Mannford Eric Doyle Honored with Oklahoma Governor Disability Employment Awards of Excellence

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Sixteen individuals from across the state, five employers and two prominent media outlets were honored during the annual “Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence” recently held at the Phillips Pavilion on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Oklahoma City. KOCO-TV Channel 5 Anchor Paul Folger emceed the event.

Originally created by former Governor and First Lady George and Donna Nigh 29 years ago, the awards recognize individuals with disabilities with a Governor’s commendation for “Outstanding Achievements in Employment.” One of this year’s winners included Mannford, Oklahoma’s Eric Doyle, who received his award from Oklahoma Secretary of State Chris Benge and Oklahoma Department of Human Services Director Ed Lake.

Central Technology Center Employment Training Specialist Kris Pruitt said she nominated Doyle for the award because of the tremendous growth he has experienced since starting his job as a meat department associate at a Tulsa-based Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market last year.

“His experience there has already transformed him from a timid, shy man, to someone who takes responsibility for himself, his personal interactions, his finances and his self-advocacy,” Pruitt said. “Eric always hung his head while having a conversation; but now he has a lot of self-confidence and carries himself with his head high.

She said Doyle is a reliable employee who continuously presents a positive attitude and he is willing to do any task.

“Eric takes great pride in his work and became a full-time employee at Wal-Mart after only four months,” Pruitt said. “He’s an honored and valued employee who demonstrates respect for the customers, his fellow associates and management. He also appreciates supported employment’s investment in him.”

The Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence competition and program is co-sponsored by the Governor’s Office, the Oklahoma DHS Developmental Disabilities Services, the Oklahoma DRS and the Oklahoma Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst. Award winners are annually selected by a panel of public servants and volunteers who either serve people with disabilities or represent organizations that provide direct care for them daily.

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