Liz Leaming may have grown up in Michigan and started her career in Oregon, but the whirlwind of life has led her to a small town in Oklahoma: Ponca City. As director of Ponca Works, Liz recruits companies and attracts fellow transplants to her chosen hometown. From championing local art and cheering on the high school football team to serving on the boards of Ponca City Art Center and Ponca City Tourism Board, you could call Liz Ponca City’s resident cheerleader. She sat down with Live in Oklahoma to talk about what drew her to Ponca City, life as a mom in Oklahoma, and what makes the Oklahoman spirit is so special.
Thanks for joining us, Liz. Let’s start with an overview of your life here in Oklahoma.
I moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma, in 2012 from Portland, Oregon, but I am originally from Three Rivers, Michigan. Ponca City, nestled near the Kansas border, is a hidden gem offering a perfect blend of small-town warmth and the conveniences of a larger community. It’s about 90 minutes from major metro areas like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Wichita, making it ideally located for both work and leisure. We often say it’s a great place to raise a family, start a business, and truly get involved. That community spirit and potential drew me in, and over a decade later, I’m proud to call Ponca City home.
Professionally, I work in economic development, focusing on workforce development. My role allows me to help local businesses grow, recruit talented individuals to move to Ponca City, and contribute to developing this vibrant community. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in showcasing the incredible quality of life here and in building something meaningful for my family and neighbors. This work is personal to me. It’s about creating the kind of community I dreamed of and now live in.
When I first moved here, I was single, and I often joke that dating is the best recruitment tool. I met and married my sweetheart, a native of the area, and together, we’ve built a beautiful life with our two sweet boys. They’re thriving in Ponca City’s excellent school system and enjoying the many extracurricular activities available.
Outside of work and family, I love staying active and being outdoors. I joined a local running group early on, which helped me feel connected to the community while training for events like the Route 66 Marathon and the OKC Memorial Marathon. Golfing is another passion, and Ponca City’s two gorgeous golf courses provide the perfect backdrop for that. Life here is busy, fulfilling, and truly special.
You’re a successful person. You could go anywhere. Why has it made sense to stay put in Oklahoma?
From my perspective, staying in Oklahoma, specifically Ponca City, has always felt like the right choice because of the deep sense of community and the opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
While I could have pursued a career or life in larger cities, there’s something incredibly rewarding about being in a place where I can see the direct results of my work in economic and workforce development. Helping businesses grow, recruiting new talent, and creating opportunities for others isn’t just a job — it’s a way to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family.
Oklahoma, particularly Ponca City, offers a quality of life that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s a place where you can raise a family surrounded by caring neighbors, excellent schools, and endless extracurricular options. My boys are thriving here, and that’s a testament to the supportive environment this community fosters. Beyond that, the outdoor activities, strong local connections, and sense of belonging make this a place where we’ve built not just a life, but a home.
Staying here has also allowed me to balance professional success with personal fulfillment. I’ve found joy in running marathons with local groups, golfing on beautiful courses, and simply being part of a community that genuinely cares about one another.
In a world where it’s easy to get lost in the hustle, Oklahoma has given me a chance to focus on what truly matters: family, connection, and contributing to something greater than myself.
You lived in other states before settling in Oklahoma. How did life compare?
I’m a native Michigander, and I’ve lived in Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest before settling in Oklahoma. Each place had its appeal — Wisconsin’s lakes, the Pacific Northwest’s lush landscapes — but I don’t miss owning a snow blower! Oklahoma’s mild winters and stunning skies have been a welcome change.
What sets Oklahoma apart is its diverse beauty. The western plains feel timeless, while the eastern bluffs offer rugged charm. And the sky here? Always breathtaking, whether it’s a vivid sunset or a dramatic storm. The variety keeps things fresh and captivating.
Most importantly, life here feels personal. Getting involved, knowing your neighbors, and connecting with local leaders is easy. In Oklahoma, you’re not just living in a community — you’re part of it. That connection and opportunity make it truly special.
Tell me more about that opportunity. What opportunities has living in Oklahoma given you and your family?
Oklahoma has given my family incredible opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Being part of Leadership Ponca City and later Leadership Oklahoma provided both my husband and me with invaluable networks at the local and state levels. Organizations like Oklahoma Academy and Let’s Fix This have allowed us to engage in broader political change and advocacy, making a real impact. The people here embody grit and a can-do attitude, creating an environment where determination and hard work can turn aspirations into achievements.
Tell me more about that. How would you describe Oklahomans?
Oklahomans support one another in times of need. The sense of community here is unmatched—people show up, whether it’s helping a neighbor rebuild after a storm or supporting local businesses and initiatives. That generosity of spirit is one of the things I love most about living here.
