Tulsa Kevin Parker Honored with Oklahoma Governor Disability Employment Award 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 Tulsa’s Kevin Parker, who received his award from Oklahoma Secretary of State Chris Benge and Oklahoma Department of Human Services Director Ed Lake.

C. J. Daley, director of Support Services for the Oklahoma Surgical Hospital, nominated Parker for the award. She said Kevin W. Parker first began working as a housekeeper at the hospital nine years ago and has grown during that time to take on multiple roles within the housekeeping department.

“Kevin has demonstrated his acceptance of his responsibility, both professionally within the hospital and personally with his peers,” Daley said. “Over the years, Kevin has come to understand the significant customer service role he plays for the hospital. He understands the importance of meeting patients’ needs and demonstrates self-confidence in his ability to meet those needs each day.

She said Kevin is always the first-in-line to volunteer when the hospital engages in communitywide events.

“Over the years, Kevin has lent a hand to numerous benefit runs, including the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure,” Daley said. “Kevin can best be described as a person who has a genuine heart for people. He is a caring person and that is not only demonstrated through his job performance, but also through the many people he comes in contact with socially.”

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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Kevin Parker receives an Oklahoma Governor’s Disability Employment Award of Excellence.