prestigious acknowledgments of leadership.

Felton Gilliland joined the COHFH Board of Directors in 1990. During her first 12 years of service, she worked as an unpaid volunteer before being hired full-time as COHFH’s chair/CEO in 2002. For 36 years, she has led the nonprofit, ecumenical ministry from a minor local Habitat affiliate into one of the top 10 in the nation. Felton Gilliland said she is humbled to receive the Wes Watkins Vision Award.

“This honor reflects not just my work, but the dedication of Habitat’s staff, volunteers and supporters who believe, as I do, that safe, affordable housing is the foundation for a stronger Oklahoma,” Felton Gilliland said. “Since 1990, we’ve built 1,140 affordable new homes, expanded our Critical Home Repair program and welcomed thousands of volunteers who have given their time, skills and compassion to Habitat. I’ve seen the joy of families moving into the homes they helped build—families who, in turn, are building stronger futures for themselves and their children.

“Those moments when I hand over the house keys to new homeowners remain some of the most meaningful moments of my life. Habitat has allowed me to translate my values into action, to partner with extraordinary people and to help shape neighborhoods that will stand for generations. I remain deeply committed to ensuring that COHFH will always be a beacon of hope in the greater Oklahoma City area.”

REI Oklahoma (Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc.), which hosts the annual Dream BIG Oklahoma Awards, is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and communities thrive by providing access to capital, training and development resources.

To get involved, visit: www.cohfh.org. To volunteer, visit: www.helpmyhabitat.com. To donate, visit: www.cohfh.org/make-a-donation/, or text makehomehappen to 50155 to give now.