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OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- Richard Davidson, a 21-year veteran of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, was named Director of the OKDHS office in Creek County. Davidson replaces former County Director Don Smith who passed away earlier this year.
"Everyone I’ve talked to has been pleased with Richard’s selection as Creek County Director," said Stephen Scott, Area VI Director. "Having worked there in the past as a Child Welfare supervisor, he is familiar with the staff and community and understands well the loss the staff experienced earlier this year as he shared it personally too. He has done a great job in the area office as our operations manager and possesses the skills needed to carry on the tradition of excellence the Creek County office has built."
Davidson began his OKDHS career as a child welfare worker in Okmulgee County. He later moved to Creek County where he served as a child welfare supervisor before being promoted to senior social services supervisor in the Area VI office in Tulsa. Davidson also served as the administrative liaison and the operations manager for Area VI.
"I have mixed feelings about this move," said Davidson. "While I will fill the role Don played within our organization, I only hope I can approach Don’s ability to communicate caring, concern and value to everyone he met – employees and clients alike. Don was always one of my personal heroes in that regard." Added Davidson, "As much as we will miss Don, I believe there is a general agreement that it is time to look ahead in Creek County, and for that purpose, I’m proud and honored to have been selected. I have worked in Creek County and have many friends here. This office has a long tradition of being a ‘workplace family’ and of delivering excellence in its service to the citizens of Oklahoma. I look forward to my new role in continuing those traditions."
Davidson graduated from Okmulgee High School and earned his bachelor’s in English from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. He later went on to earn a master’s in Public Administration and a master’s of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma, Norman.
Davidson’s wife of 31 years, Ruth, is retired from OKDHS where she worked as an Integrated Family Support worker. They have two children, Tracy, 29 and David, 32.
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