Mick Cornett

Mick Cornett, a former Mayor of Oklahoma City, is recognized for his transformative leadership and tenure as the city's first four-term mayor. His administration was marked by significant public health initiatives and economic growth, including the creation of 100,000 new jobs and the establishment of over 9,600 new businesses. These efforts contributed to Oklahoma City’s reputation as a world-class city, further strengthened by the implementation of MAPS for Kids, which promised to renovate or rebuild every building in the Oklahoma City Public Schools system. His commitment to education and infrastructure was evident when he led the passage of another initiative targeting school infrastructure in the inner city.

During his time in office, Cornett also initiated a highly publicized campaign to put Oklahoma City on a diet, which received national recognition and improved the city's health across multiple categories. His dedication to health and wellness was highlighted in his TED Talk, which has been viewed nearly 1.5 million times worldwide. This initiative, along with his broader economic policies, played a crucial role in the economic renaissance of Oklahoma City, marked by the arrival of significant businesses like Dell Computers and the introduction of NBA basketball.

Cornett’s achievements in office have not gone unnoticed. He served as the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in 2016-17 and has been honored extensively, including being named "Public Official of the Year" by Governing magazine in 2010 and appearing on Newsweek's list of the "Five Most Innovative Mayors in the United States." His influence in urban development and politics was further recognized by Politico, placing him among the "Thinkers, Doers and Visionaries Transforming American Politics in 2015."

He began his career in journalism, holding a degree from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA from New York University. Cornett spent 20 years in local television covering a wide range of roles from sports to news, and later founded his own video production business. His deep understanding of media and communication, combined with his hands-on experience in city governance, positions him as a knowledgeable figure in discussions about urban development, health initiatives, and public policy.