News release issued September 13, 2000, effective immediately.
For media inquiries, contact Caroline Booth Lara, Communications Specialist, (580) 224-6379.
  email: cblara@noble.org

New Leadership Faces at Noble Foundation

ARDMORE, Okla. – Continuing growth of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. in the fields of agriculture and plant science will result in an addition to the foundation’s administrative leadership, effective Nov. 1.

Larry Pulliam, who currently serves as chief financial officer of the Ardmore-based Noble Foundation, will become executive vice president of the 230-employee organization. Michael W. Dickinson, an Ardmore certified public accountant and long-time community leader, will assume the CFO position being vacated by Pulliam.

Michael A. Cawley, Noble Foundation president, announced the changes recently, which will enable Pulliam to assume some of the duties currently handled by the president.

Cawley said that while the foundation’s operational focus continues to be upon agriculture and plant science, as these programs continue to mature and excel, the administrative needs likewise are growing. Pulliam , he said, has the capabilities to assist in addressing these needs.

Cawley said demands on his time have caused him to consider finding someone to assist with administrative duties for some time.

"I needed someone who understands the inner workings of the Noble Foundation, enjoys a good working relationship with our Board of Trustees, and possesses mental acumen, character and integrity," Cawley said. "Larry possesses all these attributes."

Pulliam has been with the foundation since 1970, when he was hired as a research assistant in the Biomedical Division. He worked for 11 years with retired Ardmore scientist Dr. Ralph Kampschmidt in early studies of interleukin, now used in treating certain cancers and viral diseases.

He attended classes at the Ardmore Higher Education Center in 1975 and after earning his CPA certificate in 1981, became an accountant with NF. The following year he was named foundation treasurer, and in 1987 was named vice president and treasurer. In 1992 he was named senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer.

"I’m looking forward to working more closely with Mr. Cawley and the Board of Trustees," Pulliam said, "to develop the strategic plans and manage the growth that will enable the foundation to gracefully reach the next levels of organizational maturity."

Dickinson said he’s had many wonderful clients and made some lasting friendships during his 16 years of private accounting practice in Ardmore.

"However, I’m extremely excited about my future at the Noble Foundation," Dickinson added. "The most rewarding experience for any individual is to have the occasion to work with others who will challenge and extend one’s level of professionalism.

"I consider it a privilege to join and work with the many outstanding individuals at the foundation."

Cawley said the Noble Foundation is fortunate to have Dickinson join the management team. "I have had the pleasure of working and interacting with Mike Dickinson since he came to Ardmore. He possesses competence, quality and character. He will fit in great at the foundation," Cawley said.

Dickinson became a CPA in 1980. He has been active in numerous state and community organizations, including Leadership Oklahoma, Plainview Schools Board of Education, Oklahoma Department of Human Services Commission, DHS state Board of Juvenile Affairs, state and national CPA organizations, Carter County Advisory Committee to Study County Budget, and Ardmore and Oklahoma City Junior Achievement groups.

Over the years, Pulliam has served on the boards and committees of more than 20 organizations, and currently is most active with Cross-Timbers Hospice, Greater Ardmore Scholarship Foundation, Carter County Health Board, and Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology.

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The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a non-profit organization conducting agricultural, forage biotechnological, and plant biology research; providing grants to numerous non-profit charitable, educational and health organizations; and assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs.

To learn more, check out the Noble Foundation Web site at http://www.noble.org.

More news releases available at www.noble.org/Press_Release

downloadable headshots: Larry Pulliam (370k TIFF file) | Michael Dickinson (460k TIFF file)