Background
David Benjimen Hooten was born in Frascati, Italy, to Capt. Leon E. Hooten Jr. (USAF) and his wife Lucia (Annie Di Beniditto). Lucia owned a restaurant in Duncan, Oklahoma, which she started in 1972 called Mama Lucia's. In 1995, David took over the family business and operated it out of OKC. Growing up as the youngest of seven children, David attended school in Duncan, Oklahoma, and Norman, Oklahoma. His family's travels across Europe during his father's military service shaped his early years. David's love for music began at a young age, and he fondly remembers buying his first trumpet from a local pawn shop. David pursued his passion for music in college while also working part-time as a Hane's model. He earned a bachelor's degree in music education from North Texas State University, where he played trumpet in the University Symphony Orchestra. Later, he received a Master's in Trumpet Performance from the University of Oklahoma in 1989. David is one of a small handful of musicians to have won the UNT presidential medal of honor.
Husband and Father
David, his wife, Whitney, and their three children live in Oklahoma City.
A Small Businessman
David is the founder of several successful companies. He applies private sector know-how to state government.
A Renowned Musician
David is a Grammy and Emmy-nominated trumpet player. He brings unique creative talents to public office. In 1989, David released his first album, "The Trumpet Shall Sound," featuring a rendition of "Amazing Grace." This marked the beginning of a successful music career that included performances for John Paul II at the Vatican and for the Thai Royal Family, as well as appearances for presidents Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Donald J. Trump.
A Former Teacher
David founded the Children’s Music Education Foundation. He has taught at the college level and spoken in almost every OKC public school.
Oklahoma County Clerk
As Oklahoma County Clerk, David’s ingenuity contributed to award-winning technological innovations, creating greater efficiency and public access. His leadership earned recognition from groups like the National Association of County Clerks. David's tenure as Oklahoma County Clerk was marked by efforts to modernize the office and serve the community. When David took office, he inherited a nearly bankrupt office. David was able to turn things around, and when he left, his office was turning a profit every month! David operated with a budget 14% smaller than his predecessor and implemented easy to use systems. David’s new website allowed citizens to purchase and print official records online, without having to come downtown to the County Courthouse. Not to mention, he equipped the website to operate in 3 different languages and enact voice commands for people who may be blind or otherwise unable to use the system. To combat fraud, property owners can now sign up for automatic notification of legal filings made in their name. Always advocating for transparency, David created a YouTube channel that live-streamed all public meetings and archives recordings for anytime playback. When some public meetings moved online because of COVID-19, David protected ways for public input and streamlined the process for public records requests.
Looking Ahead
David's dedication to public service and his love for Oklahoma have been constants throughout his life. As he continues his journey, David remains focused on serving the people of Oklahoma and making a positive impact in their lives.
