OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Youth Expo Board of Directors announced the appointment today of Bob Funk Jr. as its newest board member, effective January 2026.

Funk, who serves as CEO of Express Employment International — a longtime founding partner of the Oklahoma Youth Expo — brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience with Express. His expertise in workforce development and organizational growth will support the Oklahoma Youth Expo’s continued mission and growth plans.

“On behalf of OYE, we are pleased to welcome Bob Funk Jr. to the board,” said Tyler Norvell, president of OYE. “His industry wisdom, passion for empowering young people, and enthusiasm for OYE’s mission to build a better and stronger Oklahoma by promoting leadership development for rural Oklahoma youth will be invaluable.”

A lifelong Oklahoman, Funk has dedicated years of personal and professional advocacy to strengthening Oklahoma communities. He supports many organizations focused on improving the state’s future and has long championed education and agriculture.

“It is an honor to join the Oklahoma Youth Expo Board of Directors and support an organization that invests so deeply in the next generation of leaders,” Funk said. “The young people who grow up in rural Oklahoma have tremendous talent, character, and work ethic, and OYE gives them a platform to shine. I look forward to contributing to a mission that strengthens our communities and helps these students realize their full potential.”

For more information on the Oklahoma Youth Expo, visit okyouthexpo.com

The Oklahoma Youth Expo is the largest youth event in the state of Oklahoma. As a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, more than 7,000 exhibitors, their educators and families travel to Oklahoma City each spring from all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties to exhibit their livestock projects. Throughout the course of the ten-day event, OYE has a $25 million impact on Oklahoma City.  For more information about the Oklahoma Youth Expo visit okyouthexpo.com.