Bill Kenyon, Political Director Emeritus

A seasoned campaign veteran — gunslinger or political vagabond, whichever you choose — Bill Kenyon joined SPI after 25 years working in both political campaigns and corporate public affairs. He has worked in every section of the country for candidates seeking every office from City Hall to the White House. He hired Fred Davis to handle the media for SPI’s first presidential campaign, which he managed. Bill has more hands-on campaign experience than practically anyone in the country. A former award-winning reporter for The Dallas Morning News, Bill also spent five years heading AT&T’s contract political operations in California. A native Texan, Bill returned home 10 years ago and operates out of Austin. A first time father rather late in life, Bill is now enjoying the golden window of getting both a senior and child discount at area movie theaters.

Amy Singletary, Business Manager

Raised on a farm in Hillsboro, Oregon, at 25 Amy Singletary relocated to Los Angeles to work for the founder of B.U.M. Equipment. She met Fred Davis when his firm took over marketing for the apparel giant and he chose her to head the ad department. After B.U.M. she worked as liaison for 26 network affiliates at Fox Sports, creative director for Billboard Entertainment, handled public appearances for some of the NHL’s top athletes, and as marketing director for All Star Hockey & Sports. The restless woman finally landed back with Fred at SPI in 1998 and we won’t let her leave. She runs company operations and is involved in the creative “unusual thoughts” process that has led to the successes of SPI’s political and corporate friends. As long as client bills are paid up, a call from Amy is a joy to behold. She’s married to one of Fred’s life-long best friends.

Christine Burroughs, Office Manager

Which is more thrilling, working for the world’s top politicians, or working for one the world’s top former mob bosses? And the difference would be . . . ? Born and raised in Southern California, she began her career as an administrative assistant at Billboard Entertainment Marketing. From there she joined the mob, eight years as executive assistant to Michael Franzese, former caporegime in the Colombo crime family. Franzese, after serving 10 years behind bars, had several businesses, including the production of a major pay-per-view concert, written and directed by . . . Fred Davis. So, Fred made Chrissy an offer she really couldn’t refuse and she left one mob for ours. Chrissy and her husband, Chris, moved to Prescott Valley, Arizona a few years ago giving up Hollywood glitz for Arizona’s clean skies and room to roam. Chrissy is armed 24/7 with her GIANT English Mastiff, Woodford, so she no longer needs to live in the Witness Protection Program.

Dianne Severson, Producer

Okie born, Cajun raised and Texas baked, she’s come full circle back to Tulsa. Dianne Severson has worked 25 years as a gun for hire. North to south and coast-to-coast, producing television ads of every size and scope imaginable: Kodak, Nike, Budweiser, Mobil Oil, U.S. Navy, McDonald’s and Volkswagen to name a few. BUT, she’d never experienced anything like a political season at SPI, skydiving and raising teenagers couldn’t compare to the adrenaline rush of politics. First helping us with John McCain’s presidential in 2008, back for more in 2010, she finally bit hard on the hook in 2015 and is here to stay.

Ella Smith, Post-Production Administrator

Ella’s a dog-lovin’ Okie. At the time Pamela came to SPI we already had another Pamela. Confusion reigned. Gnashing of teeth, claws came out. So, Fred kindly changed this Pamela’s name to Ella. She was a country girl until 12, then moved to the “big city” of Tulsa with her parents and four sibs. Ella has three children and prays for the day a grandchild or two gets added to the mix. She was a Legal Administrative Assistant for 20 years, then in property management for another nine. For SPI, Ella has become the Post-Production Administrator in Tulsa, not an easy challenge. It’s vaguely similar to being fed to a pack of wolves, you sink or swim. Add to that, she assumed the top role just after two major back surgeries, and this girl proved to be an Olympic swimmer! If ever allowed to leave her 24/7 grindstone two furry pups named Tux and Ghost vie for her attention. Ella will never be Pamela again.

Samantha Hestand, Production Coordinator

Nothing brings this good woman more joy than bad TV. General Hospital, My Thousand Pound anything, I Married My Brother’s Poodle … well, you catch the drift. Sam was born and raised on a small farm in Kansas. Dad was a state trooper, and friend of Fred’s. Long before he met her, though, she was an educator for 17 years. Reading specialist with a master’s degree. Special Ed. Title 1 Director. Girl’s Golf Team coach. Sam and her husband, Brian, live in Altamont, KS, a short drive from SPI Oswego. They have three boys, Bryce who lives in Oklahoma, Eli who is at Pittsburg State and Barrett who is a senior in high school. Oh, and let us not forget her standard poodle Milo. She loves gardening, her family, and baby goats, not necessarily in that order. Fred met her when she was managing the Oswego Golf Course and could outdrive him rather consistently. Sam has the simple job of managing Fred in Kansas and on productions. Her life must be a joy.