We are so lucky to live and work in an industry that is compiled hundreds of leaders, mentors, and role models. These individuals work hard to pave the way for many generations to come after them. We often find ourselves looking to them for advice, leading on them in times of hardship, and aligning ourselves to follow in their footsteps. This year’s Best of the Barns Industry Leader of the Year came to the top unanimously for our industry. Tyler Norvell of Tuttle, Oklahoma shines as a leader, mentor, and role model in his position as the President of Onward Endowment at the Oklahoma Youth Expo and Cattlemen’s Congress.
Norvell grew up in Amber, Oklahoma helping out on his family farm where they raised cattle and grew cotton and alfalfa. With his family’s background, it is no surprise that Tyler jumped headfirst into the show cattle world. With the guidance from his Ag Teacher and role model, Billy Scott, Tyler grew in more ways than just in the show ring that helped propel him to a judging scholarship at Butler County Community College in Kansas and then transferring on to Oklahoma State University. It was there, in 2005, that he and his livestock judging team won a National Championship.
While Tyler was finishing his successful college career, his girlfriend, and now wife, Beth, was working with the late Justin Whitefield, who was the first OYE Executive Director. Prior to graduation, Whitefield called Tyler about a position with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau as a lobbyist, an opportunity that would end up shaping the course of his career.
Norvell looked up to the late Justin Whitefield, and hoped to follow in his footsteps one day, so he continued to volunteer with the Oklahoma Youth Expo through 2011. In 2012, Tyler got the honor to serve as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Youth Expo by Bob Funk, OYE Chairman of the Board and CEO – Express Personnel Services. Over the last 9 years, Norvell has since taken on the role of President of Onward Endowment where his main focus is to lead in the strategy and development and fundraising. His goal for the OYE has always been to give kids the opportunity to be involved in the livestock industry, and with the implementation of the Onward Endowment by Mr. Bob Funk and Mr. Jimmy Harrell, Vice OYE Chairman of The Board of Directors, he has been able to do just that. “When I started (with the OYE), I wanted to set this show so that it would last forever. We have done that thanks people like Mr. Funk and Mr. Harrell, because we have an Endowment where our show will last forever” remarks Norvell.
When asked what his favorite part of his position as the President of Onward Endowment of the OYE and Cattlemen’s Congress was, Tyler stated “Giving the kids the opportunity and then watching them succeed.” He also notes that he loves watching the kids who have gone through the livestock program go on to succeed far into their careers. “That makes me the proudest. When those kids are successful in their lives no matter what they do” says Tyler. Norvell has a strong passion for agriculture and giving kids the chance to grow up in our industry. His own girls are getting their chance to make their mark and pave their path and it means the world to him. “I love getting the opportunity to watch my daughters show and get to be successful, or not be successful, and still get to watch them grow and learn every day. And now I get the chance to do watch other families do the same through the OYE and Cattlemen’s Congress and that means a lot” Tyler noted.
Norvell’s passion and selflessness for our livestock industry is truly second to none. His hard work and dedication to give youth the same opportunities that helped shape him into the man that he is today, is why Tyler Norvell was selected as the 2020 Best of the Barns Industry Lead of the Year.