Sue Ann Arnall grew up in Poteau during the cultural revolution of the 60’s and 70’s. In her hometown she had the formative experience of witnessing her best friend’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. John Montgomery, establish the LeFlore County NAACP.

After graduating from The University of Tulsa College of Law, she was recruited by the predecessor to Continental Resources to establish and manage the oil and gas marketing departments. There she enjoyed a successful career while raising her two beloved daughters, Jane and Hilary.

Following her departure from the oil and gas industry, Arnall set her focus on a new aim—to level the playing field for marginalized individuals by lowering barriers to social and economic mobility. Informed by her early experiences and with the recognition that not all Oklahomans enjoy the same opportunities, she created the Arnall Family Foundation in 2015.  

Since its founding, Arnall has invested more than $200 million primarily to improve Oklahoma’s foster care system and reduce its unprecedented incarceration rate. To meet the gaps and needs in the current system, she guided the Foundation to create the Diversion Hub, which has assisted thousands in permanently escaping the criminal legal system to lead productive lives.

Arnall also serves on the Oklahoma County Jail Trust, leading efforts for a new state-of-the-art facility that meets the government’s responsibility for public safety while also providing necessary diversion and rehabilitation services. Ancillary to her work, she strives to educate the public on policies that contribute unjust treatment and trap disenfranchised individuals in a cycle of incarceration.