OPEA

Membership Representative Brandon Watkins addresses the capacity crowd at ODOT's Central Office.

Nearly 200 people crowded into ODOT’s Central Office in Oklahoma City recently for an OPEA Pizza Lunch and membership recruitment drive.

“We had a tremendous turnout,” said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley.  “It was especially nice to be at ODOT, since they were part of the original group who helped form OPEA back in the ‘70s.”

State Representative Al McAffree (D), House District 88, was on hand to address the crowd, as well as OPEA Board member Rita Heath from ODOT’s Division Eight in Tulsa.

“As a state representative, I want to tell you what will get my attention,” McAffree said. 
“If I was to look out at the Capitol and see all 34,000 state employees who were OPEA members, I’m going to sit up and pay attention to what you have to say and what you want.  So will the Governor.  Ten thousand OPEA members are great, but 34,000 would definitely get our attention at the Capitol.  That’s why it’s so important for each of you as state employees to get active and join OPEA.”

OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley welcomes

State Representative Al McAffree

OPEA’s new historical and membership video was part of the presentation, and Director of Communications Mark Beutler talked about the benefits of being a member.

“I was an ODOT’er for seven years,” Beutler said.  “During that time no one from OPEA came to talk to us or recruit us as members.  And what is so ironic is that it was ODOT who helped found OPEA in 1975.  But it’s a new day for OPEA.  I hope each of you will take a look at what we have to offer state employees and makes the decision to join today.”

A number of ODOT employees became the newest members of OPEA, including Carol Fasol of Oklahoma City.  “It’s time we all become pro-active and start making things happen,” Fasol said.  “You’ve convinced me, and I’m going to make my voice heard and I hope I can encourage my co-workers to do the same.”

OPEA is hitting the road this year, getting the message out to all state employees about the perks of being a member.  

“I have been to a number of ODOT divisions in the past few months, and it was very rewarding to have a turnout like this at the Central Office,” said OPEA Membership Representative Brandon Watkins.  “I see them as being a leader at initiating change, and hope to see a positive ODOT representation at OPEA.”

Set up a pizza lunch in your own office by phoning OPEA headquarters at 405.524.6764.