Vonnie Garner named among The Journal Record's 2026 Woman of the Year honorees
Bank of Oklahoma leader has helped direct more than $15.2 million in charitable giving
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 5, 2026 - Vonnie Garner, vice president and senior regional community relations manager at Bank of Oklahoma, is among 49 women honored in The Journal Record's 2026 Woman of the Year program for their professional achievements and contributions to Oklahoma communities.
Established in 1981, the annual program recognizes women who demonstrate leadership in their professions and through civic involvement, mentorship, and community service. The Journal Record* celebrated this year's honorees at an Oct. 15 ceremony in Oklahoma City.
During her more than 25 years with Bank of Oklahoma, Garner has helped facilitate more than $15.2 million in donations to Oklahoma City organizations. As senior regional community relations manager, she works with local executives to guide charitable giving, manage nonprofit partnerships, and coordinate employee volunteer efforts.
“If you've spent time in Oklahoma City's nonprofit community, chances are you've crossed paths with Vonnie. She builds lasting relationships and is always willing to help connect people and organizations to the resources they need. This recognition is a testament to the respect and trust she has earned throughout our community”
- Ginger Kollmann, vice president and director of community and employee engagement for BOK Financial.
"The impact of Vonnie's work can be seen throughout Oklahoma City," said Gregory Wheeler, executive vice president and market president for Bank of Oklahoma. "She has helped build meaningful partnerships, support organizations that serve critical needs and strengthen connections across our community. This recognition reflects the difference she has made in the lives of so many Oklahomans."
Garner's community involvement also extends beyond her work at the bank. She has served on boards and committees for several local organizations, including Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma, Myriad Gardens Foundation, Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation, and the Latino Community Development Agency.
She also spent seven years as a community investment volunteer with United Way of Central Oklahoma. In 2019, United Way named her Outstanding Employee Campaign Coordinator for her work encouraging employee participation in its annual fundraising campaign.
"If you've spent time in Oklahoma City's nonprofit community, chances are you've crossed paths with Vonnie," said Ginger Kollmann, vice president and director of community and employee engagement for BOK Financial. "She builds lasting relationships and is always willing to help connect people and organizations to the resources they need. This recognition is a testament to the respect and trust she has earned throughout our community."
See the full list of 2026 Woman of the Year honorees here.
About Bank of Oklahoma
For more than a century, Bank of Oklahoma has been a financial services partner for consumers, businesses and wealth clients alike. We bring the kind of financial insight and resources you’d expect from a national institution — but we deliver it with the care, clarity, and consistency of a neighbor who knows your name and understands your goals.