Rhys Martin is a respected nonprofit leader in the Tulsa region, serving as president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. The original “Mother Road” of the United States before interstates, Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday in 2026. Oklahoma will recognize this centennial celebration throughout the year.

Rhys is an author and photographer from Tulsa whose love of travel was born in 2009 when he sold all of his possessions and left the country. For 10 months, he lived out of a backpack and explored southeast Asia and Europe. When he returned home, it was with fresh eyes for his home state. As he drove the back roads of Oklahoma, Rhys quickly understood the significance of historic Route 66 to the greater American story.

He has traveled all 2,448 miles of the Mother Road and continues to seek out the quiet Main Streets of the Midwest. Rhys's travel writing and photography has been featured in numerous publications, including Tulsa People Magazine, This Land Press, Route 66 Magazine, Nimrod Journal, The Oklahoman and Tulsa World. He also wrote the book “Lost Restaurants of Tulsa,” which features the stories of nearly 50 iconic eating establishments from the city's past. Rhys serves on multiple boards and commissions related to the Mother Road and its Centennial in 2026. He loves to connect with people and share his experiences.

The OK Route 66 Association has served the state’s 400 miles of Route 66 (the longest driveable stretch in the nation) since 1989. The nonprofit organization is made up of volunteers who are dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Route 66. To learn more, visit www.OklahomaRoute66.com.