Sam and Shannon Presti
Sam Presti has made a major impact in the state of Oklahoma dating back to the 2008-09 inaugural season of the Oklahoma City Thunder. As General Manager of the franchise since it’s relocation to Oklahoma City, Presti’s fingerprints can be found all over the state, putting together one of the most consistent teams in the league over the past decade.
Off the court, as leaders of the community, Sam Presti and his wife, Shannon, approached Oklahoma hospital leaders in fall of 2018 to explore ways their family might make a positive difference for patients and families. In June of 2019, the Prestis presented a $600,000 gift to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. This would result in renovations and technology upgrades, all serving to further advance patient care provided at the nationally recognized children’s facility on the OU Health Sciences Center campus. The Presti family wanted to give back to the state and make an impact on the community.
Today the vision came true, as they cut the ribbon for the unveiling of these new amenities, including the Presti Clubhouse & Play Area. Sam and Shannon Presti were joined by other prominent figures around the state of Oklahoma for this ceremony that was aired live for all to attend virtually. This included Roy Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Jon Hayes, President of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health and Dr. Morris Gessouroun, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.
According to an OU Health press release, the advanced technology made possible by the gift elevates services provided at the Jimmy Everest Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Children and the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. Additionally, the donation created a nurturing space in the east lobby of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, transforming both indoor and outdoor areas for patients and families to enjoy the Presti Clubhouse and Play Area. These amenities foster creativity and promote healing for patients during their stay.
OU Health is Oklahoma’s only comprehensive academic health system of hospitals, clinics and centers of excellence. It serves Oklahoma and the region with the state’s only freestanding children’s hospital, the only National Cancer Institute-Designated OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center and Oklahoma’s flagship hospital. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is home to the only 24/7 pediatric emergency room in Oklahoma City. From advanced surgical services to general pediatrics, oncology care and more, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital provides cutting-edge research and treatments through hospital-based and outpatient services.
Presti has earned a reputation around the NBA for being among the best executives in the league. In fact, just last season he was runner-up for the NBA Executive of the Year Award. Both for what he’s done with the Oklahoma City Thunder as well as his work in the community, Sam Presti has established himself as one of the great leaders Oklahoma has ever seen.
