Jeff Boatman

Biography

This candidate does not have a Democratic opponent and will therefore serve as the next Representative for this district.

Jeff Boatman is a man of integrity. During his 30 years in the telecommunications and information technology industries, he has learned how to work well with others and achieve positive results. As a person of faith, Jeff has served his church as a deacon, volunteer counselor, and small group leader. All of these experiences have shaped who he is, helping him to develop a common sense approach to leadership.

Jeff loves his family. He and his wife, Angie, are high school sweethearts. At the start of their marriage in 1990, they bought a fixer-upper and put their blood, sweat, and tears into renovating it. The Boatmans continued building their life welcoming two biological children, Keli and Joshua. They also are guardians to Nicole, and they recently became foster parents to a 14-year-old boy.

EARLY YEARS

During his childhood, Jeff lived with his parents and his sister, Melba, in several small Texas towns. Jeff’s mother was a homemaker. When Jeff was in fifth grade, his dad’s employment relocated them to Tulsa. From that point on, Jeff considered Tulsa his home.

One of the most influential people in Jeff’s life was his aunt Lou. “She was my mom’s sister, and she had polio as a child,” Jeff recalled. “She was a bright lady who was always happy, and she loved us as kids.” Seeing his aunt confined to a wheelchair impacted Jeff and helped him to see life through other people’s eyes.

FAMILY VALUES

Jeff and Angie met while they were high school students and regular attendees at their church’s youth group. They dated for several years and were married in 1990. Their daughter Keli was born in 1994, and Joshua came along in 1997. As members of Southwood Baptist Church, the Boatman family has served in various ways — from running the lights and slides during worship to participating in Bible fellowship classes. They also have gone on mission trips to Costa Rica, Trinidad, and domestic, inner city locations.

Central to the Boatmans’ life is their desire to put others first, and they have instilled this value in their children. While maintaining a full-time career in marketing and development, Keli is fostering four children. In fact, it was through Keli’s experience as a single foster mom that Jeff and Angie heard of their foster son’s need for a foster family. “Because of Keli’s love for these kids, we’ve heard their stories and developed a heart for kids who didn’t ask for any of this in their lives,” Angie said. “They’ve been handed these tough situations, and they need someone to love them.”

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Jeff attended the University of Tulsa, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, focusing on management information systems and marketing. During his career, he has worked in telecommunications, accounting, and information technology. Jeff’s entrepreneurial spirit has led him to participate in several start-ups — some that didn’t make it and some that did. He learned from the mistakes and in 2003 co-founded Global Holdings, where he acts as the Chief Technology Officer. Global Holdings currently provides employment for over 150 Tulsans, and over the years has served millions of consumers nationwide.

Also in 2003, Jeff began pursuing a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He completed his studies in 2007.

Jeff’s educational and career experiences have taught him how to negotiate deals and get things done. He is ready to use these real world skills as an Oklahoma State Representative.

FAITH AND SERVICE

Jeff gives credit to God for his business success, and he strives to give back to his community and his church. He and Angie believe in caring for and blessing others, no matter what the cost or inconvenience.

With a heart brimming with kindness and a head full of good ideas, Jeff will represent the people of Oklahoma with integrity. Serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives is the best way for him to give back to his state and to keep it moving forward.