Brent Gooden founded The Gooden Group Inc. in 1985 following a successful career in corporate public relations with two FORTUNE 500 companies, Rockwell International and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. During his career, Mr. Gooden has served a diverse group of clients and professional organizations.  He has more than 20 years experience in public relations management, marketing communications, media relations, public affairs and advertising. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in public relations.

Jane Braden has directed the company’s public relations and marketing efforts on behalf of many clients for more than 12 years. Ms. Braden was an Emmy award-winning, veteran television news producer and reporter for 20 years. She brings to the Gooden Group/Public Relations team an intimate knowledge of broadcast and print media, creative writing skills, video and radio production, a familiarity with many television markets around the country and media training for on-camera appearances and crisis preparation.

Tristan Shutt joined Gooden Group in August 2005 and currently serves as an account executive. His responsibilities include media tracking, media relations, research, community relations, event planning and he oversees video production. Tristan graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with degrees in Public Relations and creative writing.

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Valerie Gooden serves as the company’s chief financial officer. Ms. Gooden, a CPA, is responsible for all financial operations of the company, including accounting, taxation and reporting as well as various aspects of the company infrastructure including people, systems and technology.  Valerie has six years of public accounting experience in the auditing division of Deloitte Haskins and Sells (now simply known as Deloitte) and 22 years of private industry accounting experience primarily in small business and non-profit.  Valerie has a B.S. in Accounting from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and participated in further graduate accounting studies at Oklahoma State University.  She is a member of both the Oklahoma Society of CPA’s and the American Institute of CPA’s.
 

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Kathleen Foster is the company’s project and office manager overseeing the workflow of the office including trafficking, scheduling, time and billing, accounts payable, distribution of press releases and media advisories, and media training.

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Strategic Consulting Partners

John Cox has been in the public relations industry in Oklahoma since 1988 working in government, private sector and non-profit sectors including serving as press secretary to former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating from 1994-2002. A native Oklahoman, Cox holds a BA degree in Journalism (Public Relations) from The University of Oklahoma.

Jennifer Eve brings extraordinary talents to The Gooden Group following a successful career in broadcast journalism. Her knowledge of broadcast journalism has enabled her to develop pinpoint strategies for generating publicity for clients to support both brand and business objectives. In addition, Jennifer's project management skills ensure clients' initiatives are not only well conceived but also organized and executed in a timely and orderly manner.

Meg Martin is an experienced marketing professional whose background includes work in product marketing, high-tech marketing, media relations, and employee communications. She brings to The Gooden Group years of experience in planning, executing, and measuring integrated marketing campaigns that help clients achieve their business objectives. She holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Kathy Oden-Hall has 25 years of experience in media relations, volunteer management, public speaking, and event planning. She has received many accolades for her work and management skills. Her work at Dell, Inc. resulted in the Oklahoma City Customer Contact Center receiving The Journal Record’s 2008 Beacon Award in recognition of excellence in engaging employees in their community. Kathy is a diversified leader who brings her vast knowledge and talent to the Gooden Group. Kathy Oden-Hall graduated with a B.A. in Journalism/Advertising from the University of Oklahoma.

John Reid has more than 25 years experience managing and directing economic development and marketing for the State of Oklahoma. He served as Deputy Director and Director of Business Location for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. While there, he led a team who successfully assisted corporate clients in making more than $5 billion of investment in the state. He also has a strong record of involvement in public-private sector partnerships and currently assists the Oklahoma Business Roundtable, the state’s primary economic development “support” organization. Reid has a strong background in media relations, public relations and public affairs, having served as Press Secretary to Oklahoma Governor George Nigh from 1979 to 1986.