Craig Stephenson
It’s been stated that Craig Stephenson is thoughtful, fair-minded and his character above reproach. He strives to make a meaningful contribution to every task he undertakes.
Craig is an achiever in all categories and is a servant to his lord, his family, and his community. He has a very sensitive understanding of people and knows how to cultivate relationships and get things done with the proper techniques and unsolicited cooperation to achieve the goals.
Craig started his career in city government in 1985 in Dodge City, Kansas, and then in March of 2001 became the Director of Public Works for the City of Ponca City. He remained in that position until he moved to assistant city manager in November of 2005. He has been City Manager for the City of Ponca City since January of 2009.
Craig’s ability to lead was recognized by the Oklahoma Municipal League with the 2014 Gerald D. Wilkins Award for Outstanding City Manager in Oklahoma.
While a student at Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas was elected the 1985 Student Body President. During the same period of time, he was a Teaching Graduate Assistant.
Craig has held various offices on the boards of the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA); City Managers Association of Oklahoma (CMAO); and Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG). At the community level he has also served on the Boards of United Way; Friends of Education; Amigos Library Services in Dallas, Texas; St. Mary's Mercy Hospital, Enid, Oklahoma; and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful.
In 2009 he was recognized with the Ponca City Main Street Hero Award.