About Speaker: Senator James Lankford
James Lankford serves Oklahomans. He served four years in the US House of Representatives for central Oklahoma, until he was overwhelmingly elected to the US Senate in 2014. Before his service in Congress, James served students and families for more than 20 years in ministry, including 15 years as the Director of Student Ministry for the Baptist Convention of Oklahoma and Director of the Falls Creek Youth Camp, the largest youth camp in the United States, with more than 51,000 individuals attending each summer.
James and his staff enjoy serving people from all backgrounds across Oklahoma. As chairman of the Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management Subcommittee, which covers federal spending, regulatory reform, and the federal workforce, he demands we have a more fiscally responsible and transparent federal government, and our nation remains the world leader. He believes that the federal government has an important role in our nation, but empowered families, individual people, and private businesses grow our economy and pass down our values.
James was recognized as the Senate’s top-ranked “Taxpayers Friend” by the National Taxpayers Union for his strong record in support of lower taxes, limited government, and economic freedom. His annual Federal Fumbles report is a must-read in Washington, DC, because of its commonsense solutions to the problems our federal government faces. He has also been recognized by many other organizations for his work toward increased personal freedom, economic growth, and religious liberty.
James lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Cindy. They have been married more than 27 years and have two daughters, Hannah and Jordan. He enjoys spending time with his family, working in his yard, and reading.
Committee Assignments:
- Senate Committee on Finance
- Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
- Chairman, Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management
- Senate Committee on Appropriations
- Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
Special Music: J. Mark McVey
Broadway Tenor and Actor
PENN – A New Musical
J. Mark McVey made his Broadway debut as Jean Valjean in ‘Les Miserables’ after having won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actor while in DC. The first American to perform Valjean in London’s West End, J. Mark also reprised the role with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to sold out crowds at the Hollywood Bowl and once again in the 25th Anniversary Tour of Les Miserables where he won the Ovation Award and the Broadway.com Award on his way to eclipsing more than 3,200 performances in the worlds favorite musical Les Miserables. J. Mark McVey made his Carnegie Hall Debut with Mr. Marvin Hamlisch and continues to perform with numerous symphonies around the country and the world. J. Mark’s Television credits include America’s Got Talent and Days Of Our Lives. Mark made his PBS Debut with the Boston Pops and followed that performance with the PBS Christmas Special for the U.S. Military Troupes where he was featured with Marvin Hamlisch and The National Symphony Orchestra. Mark also appeared in the PBS Special ‘A Tale of Two Cities in Concert.’ Other Broadway, NY and regional theatre credits include; The Who’s Tommy, The Best Little Whore House Goes Public, Chess, Carousel, My Fair Lady, South Pacific, Seven Brides, Show Boat, Hey Love, A Helluva Town, Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil, Rocket Boys and many more. J. Mark McVey earned a Double Platinum record for his participation on the Trans-Siberian Orchestra recording of ‘The Lost Christmas Eve’. He also has 3 solo CD’s: “Broadway and Beyond” “If You Really Knew Me” and “One Among Few”, as well as a Family Christmas CD. Mark continues to record having a new project due out soon. Marks greatest achievements are his 2 beautiful daughters, Grace and Kylie, a collaborative effort with God and his incredible wife, actress and singer, Mrs. Christy Tarr-McVey. Mark thanks God for his gifts, his family for their love and you for supporting the arts!