History of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials Foundation was created on January 19, 2000 when three employees of the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group filed as incorporators for a not for profit corporation with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. This action followed endorsements by a number of associations and organizations representing municipalities and municipal officials for a a concept proposed by Larry Shelton, City Manager of Chickasha. The Foundation is an independent organization whose sole purpose is to select and honor deserving individuals who have made significant contributions to the conduct and practice of city and town government in Oklahoma.

A five member Board of Directors governs the Foundation. Five municipal organizations each appoint one member to the Board who serve at the pleasure of the appointing organization. Foundation appointees do not have to be members or officers of the appointing association, since they serve as individuals on the Foundation, not as representatives of the appointing organization. Organizations who appoint Foundation directors are the:

  • Municipal Clerks, Treasurers and Financial Officials Association of Oklahoma

  • Mayors Conference of Oklahoma

  • Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group

  • Oklahoma Municipal League

  • City Management Association of Oklahoma

A Secretary and a Treasurer may be elected from the membership of the Board or may be appointed by the Board from outside the Board of Directors.

Funding of the Foundation is from additional contributions from businesses and organizations such as the Oklahoma Municipal Alliance, the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority and the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund who also support the objectives of the Foundation.

The Foundation may induct up to six individuals each year, and one inductee may be selected posthumously. Dr. Paul Lambert, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Heritage Association was engaged to serve as a consultant to the Board in developing the criteria and selection process for honorees.
By preserving the legacy of those leaders that go before us, we ensure that their examples and accomplishments serve as road maps for future successes.