Press Release – November 22, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK – Fields & Futures, a local non-profit dedicated to creating opportunities for students to play team sports in Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS), is proud to announce its new leadership team. The new team includes Executive Director David Crynes, CFO Ted Perry, Development Director Emmy Hufnagel, Director of Soccer and Youth Sports Advocate Cody Laurendi, and Operations Manager and Director of Cheer & Youth Sports Advocate Mandi Dotson. This talented team will lead Fields & Futures into a new era focused on providing more access and support for young athletes in OKC’s urban core.
Since its founding by Liz and Tim McLaughlin in 2012, Fields & Futures has built 70 fields, courts, and tracks for schools across OKCPS. With this solid infrastructure and a field maintenance endowment fund firmly in place, the organization is shifting its focus to developing and managing robust programs that build stronger student-athletes, coaches, and teams from elementary to high school. Collaborating with community partners such as the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League, Fields & Futures aims to create sport-specific programs, free clinics, and team-building opportunities to help OKCPS athletes and coaches thrive.
David Crynes, Executive Director
David Crynes joined the Fields & Futures team in 2020. As the Simon Greiner Program Director and Director of Athletic Partnerships & Student Success, Crynes played an instrumental role in establishing and expanding the Simon Greiner Program. His leadership has been pivotal in fostering the growth of cross-country and track & field programs within OKCPS, achieving an impressive 370% increase in student participation since 2021. During the 2023-2024 school year, the Simon Greiner Program engaged 4,319 OKCPS students, spanning elementary, middle, and high schools. As Executive Director, Crynes will guide Fields & Futures as the organization focuses on growing its cheer, soccer, and golf programs and establishing other sport-specific programs based on OKCPS focus and supporter interest.
Ted Perry, CFO
Ted Perry is a lifelong Oklahoman and Heritage Hall High School alumnus with extensive experience and dedication to community service. A 2005 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Economics and a minor in Civil Engineering, Perry’s military career spanned seven years and included two combat tours in Iraq, earning him the Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, among other honors. Following his service, Perry earned an MBA from OSU and founded Cavalry Capital in 2016. As CFO, Perry’s expertise in financial stewardship will be critical in ensuring Fields & Futures responsibly manages donor contributions, grants, and community funding to maximize its impact on underserved youth. Perry’s commitment to ensuring young athletes have access to caring mentors goes beyond his role at Fields & Futures. Perry has volunteered as a coach for the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League and is currently an assistant high school football coach at Heritage Hall.
Emmy Hufnagel, Development Director
Emmy Hufnagel joins Fields & Futures with a passion for fostering relationships and driving community engagement. Known for her strategic insight and strong background in non-profit development and youth sports advocacy, Hufnagel is poised to elevate the organization’s fundraising efforts, donor engagement, and community partnerships. As our Development Director, she is dedicated to helping Fields & Futures take the next big step—from building fields to filling them with kids. Hufnagel is also an avid tennis player and looks forward to working with OKCPS Athletics and partners in the community to provide the necessary resources and support to continue growing the sport in OKC’s urban core.
Cody Laurendi, Director of Soccer & Youth Sports Advocate
Cody Laurendi is a former professional soccer player and OKC Energy FC goalkeeper. After a successful career, Laurendi shifted his focus from playing the game to growing it. As Director of Soccer & Youth Sports Advocate, Laurendi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, emphasizing outreach and support for youth in underserved communities. His dedication to creating inclusive opportunities will help expand soccer programs and ensure that young athletes across OKC’s urban core have the resources and support to succeed.
Mandi Dotson, Operations Manager and Director of Cheer & Youth Sports Advocate
Mandi Dotson has been a key figure in the Fields & Futures story since the very beginning, playing a critical role in many of the organization’s biggest wins. Dotson’s role has recently expanded to Operations Manager and Director of Cheer & Youth Sports Advocate to support Fields & Futures’ emphasis on program development. As Operations Manager, Dotson will serve as a crucial communication link between supporters and the executive team and support the organization’s development strategy by providing administrative support to the Executive Director and Development Director. In her role as Director of Cheer, Dotson is focused on growing the sport of cheer in OKCPS by providing student-athletes with opportunities to join a squad, learn and develop their skills, elevate their level of competition, and, ultimately, open doors to college scholarships.
With this exceptional leadership team, Fields & Futures is more committed than ever to empowering student-athletes, supporting coaches, and fostering a culture of growth and opportunity in OKCPS. The organization looks forward to building on its successes and continuing to make a positive, lasting impact on the community.
About Fields & Futures
Founded in 2012, Fields & Futures has transformed the landscape of athletic facilities and opportunities for students in Oklahoma City Public Schools. With 70 fields, courts, and tracks built and supported by a dedicated maintenance endowment, Fields & Futures ensures that kids have access to quality sports facilities and programs that inspire teamwork, dedication, and leadership and put them on a better path to graduation.
For more information, visit www.fieldsandfutures.org.