L-R: Pat Potts, Potts Family Foundation, Trisha Finnegan, Joe Carter, Marnie Taylor, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits at the induction ceremony for the Potts Family Legacy Society at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits
Pat Potts was a visionary with an unparalleled commitment to improving the lives of children and families in Oklahoma. She and her late husband, Ray, were instrumental in forming support systems and pathways for Oklahoma nonprofits to succeed. Their greatest joy was seeing families and children thrive.
As the co-founder of the Potts Family Foundation, Pat was also the former executive director of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation in the early 1980s, founded the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, and chaired the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board twice during her stellar career.
Pat and Ray both grew up and were educated in Missouri. They moved to Oklahoma in 1959, where they put down roots. They raised a tight-knit family —three sons and a daughter— and instilled values that prioritized giving back to their community with their time, effort and financial assistance. Those values carry through today with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
"If you want to build a stronger Oklahoma, you start with the children and their families."
– Pat Potts
Pat worked nearly every day on projects dear to her heart until she passed away on August 20th at the age of 91. She wanted that level of commitment to continue after her death, including a new initiative she helped launch just months ago—the OKCPS First Choice Fund. The Oklahoma City Community Foundation, in collaboration with The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation, was entrusted with a landmark $5 million gift from the Potts Family to create the OKCPS First Choice Fund, a bold initiative designed to meet some of the district’s most urgent needs, supporting excellence for OKCPS.
“It’s an honor to have seen Pat’s passion, skill and leadership in action. And, to steward her vision for this investment that will echo for generations in classrooms, families and communities across Oklahoma City,” said Trisha Finnegan, President & CEO of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.
This legacy investment from Pat and her family is rooted in decades of advocacy for Oklahoma’s children, families and educators.
“This fund is about meeting the most pressing needs in our district,” Pat said when the project was launched. “It’s about investing in the people who shape our future, where families are supported, teachers are valued, and every child has the chance to thrive.”
Pat’s husband and long-time partner in community service, Ray, passed in May of 2024. Both Ray and Pat invested greatly, not only once they reached their own success or retirement, but as they grew their careers and raised their family. Lives across the state of Oklahoma, and our nonprofit sector, are better for the generosity, vision, commitment and perseverance of the Potts. We thank Pat and offer our sincerest condolences to her family and close friends, who we know will miss her tenacious spirit, wisdom, and care very much.