The OPEA Board of Directors welcomed Jess Callahan as Region 11 Director at a recent board meeting in Oklahoma City.
Callahan is a native of Poteau, and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2005 with a degree in Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics. He has worked for the state Department of Human Services since 2006, and was sworn in by OPEA President Connie Stockton.
“Jess is a welcome addition to our Board,” Stockton said. “He brings a fresh outlook and a strong desire to help OPEA grow. We are very fortunate to have him join the ranks. I think we will see good things from him, and he now completes our new board.”
In other business, the Board voted to extend an on-going recruitment drive. “For each new member you recruit, OPEA pays you $15,” said OPEA Deputy Director Scott Barger. “Some folks have received checks upwards of $200 and $300 dollars. It’s our way of growing the Association, and also helping employees put some extra cash in their pockets.” The recruitment drive has been extended until June 30th.
OPEA Board and staff also participated in a weekend-long strategic planning session, designed to set specific goals and move the association forward. “This will set some primary goals for us to focus on in the next five years,” Stockton said. “It’s a plan that will undergo some changes as it goes along, and will help OPEA become a stronger association. We believe the plan will provide a framework for gaining new members, strengthening out grassroots efforts and the local chapter levels, and ultimately result in greater clout at the Capitol.”
The Board will meet again at OPEA offices on June 5th.
