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June 11, 2025When Deby Snodgrass retired as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Commerce and Tourism in 2019, leading a high school was nowhere on her radar. Yet, as Snodgrass points out, “Proverbs 16:9 says, ‘The human heart plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.’”
Now, after serving for two years as president and Chief Executive Officer of Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School, Snodgrass is retiring, again.
Snodgrass’ journey with Cristo Rey began when the school opened in 2018, when inaugural president Renee Porter approached her about sponsoring a corporate work study team in the Commerce Department. While that choice was an easy “Yes,” the next question wasn’t as simple. Snodgrass, who as secretary, was responsible for the oversight of 32 state agencies, boards and commissions, in addition to her duties as executive director, was invited to join the Corporate Work Study Board at Cristo Rey.
“I tried to politely decline,” Snodgrass said. “Renee encouraged me to attend one meeting. That one meeting led me to serving and later, to become chairwoman of the CWS board, placing me on the board of directors and executive committee.”
Snodgrass’ résumé holds a litany of accomplishments which align with the unique mission and vision of Cristo Rey.
She served as executive director of the 1995 and 1999 inaugurations of former Gov. Frank Keating and chairwoman of the inaugural committee of former Gov. Mary Fallin in 2011. As former senior director of public affairs for Chesapeake Energy, she developed political and public policy initiatives and managed state and federal political action committees. She is also a founding member of the political research firm Cole, Hargrave, Snodgrass and Associates.
“My tenure in state government prepared me for the administrative and management functions, although the school has fewer employees and a much smaller budget,” she said. “In the 1980s I started a consulting firm with two partners, and against all odds, it still exists today.
“Cristo Rey was, and still is in many respects, a start-up, too, and requires the same grit, focus and determination.”
Since its inception, 100% of Cristo Rey seniors have been accepted into at least one college.
“This year, our 51 seniors were accepted into 125 colleges in 33 states (including Washington D.C. and England) and 24 colleges here in Oklahoma,” said Snodgrass. “Equally important, they earned more than $15 million in scholarships.
“Our prayer is that they will graduate and make stellar contributions as members of Oklahoma’s workforce.”
Snodgrass also served as former co-chair of “Opening Night,” a 37-year Oklahoma City tradition celebrating New Year’s Eve. However, it is a different celebration that brings joy to her heart: the “Ringing of the Bells” for graduating seniors at Cristo Rey.
“The bells signal a rite of passage,” she said. “Students are preparing to move forward on the path of life. It’s a moment of pure joy and pride in their accomplishment, along with the knowledge that the memories made at Cristo Rey OKC will be long treasured.”
As someone who has made significant contributions to the state of Oklahoma, Snodgrass’ leadership at Cristo Rey was invaluable in preparing students to become leaders in their own right.
“Knowledge and experience create confidence, and you can see that in the students’ faces and behavior,” she said. “Mastery of their coursework and workplace assignments build their self-worth and increase their willingness to tackle the challenges ahead.”
Snodgrass now looks forward to spending time with family – husband John, son Chase, daughter-in-law Caroline – as well as her friends and Dalmatian, Coach. As for goals, she intends to make reading a priority.
“I read 85 books last year and my goal this year is two books a week!”
Although her tenure as president was relatively short, Snodgrass remains fiercely supportive of the mission and vision of the school.
“To work at Cristo Rey is to be called to serve the Lord and his children. The students filled my heart with love and my soul with joy. It has been an honor, every minute of every day.”
As Snodgrass begins her transition into retirement, the Cristo Rey community expressed gratitude, knowing while her presence will be missed, the mission she helped shape will carry on.
“We are incredibly grateful for Snodgrass’ dedication and the foundation she helped build,” said Kelsey Herman, Cristo Rey principal the past five years who is stepping in as interim president. “Her love for this school and its mission has inspired us all.
“I hope to carry forward her prayerful approach to each day and situation. As we look to the future, I want our community to know that we are steady, prepared and full of hope. Our commitment to our students and families is unwavering and we are excited for what lies ahead.”
Sally Linhart is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: (Above) Deby Snodgrass
Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School graduation on May 24 at Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center in Midwest City. Photos Chris Porter/Sooner Catholic.