Governor Stitt Announces Appointments of Rev. Josh L. Trimble and Les Thomas, Sr. to the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs Board, and the State Advisory Group
Governor Kevin Stitt recently announced the appointment of Rev. Josh L. Trimble as the newest member of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) Board and Les Thomas, Sr. as Chairman of the State Advisory Group (SAG). These appointments fill vacancies left by long-time juvenile justice advocate Dr. Stephen Grissom and mark a continued commitment to strengthening juvenile justice efforts across Oklahoma.
“Rev. Josh L. Trimble and Les Thomas, Sr. bring a wealth of leadership, dedication, and community service experience to these vital roles,” said Governor Stitt. “Their commitment to mentoring and empowering young Oklahomans aligns perfectly with our vision for a stronger, more effective juvenile justice system.”
"I am excited to support the Governor’s appointments for Mr. Thomas to serve as SAG Chair and Mr. Trimble to join the OJA Board," said OJA Executive Director Tim Tardibono. "Mr. Thomas has admirably served as an OJA Board member and taking on the role of SAG Chair is an amazing next step as he continues to serve Oklahoma’s youth and families. Mr. Trimble is a wonderful complementary addition to OJA’s Board to help the agency move into the next phase of improving prevention and intervention services through community partnerships. I heartily welcome both of these leaders to the respective teams."
As the newest OJA Board Member, Rev. Josh L. Trimble will provide governance and oversight to the agency. The agency collaborates with youth, families, and community partners to create pathways for success through prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
Trimble serves as a consultant to Bethany Children’s Health Center, a leading pediatric rehabilitation hospital, where he formerly served as Executive Vice President and Chief of Foundation Management. His career has successfully spanned leadership roles in education, nonprofit management, and philanthropy, including serving as Director of Development at Oklahoma Baptist University and leading university admissions and student life initiatives. Trimble is an ordained Baptist minister, a successful entrepreneur, a community leader, and an advocate for inspirational community engagement. In addition to serving on multiple advisory committees and boards across the state, such as Spoken Gospel, Shawnee Forward and the Avedis Foundation, Trimble is an alumnus of Southwest Baptist University, a graduate of Salt and Light Leadership Training (Class 20), First United Bank Leadership Academy, a member of Leadership Oklahoma Class 37, and an active member of New Hope Baptist Church in Tecumseh, OK.
“I am honored to have been appointed by Governor Stitt to serve on the OJA Board and to work alongside leaders who are dedicated to transforming the lives of Oklahoma’s youth,” said Trimble. “In complement to the pioneer legacy of Dr. Grissom, by investing in prevention, rehabilitation, and strong community partnerships, we will help and equip our youth to navigate life challenges and build brighter futures.”
Governor Stitt also appointed Les Thomas, Sr. as Chairman of the State Advisory Group (SAG). The SAG advises the Governor, OJA, and the Legislature on best practices for at-risk youth or those involved in the juvenile justice system. It administers federal funding through the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, ensuring Oklahoma remains at the forefront of youth justice reform.
A retired Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, Thomas is a well-respected motivational speaker, music artist, and author. He serves as the Executive Director of Community Engagement at Urban Bridge, focusing on mentoring and youth development. Thomas has served on the OJA Board since March 2023. He is a Leadership Oklahoma Class 37 member and co-founder of Hope Culture LLC, a community-based organization in Oklahoma City. In addition to serving on multiple boards, such as A Chance To Change, Salt and Light Leadership Training, and Millwood Enrichment Foundation, during football and basketball seasons, Thomas can be found on the microphone at Oklahoma State University games, where he takes great pride in enhancing the game day experience for fans.
“OJA plays a critical role in the well-being of our state’s youth, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the SAG,” said Thomas. “Together, we will continue to advocate for policies and programs that offer young people the guidance and opportunities they need to succeed. Let’s Go!”
The Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs provides youth prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services. Under Governor Stitt's leadership, OJA continues to implement initiatives that promote accountability, opportunity, and positive transformation for Oklahoma’s next generation.
