EPISODE 027: BLAKE WADE | NACEA

The Leadership Crucible Podcast

J. Blake Wade was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority (NACEA) on December 1, 2011. The NACEA is the state agency responsible for building and developing The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum. Prior to assuming the NACEA appointment, Wade was President of Oklahoma’s Business Roundtable, Oklahoma’s primary economic development “support” organization. The Roundtable accomplishes this by providing critical private funding in support of the economic development efforts of the Governor, Lt. Governor, and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Wade served as the executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society from 1990-1999, and the Director of the Oklahoma Capitol Complex and Centennial Commemoration Commission beginning August 1, 1999. He was responsible for overseeing preparations for Oklahoma’s centennial commemoration of statehood in 2007.
The first three years as Director of the Centennial, the focus was the State Capitol Dome and the Centennial Plaza of the Oklahomans. These projects were completed in 2002. Then the planning began to implement a Centennial Commemoration that recognized the spirit of Oklahoma’s people, encouraged pride in the state, and instilled confidence in Oklahoma’s future. The vision was to offer a commemoration that encouraged Oklahomans to examine its unique history, experience our rich heritage, explore our promising future, and ensure a listing legacy for future generations.
While a Major, U.S. Army, he received two Bronze Stars, three Vietnam Service Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. A Lawton native, Wade graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in journalism, and a graduate of the Command and General Staff College.
Wade participates actively in community organizations serving on the board of directors for the State Fair, the Campaign for Arcadia Trails Treatment Center that opened in May 2019, Boy Scouts of America, First Step and Metro Alliance, Director of USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Friends of the Governor’s Mansion, the Jim Thorpe Association and Hall of Fame, Metro Alliance, and Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum. He is the recipient of the 2008 Administrator of the Year Award and received an “Emmy” Award for the production of the Oklahoma Centennial’s “Spectacular.” (Ford Center, November 16, 2007) J. Blake Wade presently serves as the Executive Director of the Native American Cultural and Education Authority from 2012 to present.
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