Meet Our Board
Dr. Shirley Staires
Dr. Shirley moved to the Ranch in 1972 with her husband. They founded Shepherd’s Fold Ranch as a summer camp and remained the Executive Directors for 25 years. She began another ministry, this one in Tulsa, called Women Mentoring Women, and today, counseling, life coaching, mentoring and encouraging are all a part of her daily life. She was married to Don for 43 years before he passed away in 1999. “This ministry has gone way beyond our dreams! Don wanted to leave a legacy and he has done that. I still feel like I have a lot to do! I love change and ‘new things’”, Dr. Shirley said. They have 4 kids and 14 grandchildren. Dr. Shirley is a member of First United Methodist Church in Tulsa.
Clay StairesClay is the youngest son of Don and Shirley Staires, the founders of SFR and was the Executive Director from 2002 to July of 2011. After graduating with a degree in Secondary Science Education from OU he spent 12 years as a teacher/coach in Massachusetts, Missouri and Oklahoma. Clay received statewide acclaim in Missouri being named Coach of the Year in 1998, 1999 and 2000. While at SFR, Clay has founded three different training schools focused on developing young leaders that can maintain a Christian mindset in the midst of an increasing worldly culture. In 2011, Staires started a company called “Global Influence” for equipping, empowering and engaging leaders to influence their culture. He serves on the Skiatook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Kelly GibsonKelly is the daughter of Don and Shirley Staires. She is married to Gip Gibson, President of Tulsa National Bank. She and Gip have two kids, ages 13 and 19. Kelly moved to the ranch with her family when she was 12. “I loved being with my dad and got to go to his office often. I learned to love work and completing tasks by watching my dad”, Gibson says. Back in the 70’s (the early days of charismatic music), she led worship with her 12 string guitar and discovered Gods’ hand on her as a worship leader. “SFR is a place that calls you to be higher; to step into your destiny. It makes you want to be a better person”, she commented. “I’m honored to be asked to be on the board at this time with this group of people and the legacy that it represents.” Kelly is currently working part time at Best and Sharp Law Firm in the accounting department and is a member at First United Methodist Church.
Dan SandersDan started going to SFR in the 70’s and has been involved at every level – camper, counselor-in-training, counselor, director, work crew boss, and now board member. He met his wife, Tami, at the ranch while on leadership. “We have the same foundations built into us mainly because of SFR”, Dan said. “I remember the first summer I didn’t get to work at SFR and thinking on a daily basis, ‘I know what they’re doing right now’ and longing to be there.” He and Tami have 2 kids, ages 10 and 12. They live in Jenks, OK and Dan works at ROVI as a network engineer where he’s been for 16 years. Dan and his wife are elders at Open Bible Fellowship in Tulsa and they lead a weekly home group.
Danny KittingerDanny got invited to SFR through Dan Sanders. He and his wife, Carrie, have 2 kids, ages 14 and 16. They sent their kids to SFR and Luke was baptized his first year! The whole family really fell in love with Shepherd’s Fold. Danny spent 4 years in ministry with Impact Productions in Tulsa. He has a CPA background and has been the CFO of Tinity Chem for 20 years. He is very active at Believers Church, on the Elder team, and leads a life group each week. Danny is active in men’s lives through church and the ministry My One Degree. He was asked to serve on the board and was more than happy to be a part.
Matt PinnellMatt is a former camper and counselor at Shepherd’s Fold Ranch. He is currently the Chairman of the Oklahoma State Republican Party. Matt is also the former campaign aide to U.S. Congressman Steve Largent, State Senator Scott Pruitt, and U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. Matt is a graduate of Oral Roberts University. He lives in Tulsa with his wife Lisa (also a SFR camper and counselor) and their two children. They are members of Life Church.
Gary SparksGary knew Don and Shirley before they moved to the ranch. “I wanted to be a part of it and support it as much as I could”, he said. Gary was on the board in the 90’s. He and his wife have three daughters; Julie, Jill and Beth, and 7 grandchildren. “We gained a lot by being connected to the people that were involved. We learned how to raise a family. We have three girls; grown now, but they grew up coming to SFR. I’m glad to be a part of this and I’m looking forward to seeing where God takes us.” Gary sold his business, Sparks Company, in 2006 and now is enjoying ‘smelling the roses’. Sparks Company specialized in doing architecture for facilities that enhanced the mind, body and spirit. Many schools, churches, health facilities, and sports complexes around the country were designed by his company. Gary is a Trustee of First United Methodist Church in Tulsa.
