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.

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

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