On April 2, 2013, John A. Pettis, Jr. was elected to serve as the Oklahoma City Council Ward 7 Councilman. At the age of 30, Councilman Pettis is among the youngest people to be elected to the Oklahoma City Council. He was re-elected to a second term on Feb. 14, 2017.

A community volunteer and advocate, Councilman Pettis has spearheaded significant social and political change locally and nationally. Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Councilman Pettis is a third -generation elected official. Councilman Pettis’ uncle, the late Hon. John B. White, served as a member of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives. Councilman Pettis’ dad, the Hon. John A. Pettis, served as city councilman and mayor of El Reno.

Councilman Pettis spent a great length of time serving as an AmeriCorp member, volunteering in impoverished communities in Oklahoma.

Councilman Pettis served as chairman of the Central Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board Youth Council (Workforce Oklahoma), an organization that develops comprehensive strategies ensuring youth acquire the education, vocational skills and moral support they need to reach their full potential and find success in the labor market. Under his leadership, thousands of adolescents were helped by the program and received the skills needed to find work as they transitioned into adulthood.

He serves on the City Council Finance Committee, Neighborhood Conservation Committee and Zoo Trust. He also serves as a member of the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust.

Nationally, Councilman Pettis serves on the National League of Cities Human Development Committee.

Councilman Pettis also serves as a board member for several other organizations in the Oklahoma City area. He is a member of the Faith, Hope & Love Baptist Church.