The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education joins countless Oklahomans in mourning the passing of Bob Funk Sr., co-founder of Express Employment Professionals and a tireless advocate for skills-based education and workforce development.
Funk, known nationally for building one of the largest staffing companies in North America, was also a passionate supporter of Oklahoma CareerTech and its mission to prepare students and adults for success in high-demand careers. Throughout his career, Funk championed the value of hands-on training and consistently emphasized the importance of connecting education to the needs of business and industry.
“Bob Funk believed in the dignity of work and the power of giving people the tools to succeed,” said CareerTech State Director Brent Haken. “He was a true partner to Oklahoma CareerTech. His voice, influence and advocacy helped elevate career and technical education across our state. Many of you may not realize how instrumental he was in promoting our system to business leaders and policymakers alike. He genuinely believed CareerTech was the key to a stronger Oklahoma.”
Funk frequently credited CareerTech programs as essential to closing the skills gap and enhancing economic opportunity. Whether speaking at public events, meeting with lawmakers or mentoring entrepreneurs, he consistently pointed to Oklahoma’s CareerTech system as a model for workforce readiness.
He was inducted into the Oklahoma CareerTech Hall of Fame on April 14, 2022. A video shown during his induction can be seen on the Oklahoma CareerTech YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnLc1XWPxKQ.
Bob Funk’s impact will be felt for generations through the businesses he helped grow, the people he helped employ and the educational systems he so deeply believed in.
Oklahoma CareerTech extends its heartfelt condolences to the Funk family, the Express Employment team and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership and generosity.
Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma’s Workforce Leader
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses, 395 PK-12 school districts, 16 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 32 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
