Brenda Wheelock of Norman, OK, serves as the Director of Communications and Development for the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a statewide nonprofit founded by former US Senator David Boren to recognize and encourage academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools.

A 1988 University of Oklahoma journalism graduate, Wheelock served more than 10 years on the news and publications staff of OU Public Affairs and was editor of OU’s alumni and staff publications. She has also been a reporter for United Press International and the Daily Oklahoman.

Wheelock serves on the advisory board for OU Women's & Gender Studies Program and is an 18- year volunteer leader for Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma and an organizer of the Cleveland County CROP Walk to Stop Hunger. A longtime youth mentor, Wheelock is the recipient of the Norman United Way Volunteer of the Year Award for Service to Youth and Education.