UPWARD TRANSITIONS’ CEO HONORED AS ONE OF 2026 MOST ADMIRED CEOS

OKLAHOMA CITY — Upward Transitions’ Chief Executive Officer, Periann Pulliam, has been selected as an honoree for The Journal Record’s 2026 Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEOs program. The award recognizes top business and nonprofit leaders across the state for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and community impact.

The 2026 awards also include Saint Francis Health System, Love’s Travel Stops, and the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. Honorees will be recognized during an awards dinner on April 27, 2026, at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Downtown Oklahoma City.

Pulliam joined Upward Transitions 17 years ago as volunteer coordinator for the agency’s Travelers Aid program at OKC Will Rogers International Airport. As CEO, she has diversified the donor base, expanded the team structure, and secured new funding streams. Her leadership has led to the creation of new, innovative programs to assist those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County.

“While Periann’s leadership is defined by a rare combination of strategic vision and deep-seated compassion, I admire her integrity the most,” said Alicia Terry, Upward Transitions Director of Community Outreach Programs. “She doesn’t just lead our organization; she inspires hope and fosters a culture of collaboration that extends far beyond our office walls.”

Under her guidance, the 100+ year-old organization has developed creative, uplifting events such as the Annual Food Truck Party for the United Way of Central Oklahoma Day of Caring, with the intention to serve those in need while fostering fun and hope.

In 2025, Pulliam’s leadership led to both local and international honors for Upward Transitions, including awards from Travelers Aid International and The Courage Project. The organization was awarded the United Way of Central Oklahoma Wayfinder Innovation Grant for the new Hope Flyers program. In the same year she led the organization to raise more than $500,000 dollars towards its endowment fund, securing its stability for the foreseeable future.

About Upward Transitions Upward Transitions is an Oklahoma City-based nonprofit that has served the community for over a century. Its mission is to prevent generational poverty through community collaboration, emergency relief and empowerment, therefore inspiring hope with their neighbors experiencing housing instability.

For more information, visit https://upwardtransitions.org/

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