RPOE Director S. Wayne Maxwell was born and raised in Tishomingo, Oklahoma and graduated from high school there.  He served for three years in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Armored Division as an M-60 tank driver earning the rank of Corporal before being honorably discharged.  Mr. Maxwell earned a bachelor’s degree from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma and a Masters from East Central and the University of Oklahoma.  He served as a teacher and Head Football Coach at Prague High School and Plainview High School in Ardmore.  After serving as High School Principal at Wellston and Okemah, Mr. Maxwell served as Superintendent at Thackerville, Caney, Lexington and Purcell Schools.  He retired in 2005 after 38 years in education, 23 as a School Superintendent.  Wayne and his wife Carolee are authors of a book entitled Touched by Greatness and are engaged in numerous presentations and book signings.  The parents of a son, a daughter and two granddaughters, the Maxwells live in Purcell, Oklahoma.

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Mr. Wayne Maxwell-Director

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Mr. Jim Smith
​​President

Jim Smith, President of the RPOE Board of Directors is a retired School Superintendent from Elmore City, Oklahoma.  Mr. Smith and his wife Davonna are long-time members and supporters of Professional Oklahoma Educators and present personality workshops around the state.

Mrs. Shelley Benefield
Vice President

Shelley Benefield was installed as a member of the RPOE Board of Directors on June 27, 2017. Mrs. Benefield, a retired elementary teacher from the Byng School District, holds a Masters of Education in Reading from East Central University and is a long-time POE member. She and husband Steve have an adult son and daughter and one granddaughter. The Benefields live in Ada. 

Mrs. Sharon O'Donnell
​Secretary

Sharon O’Donnell has served as Vice-President on the RPOE Board of Directors and is currently serving as the Secretary of the RPOE Board of Directors.  She and her husband David live in Holdenville, Oklahoma where they are both retired from the Holdenville School System.  The O'Donnells are long-time members and supporters of POE.