Long-time Jenks leader Randy Ewing has been chosen for the 2014 class of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials.

Ewing, who serves as central services director, has served Jenks for 33 years. He was city manager from 1981-2007.

Kirby Lehman

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Randy Ewing, second from left, cuts the ribbon on the Oklahoma Aquarium, officially welcoming the facility to Jenks.

Kirby Lehman served as superintendent of Jenks Public Schools for two decades, working alongside Ewing for 23 years.  In a letter of support for Ewing’s nomination, Lehman lauded his role in bringing the Oklahoma Aquarium to Jenks.

“While this longterm, Herculean effort on Randy’s part clearly had an impact on the Jenks community, it has had an even greater impact on Oklahoma at large…”

Lehman also noted that Ewing was a master of managing the city’s money.

“One of the greatest challenges for any institutional leader is to make the best possible use of available resources, and Randy Ewing was an absolute master of that task…for many, may years.”

 

John Selph

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Randy Ewing chats with members of Leadership Jenks. Ewing played a major role in developing the class, intended to invigorate a new generation of leaders in the community.

John Selph came to know Ewing in 1984 after being elected to the Tulsa County Commission. He worked closely with Ewing to bring South Lakes Golf Course to Jenks by making use of an undeveloped property near Jones Riverside Airport.

“I can say without question that Randy is persistent, professional and will pursue with diligence those issues in which he believes. I have nothing but great respect for our professional relationship that was built over a period of years.”

Selph also commended Ewing for his work in bringing the Oklahoma Aquarium to Jenks, as well as his fearlessness in taking leaders to task when needed.

“I have always admired and respected this willingness to take on the ‘status quo’ if necessary.”

 

City Manager Mike Tinker stands with Randy Ewing and Chamber President Josh Driskell after Ewing received a special version Ed Gerchman Award for lifelong service.
Ewing stands with City Manager Mike Tinker and Chamber President Josh Driskell after receiving a special version of the Ed Gerchman Award recognizing his lifetime achievement.

Mike Tinker

Mike Tinker worked with Ewing as a city councilor and mayor, ultimately becoming Ewing’s assistant city manger. They currently work together in Jenks city hall, where Tinker serves as city manager.

“Randy was definitely the right person at the right time for Jenks. His positive impact on the community and those who will live, work or visit our city will be felt for generations to come.”

 

 

 

 

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Randy Ewing listens as Vic Vreeland dedicates the Ewing-Perryman Fire Station in south Jenks.

Vic Vreeland

Vic Vreeland is a longtime Jenks resident and served for 24 years as city councilor and mayor, working with Ewing on many key projects for the city.

“Randy Ewing is the best pure city manager the region has ever seen. Jenks wouldn’t be where it is today and I couldn’t have lasted as long as I did without the behind-the-scenes leadership of Randy Ewing.”

 

 

Lonnie Sims

Lonnie Sims is the mayor of Jenks and has served as a city councilor and planning commissioner, working closely with Ewing on many aspects of city policy.

“I am extremely grateful for the financial stewardship of Randy Ewing and the very high standard of leadership he has set for all who serve this great city.”