Handshake City:

Mayor G.T. Bynum on 
the Life of Tulsa Legend Robert J. LaFortune

Long before Tulsa had its Performing Arts Center, its modern expressways, or the Port of Catoosa driving jobs and trade into the region, it had Robert J. LaFortune—a man whose handshake was as binding as a signed contract, and whose vision helped build the city Tulsans know today.

Who is Robert J. LaFortune?

Tulsa native Robert J. LaFortune dedicated his life to serving others, trading a career in oil and gas for seven elected terms in public service, three as a City of Tulsa commissioner and eight as Tulsa’s 31st Mayor.

As commissioner, he drove funding approval for the Port of Catoosa and secured its 2,300-acre port site. As Mayor, he delivered major bond funding for streets, traffic control, parks, water and sewer projects, and major expressway construction, helped launch the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG), and secured 50-50 private-public funding for the $18 million Performing Arts Center. As a civic leader, his reach extended even further, into organizations touching every corner of Tulsa’s community life: St. John Health System, Tulsa Area United Way, Philbrook Museum, Boy Scouts of America, and the Arkansas River Basin Development Authority.

From leading local organizations and backing worthy causes to shaping policy that strengthened the community and opened doors for local citizens, his impact continues to be felt today. LaFortune was known as a man of strong character. His handshake was binding; his words were genuine. Faith and family were the cornerstones of a life well lived. Taking Care is his story, told in his own words. Between the lines is a heartfelt and personal history of his beloved hometown of Tulsa.

Taking Care, The Good Life of Robert J. LaFortune

G.T. Bynum co-wrote Taking Care, along with Robert J. LaFortune. Bynum served as the Mayor of Tulsa from 2016 to 2024. He was named Public Official of the Year in 2024 by Governing Magazine and was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame. GT is an executive in the Saint Francis Health System. He and his wife Susan are the parents of Robert and Annabel—the 6th generation of Bynum’s to call Tulsa home.

Handshake City Event Information:


• What: Handshake City: Mayor G.T. Bynum on the Life of Tulsa Legend Robert J. LaFortune

• When: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 7 PM
• Where: Jewish Tulsa, 2021 E. 71st St., Tulsa OK 74136

• Cost: No cost but please sign up in advance at: JewishTulsa.org/lafortune

• More info: JewishTulsa.org/lafortune or 918-495-1100

About Jewish Tulsa

Founded in 1938, the mission of the Jewish Tulsa (formerly the Jewish Federation of Tulsa) is to preserve and enhance Jewish life and well-being in Eastern Oklahoma, Israel, and the entire world. This mission is being addressed by pursuing the charitable, humanitarian, cultural, educational, health, and social service needs of the Jewish community, as well as engaging in community relations and outreach, and providing a variety of services to the broader Tulsa community.