Annual Municipal Awards Presented During OML Annual Conference
Last week, during the 2021 Oklahoma Municipal League’s (OML) annual conference, several municipal leaders were recognized for their accomplishments and work on behalf of their municipalities. Because OML did not hold a 2020 annual conference, due to COVID-19, winners from both 2020 and 2021 were recognized.
The award winners recognized include the following:
The 2020 Mayor of the Year for small communities – awarded by the Mayor’s Council of Oklahoma: Jason Shilling, Mayor of Perkins
The 2020 Mayor of the Year for large communities – awarded by the Mayor’s Council of Oklahoma: Breea Clark, Mayor of Norman
The 2021 Mayor of the Year for small communities – awarded by the Mayor’s Council of Oklahoma: Craig Parham, Mayor of Amber
The 2021 Mayor of the Year for large communities – awarded by the Mayor’s Council of Oklahoma: Kim Peterson, Mayor of Guymon
The Jeff Shockley Award: This award was established in 2021 recognizing outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities. Named after Jeff Shockley, long-time Poteau mayor, OML Board Member, and Hall of Fame inductee, Shockley was a great ambassador for OML, city of Poteau, and the State of Oklahoma. The inaugural Jeff Shockley Award was presented to Connie Shockley, in memory of her husband.
The Don Rider Award: The 2020 award winner: Elaine Carr, former Mayor of West Siloam Springs. This award represents the ‘best of the best’ in service to municipal governments across the state. Even though Ms. Carr is retired, she continues to serve her community and serve on the board of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City & Town Officials.
Municipal Innovations Award: In 1996, the OML created an award to recognize cities and towns for their innovative ideas. With this award, the goal is to encourage the sharing of ideas among our member and to demonstrate to the public, the legislature, the state and the media that cities and towns are truly innovative.
2020 Innovation Award for small communities’ winner: City of Medford: Medford Grocery Store-Crossroads Country Market
2021 Innovations Award for small communities’ winner: City of Wagoner Farmers Market and Music
2021 Innovations Award for large communities’ winner: City of Yukon: Yukon Christmas in the Park – 25th Anniversary
Women of the Year Award: Seeks to recognize the work and contributions to their communities across the state.
2020 Women of the Year Award for small communities: Shelli Selby, Mayor of Yukon
2021 Women of the Year Award for small communities: Leah Savage, City Manager of Hugo
2021 Women of the Year Award for large communities: Kimberly Meek, City Manager of Duncan
“OML wants to congratulate all of the award winners and all municipal leaders and workers who work tirelessly for their citizens and the state to improve quality of life and services,” said Mike Fina, Executive Director, OML.