Creek County Literacy Program in Sapulpa, announces the appointment of Debra Chandler as its new Executive Director, effective April 1, 2024. Debra brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to literacy and community development to her new role.
Debra Chandler joins Creek County Literacy Program with a strong background in education, library services, and community engagement. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Librarian at Sapulpa Public Library, where she played a pivotal role in promoting literacy initiatives and fostering a love for reading among patrons. Her dedication to promoting literacy extends beyond the library, as she has also served as a substitute teacher in Sapulpa Public Schools and has been actively involved in various educational and literary organizations.
“I am honored to join Creek County Literacy Program and continue the vital work of promoting literacy and empowering individuals in our community,” said Debra Chandler. “I am passionate about providing access to education and resources that can transform lives, and I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated team and community partners to advance our mission.”
Debra Chandler holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Oklahoma City University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rogers State University, with a minor in TV and Radio Broadcasting. Her extensive educational background and her experience in creative writing and literary studies uniquely position her to lead Creek County Literacy Program into its next chapter of growth and impact.
“We are thrilled to welcome Debra Chandler as our new Executive Director,” said Greg Pugmire, Board Chair of Creek County Literacy Program. “Her passion for literacy, expertise, and dedication makes her the ideal leader to guide our organization. We are confident that under her leadership, Creek County Literacy Program will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community.”
Debra Chandler succeeds Melissa Struttmann, who has served as Executive Director of Creek County Literacy Program since 2013. The board expresses its deepest gratitude to Melissa for her years of dedicated service and wishes her all the best in her future endeavors.
For more information about Creek County Literacy Program and its initiatives, visit creekliteracy.org or call 918-224-9647.
About Creek County Literacy Program
For 35 years, CCLP has worked to improve the quality of life in our community by promoting and achieving literacy. One in five adults 18-24 years old in our county does not have a high school diploma. One in ten adults 25 and older in our county do not have a high school diploma. Forty-one percent of kindergarten through third grade students in our county receive reading remediation. Through extensive outreach and collaboration with a network of community partners, CCLP strives to ensure that individuals who need to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need. CCLP’s Mission is to help every child and adult in Creek County to read through tutoring, technology, and health literacy outreaches. CCLP’s Vision is for every child and adult in Creek County to read proficiently.