OPEA

OPEA member Sergeant James Kroth received the Gaines Stout Leadership Award at the Oklahoma Public Employees Association’s 35th Annual Convention, August 28, in Oklahoma City. The award was presented at the annual awards luncheon. Rumble, the Oklahoma City Thunder mascot, assisted with the program.

The Gaines Stout Leadership Award, named after the first President of the Association, is presented to a member who has exhibited leadership in promoting the goals and objectives of the Association, been actively involved in the recruiting of new members, and continually participating in OPEA functions like Lobby Day, Convention.

“James has never been a member who sat on the sidelines,” said OPEA President Connie Stockton. “A member since 1996, James has held several positions in the Cal Hobson Chapter including Communications Chair, Vice President and President. Under his leadership, the Chapter has organized several OPEA activities including the Cal Hobson Summer Hot Dog Fling, several fundraisers to benefit OPEA members, poker runs for charities, and grassroots election activities. He is always present at lobby day and annual convention and has also attended the agency director breakfasts. He has organized Chapter meetings, including forums with key legislators, as well as being active in volunteering in elections for OPEAPAC’s endorsed candidates.

“James is also known for his innovative ideas especially in the area of communications,” continued Stockton. “Not only has he written several articles for the website and the Advocate, he also established the first OPEA Chapter page on Facebook. James’ creativity has led to the Oklahoma Public Employees Association and the Cal Hobson Chapter having greater visibility and improved communications.

“In spite of the challenges James faces with his fight against cancer, he continues to advocate for OPEA and state employees maintaining the optimistic attitude and sense of humor he is known for,” Stockton concluded.

In accepting the award James demonstrated his tremendous passion and leadership for all state employees, not just for his agency.

“When people ask me who I work for, I always say first the State of Oklahoma,” he said. “That’s what I like about OPEA, it’s an alliance of all agencies working together, not just DOC. We are all a family. I don’t just work for myself. I work for my neighbor. I work for my mother. I work for the all the citizens of Oklahoma. That’s why being a member of OPEA means so much to me.”