Debra Wimpee
Debra Wimpee is a highly accomplished civic leader and entrepreneur, currently serving as the Mayor of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, a role she has held since 2021 following her tenure as a City Councilor for Ward 1. Known for her dedication to public service, Debra has received numerous accolades, including the Oklahoma Military History Hall of Fame induction in 2025, the Oklahoma Purple Heart Most Patriotic Mayor award, and recognition as Patriot of the Year by Oklahoma Veterans United. She has also been honored with community and leadership awards such as the NAIOP Lifetime Achievement Award and the Journal Record Woman of the Year nomination, reflecting her deep commitment to civic engagement, veteran advocacy, and community development.
In addition to her political career, Debra is a successful entrepreneur and community builder. She is the founder and owner of The BA Buzz, a local business dedicated to event planning, community engagement, and promoting charitable initiatives. She has also served as Executive Director of Soldier’s Wish, raising over a million dollars in donations and granting over a million dollars in wishes for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Her work consistently demonstrates a passion for serving others and creating meaningful impact at both the local and national level.
Debra’s professional journey is marked by decades of leadership across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She has held executive roles with NAIOP Oklahoma and OK CCIM, organizations central to the commercial real estate industry, while simultaneously championing local initiatives such as ShamRock the Rose Festival, Red, White & Brew, and Street Eats on Main. With a strong focus on volunteerism, philanthropy, and civic involvement, Debra continues to be a transformative force in Broken Arrow, exemplifying dedication, service, and leadership in every endeavor she undertakes.
• Certified Mayor
• Certified Municipal Official
• 2023 Journal Record Woman of the Year nominee
• 2021 Broken Arrow Citizen of the Year
• 2019 Broken Arrow High School Great Graduate Recipient
• 2016 Beacon Awards Honoree for Philanthropy and Volunteerism
• 2013 Arrowhead Retail Business of the Year
• 2015 Community Organization Best of Broken Arrow Award recipient
• 40 Under 40 recipient -Class 2012
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a God given gifting of a lifelong commitment to public service, combining hands-on leadership, connecting with my community, and striving to make a meaningful impact—from honoring veterans with powerful memorials to representing my city on both national and international stages.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to be bold, stay focused, and never let anyone else write your story—true leadership comes from serving your community and building genuine connections along the way.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are service, integrity, and connection—both in leading my community and in simple joys like cooking and sharing meals with others.