Who We Are

Joe Dorman serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. OICA, founded in 1983, is the statewide nonprofit organization that serves as the voice for Oklahoma’s children regarding state policies for health and well-being. OICA works with policymakers to help shape laws and rules based upon suggestions from the annual Fall Forum policy conference held annually in November. OICA is also the state affiliate for the national Kid Governor® program.

Joe served House District 65 as the state representative for 12 years, which included parts of Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Grady and Stephens Counties, and was a nominee for Governor of Oklahoma in 2014. He is a published author for the comic book Mighty Mia and Dyna-Bit Save Democracy, and a board member of the Oklahoma Academy, Ground Zero, the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature Foundation, and is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City and was selected by the Journal Record as one of the 50 most influential Oklahoma CEOs in 2022, along with being named the 2024 OSU College of Arts & Sciences Political Science Graduate of Distinction.

Christine has been a political organizer for 13 years who has worked on many campaigns in varying capacities ranging from municipal races to a presidential race. She has a Bachelors degree in Political Science from U of MD Global Campus, she previously volunteered with the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corp for 8 years guiding young people aged 11-18 with the Navy’s strong character and core values through leadership. Christine is a tireless advocate for her community centering on education and improving social outcomes. She comes from a very large family and enjoys reading, all things purple, and hanging out with her Son.

Jay Paul served eight years as a member of the Oklahoma Senate representing Atoka, Bryan, Coal, Johnston, and Marshall counties. There, he developed a reputation for being a passionate advocate for children and the environment. His work for children earned him a place in OICA’s Child Advocate Hall of Fame and recognition by the Oklahoma Court Appointed Special Advocates program. Among the legislative awards Gumm received include "Legislator of the Year" by veterans' organizations, rights organizations, real estate advocates, the state's TRIO student programs, environmental protection organizations, and state employees. Prior to his election to the Senate, he was an award-winning media relations professional, working 13 years for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, as an economic developer in his hometown of Durant; his work there led to the community becoming one of the strongest regional economies in the state. Following his service in the Senate, he was a real estate developer, middle school history teacher, and freelance public relations professional. He has more than 35 years of experience in public relations and communication across all media platforms working for firms in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Tampa in addition to his work with the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Gumm is a Distinguished Alumnus for his alma mater, Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Renee is originally from Oklahoma but has lived all over, she has moved her family from Nebraska back to Oklahoma to return to her roots. She has over a decade of experience in non-profit work and has a degree in non-profit management. She is passionate about the work of OICA and advocating for youth and social justice. She served in several positions in non-profit work centered around individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She and her spouse were foster parents for over a decade and specialized in working with teen girls. Renee is mom to 6 daughters and grandma to 6 children. She is a lifelong learner and loves to spend free time reading and hanging out with her family and dogs. 

Myron Leigh Pope is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit management, corporate leadership, and consulting. Currently serving as the Director of Development for the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA), he focuses on securing resources and building relationships to support initiatives that improve the lives of children and families across Oklahoma. His career includes roles such as Principal Customer Experience Program Manager at Microsoft, where he led global customer engagement initiatives and contributed to product development strategies, and Vice President at the University of Alabama and the University of Central Oklahoma, where he oversaw strategic planning, student success programs, and large-scale budget, facilities, and personnel management. As a consultant, Myron has provided expertise in leadership development, organizational change, and human resources and talent development, helping organizations achieve measurable improvements in performance and culture. Known for his ability to build collaborative partnerships, drive innovative solutions, and deliver meaningful outcomes, Myron combines strategic vision with a commitment to creating opportunities that enhance organizational and community impact. He has lectured and consulted nationally and internationally on topics such as strategic planning, team building, TRIO programs, and student success. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Dr. Pope holds a bachelor’s degree in History/English and a master’s and doctorate in Higher Education Administration. Committed to service, he has served on numerous professional, community, and nonprofit boards, fostering innovation and collaboration to advance organizational goals. In his personal life, Dr. Pope enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, and road cycling. He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and the University of Alabama A-Club as a former football letterman.

Greg has over 45 years of experience in public policy in Oklahoma and Texas including 28 years with the State of Oklahoma; 19 of which were with the Oklahoma House of Representatives Staff and 13 as Fiscal Director. He also served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Budget and Finance with the Oklahoma State Regents for Education and Chief Business Officer for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. He has worked on numerous statewide, congressional, and Legislative campaigns as well. He is well founded in the intersection of fiscal policy with a wide spectrum of OCIA policy interests such as education, child welfare, and criminal justice policy. Greg graduated of Oklahoma State University, attended graduate school at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, Austin and holds a Juris Doctorate Degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He is a Past President of the Oklahoma Correctional Employees Memorial Foundation. A past volunteer for the Oklahoma Innocence Project and Make-a-Will Sunday project. He was lead House staff on the Tulsa Race Riot Commission and the worked with the State Regents’ Student Advisory Board. Originally from Colorado, Greg has lived the majority of his years in Oklahoma. His parents hail from Ada and Duncan. He is married with 4 children (2 are teachers) and 4 grandchildren

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