Steve Turnbo: Tulsa PR Legend and Community Leader | Full Interview

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For more than five decades, Steve Turnbo was a fixture in Tulsa business, civic life, and public relations. Born in Belleville, Illinois, in 1945, he grew up in Oklahoma with a love for baseball that earned him a scholarship at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and later at the University of Tulsa, where he was an All-Missouri Valley Conference selection.

After graduating in 1968, he became TU’s Sports Information Director before moving into advertising and public relations. He helped coordinate the dedication of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System in 1971, where President Richard Nixon spoke, and later founded his own PR firm. That venture led to a partnership with mentor Chuck Schnake, forming Schnake Turnbo & Associates, which grew into today’s Schnake Turnbo Frank.

Steve’s behind-the-scenes leadership influenced many of Tulsa’s defining projects: bond elections, toll roads, the “third penny” sales tax, and stadium and arena initiatives. He became known as a trusted advisor during crises, guiding CEOs, nonprofits, and civic leaders through high-stakes decisions. His civic service included leadership roles with the University of Tulsa Board of Trustees, the Oklahoma Academy, the State Chamber of Commerce, and the Will Rogers Memorial Commission.

In this Voices of Oklahoma interview, Steve shares his memories of baseball, his love for Will Rogers quotes, his partnership with Schnake, and his philosophy of PR: listen well, tell the truth, and serve with integrity. His legacy is that of an honest PR professional who left an indelible mark on Tulsa.

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