OSSM has hired Covell Lindstrom as its new director of development. In his position, Lindstrom will work with the OSSM Foundation Trustees to educate citizens of Oklahoma about OSSM, develop relationships with prospective friends and donors, and coordinate fund- and friend-raising efforts to benefit the OSSM community. 

Prior to OSSM, Lindstrom was a grants and donor relations coordinator at Project QUEST in San Antonio, Texas, a nationally recognized non-profit organization that connects adults of San Antonio to education and emerging career opportunities. While there, he oversaw grant performance and management, as well as donor and alumni relations, helping raise more than $30 million in new funding. His single largest award was $3.1 million, which enabled the organization to significantly increase the number of participants served. 

“Covell’s passion for helping others is evident is his work and desire to help the community,” said OSSM President Tony Cornforth. “He will make a significant impact in helping OSSM achieve our mission to educate students, serve as a catalyst for advancing public school education, and inspire high school students to make a difference in their own communities.”  

After being gone from Oklahoma for eight years, Lindstrom was excited about the opportunity to return to the state. A graduate of Casady School in Oklahoma City, Lindstrom earned a bachelor’s in nonprofit management and leadership from Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. He lives in Oklahoma City, Okla. with his wife, Lily, also a Casady alum.  

“I am passionate about leading my team to succeed in helping those in need and to live out the mission of the organization,” said Lindstrom. “I am called to serve the community through relational fundraising and grant writing because every dollar I bring in is another that goes back to the community.”