Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods CDC Exective Director

Thomas Boxley

Thomas Boxley was named the first Executive Director of the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation, November 6, 2023.

Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Boxley brings a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in community development and outreach, business expansion, fundraising, program creation, marketing, and human resources across the education, healthcare, private and non-profit sectors.

In his capacity, Boxley will work within the neighborhoods to:

• Facilitate community redevelopment for the benefit of Island residents.
• Foster and promote redevelopment with a focus on cultural resources, protection of cultural assets, entrepreneurialism, affordable housing opportunities, financial assistance opportunities, identification of infrastructure needs, land planning and development assistance.
• Facilitate small business start-up, development, and retention.
• Mitigate potential negative impacts on neighborhoods.
• Invest and reinvest funds.
• Apply for and administer grants and other financial resources.

Most recently, Boxley served as Director of School Operations at KIPP Tulsa University Prep High School, where he played a pivotal role in developing this pioneering public charter high school program within the KIPP network. He managed various aspects, including finance, operations, transportation, human resources, facilities, technology, data, compliance, student recruitment, attendance, and parental engagement. He also served as a Founding Member and Executive Director of The Institute for Developing Communities, underscoring his commitment to addressing Oklahoma's education, nutrition security, and other needs.

Boxley's experience also includes serving as Inclusion Officer, Clinic Manager, and Outreach Liaison for the University of Oklahoma-Physicians, where his job responsibilities included educating the community and potential subcontractors while advocating for diversity in the development of a $20 million community medical facility. During his tenure, he spearheaded recruitment and development efforts for small African American and women-owned businesses.

Boxley past board positions include trustee at the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity, commissioner and vice chairperson of the Tulsa Development Authority, commissioner/founding chair at the Greater Tulsa Area African American Affair Commission, and advisory board member of the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce.