Carl F. Reherman
Carl Frederick Reherman’s nomination noted that he is always able to see the future, to dream bigger and farther than others, but as one who also has the ability and drive to find the people and resources to fulfill those dreams. In the past 37 years, Carl has turned his dreams into programs that have had a profound effect on all Oklahoma cities and towns as well as municipal leadership throughout Oklahoma and beyond. He accomplished these achievements as either an appointed or elected municipal policy official, as an educator, or as a public administrator, often functioning simultaneously in all three roles.
Born in Eldorado, Arkansas, he grew up in Chandler. After graduation, he served six years in the Air Force and Army. He then began his academic, public service, and business careers. Carl held various appointed or elected policy positions for the City of Edmond -including 13 years on the city council – 10 as Mayor. After retiring he later returned to Chandler where he was elected Mayor in 2005. While on the Edmond City Council he served on the board of the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments- including six years as chairman. As Mayor of Edmond, he was instrumental in helping to establish and fund the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority. He then served on the OMPA Board for eight years. Most recently, he served as a trustee for the Oklahoma Municipal Employees Benefit Trust, before ending his term as Mayor of Chandler earlier this year,
After receiving his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from OU in 1970, Carl returned to his Alma Mater at the University of Central Oklahoma for a professorship in the Political Science Department. During a 29 year career there he taught thousands of students of whom many eventually became outstanding public administrators or elected officials. In addition, he served as Director of the Bureau of Government and Public Services, Director of the Urban Studies Graduate Program, Director of Urban Outreach, and as Director of the Nigh Institute for State Government. In addition, he also served six years as Executive Assistant to the UCO President. In 1985 he was co-director of the National Convention for the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. This followed the 1983 publication of his book Criminal Justice on the history and role of this system in Oklahoma.
During the past 37 years, he has served on boards of numerous local and state entities and organizations. He also assisted many Oklahoma cities with charter revisions and codification projects. Since 1979 he has been co-author of the textbook used at the annual Oklahoma Boys and Girls State programs sponsored by the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary. The current title of that book is Oklahoma Government: How We Got Here. In recognition of his public service, Carl has received the State Arts Council Mayor’s Art Award, the State of Oklahoma Economic Development Volunteer of the Year Award, and was recognized as a Distinguished Former Student of the Year by UCO.