Brinlee accepted into Leadership Academy
For Immediate Release
January 7, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Impact Investing Collaborative’s Director of Rural Initiatives, Linda Brinlee, has been accepted into the 2026 Northeast Oklahoma Regional Leadership Academy (NORA).
Brinlee, a Wilburton, Okla., native will participate in the 10-month program designed to develop leadership skills, expand professional networks and deepen participants understanding of regional dynamics and challenges.
“I am honored to join the 2026 NORA Leadership Academy. This opportunity allows me to deepen my understanding of the rural northeast region of our state, build meaningful relationships with fellow rural leaders, and strengthen collaborations that foster improved outcomes for our communities,” Brinlee noted. “Together, we will grow as leaders and create lasting impact for rural Oklahoma.”
NORA serves a 15-county rural region including: Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, McIntosh, Muskogee, Nowata, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Mayes, Rogers, Sequoyah, Washington, and Wagoner counties.
Participants develop a broader awareness of the region and acquire a greater knowledge of the interdependence of the diverse communities that constitute Northeastern Oklahoma. Additionally, they sharpen leadership skills while networking with decision makers and professionals statewide.
In her role with the Oklahoma Impact Investing Collaborative—funded by a grant from the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation, an affiliated fund of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation—Brinlee works diligently alongside rural communities to blend government, philanthropic, and other private capital to invest in mission-driven nonprofit and for-profit organizations that effectively meet local needs. The insights gained from this opportunity will further strengthen her ability to connect resources to results in the northeast region.
-30-
Media Contact:
Ed Long
(405) 922-7580
About Oklahoma Impact Investing Collaborative
The Oklahoma Impact Investing Collaborative (Collaborative) is a subsidiary of MetaFund that blends government, philanthropic, and other private financing to invest to mission-driven organizations with the potential to improve outcomes for Oklahomans. The Collaborative is a national leader in Pay for Success financing.
About MetaFund
MetaFund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) investing in impact and expanding economic opportunity through flexible financing and partnerships with banks, philanthropic investors, government entities, and community leaders. Since 1999, MetaFund has deployed more than $470 million and leveraged an additional $540 million in co-investments, with a focus on work, housing, and health. For more information, please visit metafund.org.
About NORA
Northeast Oklahoma Regional Alliance (NORA) is a 501c3 nonprofit representing 15 rural counties in Northeast Oklahoma. Within those 15 counties are small, rural cities and towns and more than 600,000 individuals which is a similar population to both the OKC and Tulsa regions. NORA’s focus is completely on the rural sector. NORA is the unique organization dedicated to giving northeast Oklahoma a united, regional voice.