Williams: Recognizing vision, tenacity Roy Williams When we consider the transformation of Oklahoma City over the past quarter-century, Cathy O’Connor’s contributions to nearly every downtown initiative stand as some of the most impactful. This week, she will be recognized with the Dean A. McGee Award for her lifetime contributions to downtown, presented by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership. I asked to take over her weekly column in The Journal Record to share a few of her accomplishments that led to this prestigious recognition. As the president and CEO of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City since its formation 10 years ago and through her previous roles as assistant city manager and city finance director dating back to 1998, she has been instrumental in some of the city’s largest development projects. Her leadership helped to ensure the success of the MAPS 3 projects, redevelopment of the Skirvin Hilton, recruitment of Dell and GE’s global energy research facilities, and the creation of the city’s Strategic Investment Program, a $75 million locally funded job creation program.