Northwestern Oklahoma State University alumnus Mark Brace, president of BancFirst Lawton, will deliver the commencement address at his alma mater during the University’s spring commencement ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Ranger Field.
Brace is a fifth-generation Oklahoman from Vici. He graduated from Northwestern with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance in 1982.
“My favorite memories are those with my wife, Sandra, attending basketball and football games,” Brace said. “Sandra is a native of Alva, and I first met her on campus 45 years ago. Walking to class and hanging out at the student union for a game of pool are some of my other favorites.”
Brace graduated with honors from the American Bankers Association’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Delaware in 1992.
Since graduation, Brace has navigated through various industry roles, amassing a wealth of experience that has led him to his current role as president of BancFirst Lawton and regional executive for the company. BancFirst is a publicly held company with assets exceeding $12 billion and a service network spanning over 100 locations in 60 communities across Oklahoma, including an expansion into Texas. Brace dedicated 25 years to his banking career and civic commitment in Woodward before moving to Lawton.
Brace’s influence extends into the realm of technological innovation for defense as the chairman of the Fires Integration Science and Technology Accelerator Trust Authority (FISTA) of Lawton. FISTA, under Brace’s guidance, is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, research, and collaboration, working to develop and promote advanced technology solutions that support the modern warfighter. This pioneering program has earned recognition as a stakeholder in the National Institute of Science and Technology AI consortium.
Brace has made significant contributions to various civic and professional organizations. He is a past president of the Greater Lawton Rotary Club, is a founding board member of the Lawton Rotary Leadership Institute, and has served as past chairman and continues on the board of the Oklahoma Bankers Association Commercial Lending School Regents.
Brace has served on the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, where he has held roles such as vice chair for government affairs, chairman of the board of directors and treasurer. He is also a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma, Class 33.
Brace is a founding board member and treasurer of the Oklahoma Defense Industry Association (ODIA). He was also honored to be recognized with his selection to attend the Army’s National Security Symposium at the United States Army War College in 2021. His commitment to the community is further demonstrated by his past service on the boards of the Christian Family Counseling Center of Lawton, Southwestern Medical Center and the Lawton Economic Development Corporation. He also serves as treasurer and board member for Lawton First Assembly.
“I am still in the workforce and hopefully will be for some time,” Brace said. “I stay very busy with work and civic commitments.”
Brace is an avid golfer, although he is humble about his skills. He enjoys a weekly golf game with good friends in Lawton, where he resides with his wife. Brace and his wife have two children and five grandchildren, who live in Norman and Tulsa.
A livestream link for the commencement exercises can be found at www.YouTube.com/NWOSURangers.
-NW-
CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
sjdoherty@nwosu.edu | 580-327-8480