Coordinator Named for OKDHS Office of Community and Faith Engagement

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Longtime OKDHS employee Karen Jacobs has been named Coordinator of the Office of Community and Faith Engagement. The new office combines the former Office of Volunteerism, as well as the Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives.

Jacobs began her career at OKDHS in 1978 as a data entry and word processor operator, and later as an executive secretary. She served as Special Assistant to Directors George A. Miller and Raymond Haddock, and was an Administrative Programs Officer in the Executive Division.

In 2001, Jacobs became the Coordinator for Volunteerism. She chairs the OKDHS Volunteer Council and oversees volunteer activities statewide in the human services and resources centers.

In addition to her role at OKDHS, Jacobs is a member of the Central Oklahoma Volunteer Administrators, and served as chairperson of the Oversight Committee for State Employee Charitable Contributions. She also served on the “Wings of Harmony” Advisory Board, Vice-President of the Area One Foster Grandparent Advisory Council, and the DPW Credit Union Board and Supervisory Committee.

OKDHS in May, 2008, established the “Karen D. Jacobs Volunteer Award,” which is given annually to an individual or group that exemplifies the character of volunteerism established under her leadership. Other special recognitions include the OKDHS Black Heritage Committee Community Services Award, the Central Oklahoma Integrated Network Systems Founders Volunteer Award, and the Tinker Air Force Base Family Advocacy Program Community Services Award.

For 19 years Jacobs held various positions in PTSA at Parker Elementary, Rogers Middle School, and Star Spencer High School (SSHS).  She is currently serving on the SSHS National Academy Foundation Advisory Board, Family and Consumer Science Advisory Board, and continues serving as a band booster.  Jacobs shared her volunteerism at Upward Transitions, COINS, Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council, and the Red Earth Expo.

Jacobs received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. She is very active in her church where her husband, Ronnie, serves as Associate Pastor. She is the mother of three children and two grandchildren.

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