Agency Salutes

OK.gov's "Agency Salute" individually highlights state agencies to educate the public of the positive impact state agencies have on the state of Oklahoma. Each month, two randomly selected agencies are invited to participate in the "Agency Salute" and be showcased on the portal homepage. Below are the Agency Salutes for 2009. Please contact the OK.gov marketing department with any questions by calling (405)-524-3468 or by email.

November

Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth

"The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) has three critical functions: (1) providing independent oversight of the children and youth service system; (2) coordinating children and youth services at the state and local levels; and (3) testing demonstration programs to identify best practices in the children and youth service area.  

Through these functions, and with the guidance of its dedicated Board of Commissioners, the OCCY is able to create partnerships throughout the state of Oklahoma to assist children and youth in their communities, facilitate service coordination at the state level, identify systemic gaps in the delivery of children and youth programs, and ensure that children and youth in Oklahoma are safe and that their quality of life is improved."

- Lisa L. Smith, Executive Director

 Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector's Office

"The Office of the State Auditor & Inspector was established by our state constitution and we perform many functions in service to Oklahoma taxpayers including the crucial role of “guardian of the public trust.” Often referred to as the state’s “watchdog”, our investigative audits that expose fraud tend to grab most of the headlines but we are much more than a watchdog. We are probably the state’s largest professional auditing firm. Our auditors and accountants annually certify the credit-worthiness of the state which is essential to ensuring our eligibility to receive federal funds and other monies. Additionally, I’ve been speaking to numerous associations for school officials, county officers and non-profit organizations on the critical need to establish effective internal controls to combat and prevent fraud, waste and abuse. During tough economic times, fraud usually increases. We’re doing everything we can to provide state agencies, county government, and other public entities the tools they need to combat it, catch it and lessen its impact. Employee theft is preventable when management takes the necessary steps to make it detectable."

- Steve Burrage, CPA, State Auditor & Inspector

October

Oklahoma State Department of Health

"The Oklahoma State Department of Health is the public health authority responsible for protecting and promoting the health of the citizens of Oklahoma by preventing disease and injury and assuring the conditions by which Oklahomans can be healthy. Public health impacts the life of every person in Oklahoma every day. Our public health is susceptible to the unintentional spread of disease, including diseases such as influenza. Re-emerging diseases, such as tuberculosis, continue to be a problem, and the chronic diseases of our ever-increasing aging population are also taking a toll on our health and well being. Today our public health is also threatened by the potential for release of biologic agents in acts of terrorism. Overriding all of these issues are the human behaviors and social and environmental influences that so frequently result in poor health outcomes: obesity, lack of exercise, use of tobacco and alcohol, unprotected sex, and injury and violence issues. It is the responsibility of public health to address these issues through health education, disease surveillance, early disease detection, injury prevention, and consumer protection."

-Terry L. Cline, PhD, Oklahoma Commissioner of Health

Oklahoma Board of Chiropractic Examiners

"The mission of the Oklahoma Board of Chiropractic Examiners is to regulate the qualification for licensure and examination as Chiropractors; protect the public and Chiropractic in reference to complaints through public meeting and hearing pursuant to the Chiropractic Practice Act; approve educational programs required for annual license renewal and to foster higher professional standards relative to the practice of Chiropractic in the state of Oklahoma as is consistent with the best interest of the health,welfare, and safety of the public."

- Beth Carter, Executive Director

September

Oklahoma Abstractors Board

"The Oklahoma Abstractors Board encourages and requires high standards and ethical practices of abstract plant development and maintenance as well as of abstractor licensees. They assist consumers in resolving issues with abstract companies, safeguard the public interest and uphold State Statutes and Administrative Rules regarding abstractors.  They provide quality service in issuance and renewal of Individual Abstractor Licenses, Permits and Certificates of Authority."

- Glynda Reppond, Executive Director

Oklahoma Able Tech

“Oklahoma ABLE Tech makes a difference in the lives of Oklahomans with disabilities by connecting individuals to the assistive technology needed to function independently whether in the community, at school, or in the workplace." 