You’re a mom of two boys. What’s it like raising a family in Oklahoma?
Raising kids in Oklahoma feels like a blend of the timeless and the modern. While the internet has changed how we connect and made neighborhoods quieter, Ponca City’s neighborhood elementary schools bring back a sense of community. My kids know the children on our street, and they spend plenty of time playing outside together. It’s a lifestyle that echoes the simplicity of my own childhood, with the added benefits of today’s resources and opportunities.
Being a mom in Oklahoma has been empowering in unique ways. While the state may lag in some aspects of women’s equality, it shines in supporting mothers. Every job I’ve held has given me the flexibility to care for my kids while thriving in a demanding career. That balance has allowed me to be both present for my family and fully committed to my work, which is something I deeply value.
Your day job is promoting the city of Ponca City. What could a newcomer expect of live in Ponca City?
Someone moving to Ponca City can expect a welcoming community with a small-town feel and big opportunities. The city offers excellent schools, affordable living, and a range of activities to suit any lifestyle, from outdoor adventures to cultural events. The close-knit neighborhoods foster connections, making it easy to feel at home and get involved.
Professionally, Ponca City is a hub for growth and innovation, with opportunities in industries like energy, manufacturing, and healthcare. Networking and development programs, like Leadership Ponca City, help new residents connect with others and grow their careers.
Personally, the community is full of ways to get involved, from civic organizations to recreational activities. Whether you’re looking to advance professionally, build meaningful relationships, or enjoy a family-friendly environment, Ponca City is a place where you can thrive.
What spots in Ponca City should everyone check out?
Food lovers should check out Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant at the Ponca City Regional Airport, known for its delicious Mexican cuisine, and the Rusty Barrell Supper Club, a local steakhouse favorite for an unforgettable dining experience.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy the City Arts Gallery in City Central, which highlights local talent and creativity. Outdoor lovers should head to Lake Ponca for boating and picnicking or tee off at the beautiful Lew Wentz Golf Course. History buffs shouldn’t miss the iconic Marland Mansion, a stunning piece of local heritage.
For family-friendly activities, Ponca City’s parks, splash pads, walking trails, and frisbee golf courses are immaculately maintained and offer endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. Whatever your interests, Ponca City has something to offer for everyone.
What kinds of things do you do in your free time?
Oklahoma’s music scene is also vibrant and diverse, with plenty of intimate venues to enjoy favorite artists. My husband and I love catching concerts at iconic venues like Cain’s Ballroom and the Tulsa Theater in Tulsa, as well as the Tower Theatre and The Jones Assembly in Oklahoma City. Here in Ponca City, The Alley is a new live music spot with a fantastic vibe that we love to visit.
Visual arts are also thriving in our state, with museums, galleries, and events like the Sunny Days Mural Festival showcasing incredible talent. Locally, we’re proud to support City Arts, Ponca City’s active and inspiring arts organization.
As a family, we enjoy exploring Oklahoma’s natural beauty through hiking and camping. The state parks offer incredible diversity depending on where you go, from the serene landscapes of Osage Hills State Park to the unique terrain of Gloss Mountains and the lush beauty of Chickasaw National Recreation Area. For fitness enthusiasts, Oklahoma’s two major marathons are must-experience events, with shorter options available for those not up for the full distance.
What’s amazing about Oklahoma is that while we’ve checked off many items on our tourism list, there’s still so much more to see and do. Adventures always await.
What misconceptions do you think people tend to have about living in Oklahoma? What’s the reality, in your opinion?
When I moved from Portland, Oregon, to Ponca City, Oklahoma, many of my friends and coworkers were surprised and questioned why I’d make that move. Their misconceptions were typical: concerns about good cuisine, entertainment, landscape, and especially opportunities. But the reality couldn’t be more different.
Oklahoma offers incredible food, from local favorites in small towns to world-class dining in our metro areas. The entertainment scene is vibrant, with live music, theater, festivals, and cultural events happening all across the state. The landscape is stunning in its variety, from open plains to rugged bluffs and serene lakes.
Most importantly, Oklahoma is full of opportunity. Whether you’re starting a business, raising a family, or growing a career, the state provides a supportive environment where hard work and community connection make anything possible. The grit and determination of the people here create a place where dreams are within reach.
You have three sentences to flip an Oklahoma skeptic. What would you say to convince them it’s one of the best places to move in the U.S.?
Oklahoma offers wide-open spaces and an affordable cost of living that make everyday life comfortable and enjoyable. Ponca City, in particular, is a family-friendly, safe, and welcoming community, perfect for raising kids in a close-knit environment. With numerous opportunities for career and personal growth, Oklahoma provides the support and resources to thrive.
