OJ Oleka believes in the American Dream because his family has lived it. His parents came to the United States from Nigeria, where his father grew up in extreme poverty. Through hard work and unwavering faith, OJ’s family went from poverty to prosperity in a single generation. 

That’s why OJ has dedicated his life to serving his home state and preserving America as a beacon of hope and opportunity. He is part of a new generation of Kentucky leaders who will chart a new course for our Commonwealth in the 21st century.  

Education has fundamentally changed the trajectory of OJ’s life. After graduating from the University of Louisville, he joined Teach for America to help students in low-income communities improve their lives through education. He went on to earn his MBA and Ph.D. from Bellarmine University and would later become President of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU) to support 57,000 students at Kentucky’s 18 independent higher educational institutions. 

When Governor Beshear’s outrageous COVID mandates threatened these student’s education, OJ fought back, keeping classrooms open and helping save 10,000 good jobs.  

In 2015, OJ joined the staff of Kentucky State Treasurer Allison Ball. As Deputy Treasurer, OJ protected millions of tax dollars from fraud, defended private property and won national recognition for increasing fiscal transparency in the state budget.   

OJ is married to Jamie Oleka (née Nunnery) of Morgan County, Kentucky. Jamie, a former principal and public school teacher, met OJ while a senior at Berea College, where they connected over their shared passion for education and leading young people to achieve their goals. OJ and Jamie live in Frankfort with their two daughters. OJ and Jamie are deeply committed to their faith, and serve as leaders at Multiply Church in Frankfort.