- Linda Jaco, Director of Sponsored Programs, OSU Seretean Wellness Center

August

Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs

"The Office of Juvenile Affairs serves the youth of this great state to better insure their safety and the safety of the public. At OJA, we have the honor to say; "Today I helped to save a child and protect our community." We believe that the future of Oklahoma depends on our ability to provide those measures because responsibility and accountability start in the home and the youth under our supervision today are and will be the parents of the next generation."

- Robert E. “Gene” Christian, Executive Director

Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission

"The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission encourages agriculture, the breeding of horses, the growth, sustenance and development of live racing, and generates public revenue through the forceful control, regulation, implementation and enforcement of Commission-license racing and gaming.  The OHRC regulates horse racing at the State’s four licensed pari-mutuel racetracks - Blue Ribbon Downs, Sallisaw; Fair Meadows, Tulsa; Remington Park, OKC; and Will Rogers Downs, Claremore.  In 2005, the OHRC began regulation of casino gaming at Blue Ribbon Downs, Remington Park and Will Rogers Downs which generates revenue for education and horse racing purses.  In the past 25 years, since the inception of the OHRC, the agency has generated over $145 million dollars to the State General Revenue Fund.  The American Horse Council Foundation estimates that the Oklahoma Horse Racing Industry produces a total economic impact valued at over $219 million dollars.  Horse racing in Oklahoma touches many industries from the farms and ranches, veterinarians, trailer manufacturers to the hotel, motel and restaurant business to our owners, trainers and breeders of race horses.  Horse racing has a great history in this state beginning with the first race in the state, the Oklahoma Land Run……"

- Constantin A. Rieger, Executive Director

July

Oklahoma Lottery Commission

"The Oklahoma Lottery Commission provides funding for Oklahoma education programs through the creation and marketing of fun and entertaining products for those who like to play the lottery, maintaining consistent highest levels of service, integrity and public accountability. From inception through the end of FY’2009, the Oklahoma Lottery will have contributed more than $279 million to Oklahoma education. Lottery funds are appropriated by the State Legislature."

- Jim Scroggins, Executive Director

University of Oklahoma

"The OU Recruitment Services staff creates relationships with prospective students and their families as we educate them about the incredible academic, cultural and social opportunities awaiting them at the University of Oklahoma. While reaching out to high school students we also educate them more generally about higher education so they can fulfill their maximum potential, and in the process improve themselves as well as the future of our great state."

- Craig Hayes, Executive Director, University of Oklahoma Recruitment Services

June

Department of Environmental Quality

"The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality works to maintain and improve the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we live on. At the forefront of environmental issues, DEQ’s mission is to protect public health and the environment."

- Steve Thompson, Executive Director

Western Oklahoma State College 

"WOSC, the state’s oldest two-year municipal college still in existence, is dedicated to making quality higher education more accessible to Oklahomans through online degree programs and interactive television courses. In June, we will complete construction on a new student center and a state-of-the-art learning facility powered by geothermal energy to reduce its carbon footprint. With 30 degree plans, affordable tuition, and schedules that fit both traditional and non-traditional students, it’s no surprise that Western is A Smart Start."

- Randy Cumby, President

May

Rose State College

“Rose State College is a gateway to higher education and to a better life for the people of Central Oklahoma. It is our privilege to provide the people of this community with an ideal college experience—new buildings, more than 50 degree programs, yet small classes with personalized instruction. The accomplishments of our students become our legacy.”

- Dr. Terry Britton, President

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation 

"The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation manages the state’s fish and wildlife resources for the wise use of those resources by its citizens, with more than 860,000 licensed hunters and anglers spending almost $1 billion a year, generating more than 20,000 jobs."

-Greg Duffy, Director

April

Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit

"The Department of Consumer Credit is here to serve consumers and licensees.
Our department is mandated to regulate: Notification Filing Permits, Credit Service Organizations, Deferred Deposit Lenders, Health Spas, Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Loan Originators, Pawnbrokers, Precious Metals & Gem Dealers, Rent to Own Dealers, and Supervised Lenders.
In addition to our regulatory responsibility we assist consumers daily by directing them to the appropriate governmental or service agency to resolve their concerns. We serve consumers and creditors through regulation, education, and protection."

- Roy B. Hooper, Administrator

Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors

"Oklahoma has some of the highest standards in the nation for alcohol and drug counselors. Also, I am the only full-time employee in the agency. I have one part-time administrative assistant, Cheryl, and we take pride in processing applications and other paperwork usually the same day that it is received in our office."

- Richard Pierson , Executive Director

March

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

"SWOSU produces over 800 graduates each year with the vast majority of them staying in Oklahoma. Among these graduates are approximately 80 new pharmacists and 40 new nurses who help meet the high demand in those health fields."

- Dr. John Hays, President

Education Oversight Board: Office of Accountability

"The Office of Accountability serves as a clearinghouse for data on our public schools. The office originated school report cards in 1994 and now distributes over two million report cards each year to parents, grant writers, researchers, and policy makers. The school-level and district-level report cards along with a comprehensive, chart- and graph-filled State Report fulfill the office’s charge to report on the performance of the state’s public schools through the Oklahoma Educational Indicators Program.

The office also works to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public school districts as it carries out the Oklahoma School Performance Review Program. Office staff and hired consultant teams work directly with district administrators, teachers, staff and patrons to optimize every aspect of school district operations. In addition to providing well researched recommendations for improvement, the program also commends school and district policies and procedures that are judged to be “best practices.”

Ten years worth of school and district report cards, state reports, every completed school performance review, along with educational links, and other interesting information are all available on the office’s web site."

- Robert Buswell, Executive Director

February

Oklahoma Health Care Authority

"The Oklahoma Health Care Authority provided access to health care to almost 800,000 Oklahomans during 2008 through our SoonerCare and Insure Oklahoma programs. Our overall mission is to purchase state and federally funded health care in the most efficient and comprehensive manner possible and to study and recommend strategies for optimizing the accessibility and quality of health care. Our vision is for Oklahomans to enjoy optimal health status through having access to quality health care regardless of their ability to pay.

Keeping that mission and vision in mind, our agency has employed creativity with the use of new technology and purchasing and administrative efficiencies to make us a model for other states and the nation.”

- Mike Fogarty, Chief Executive Officer

Oklahoma Department of Human Services 

"Serving more than a million Oklahomans monthly, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services works diligently to help individuals and families help themselves lead safer, healthier and more independent and productive lives through the programs and services we administer. We protect and serve vulnerable adults and children and reduce the risk of harm to individuals and families as we partner with public and private organizations to produce the best outcomes possible for the individuals and families we serve.”

- Howard H. Hendrick, Director of Human Services and Cabinet Secretary for Human Services

January

Oklahoma State Fire Marshal

"The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal's personnel is proactive and professional in assisting citizens and businesses, as well as city, state, county and federal entities, in the areas of fire investigations, code assistance, public education and clerical support. As the daily duties of the Agency continue to grow, our personnel embrace each new opportunity with pride and purpose."

- Robert Doke, Oklahoma State Fire Marshal

Oklahoma Department of Mines

"The mining industry has a rich history in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Constitution created the Oklahoma Department of Mines (ODM) as the primary agency responsible for regulating the mining industry. More than 100 years ago ODM's original mission was to protect the health and safety of miners. Now in addition to miner safety, ODM is responsible for protecting the environment of the state and the life, health, and property of Oklahoma’s citizens who are affected by mining, blasting, and related activities.

The Department is committed to working with the mining industry, citizens, landowners, and other state and federal regulatory agencies to bring about a safe, vibrant, yet environmentally sound mining industry."

- Mary Ann Pritchard, Director