New leadership brings intention to Statewide Learning Services

The Office of Management and Enterprise Services provides central support to Oklahoma state agencies, municipalities and affiliates. Whether through technology and IT support or insurance benefits and human resources, we want to make sure Oklahoma’s 30,000 state employees are equipped with the resources they need to tackle challenges and get stuff done for 4 million citizens.

One way OMES works to fulfill our mission of serving those who serve Oklahomans is by helping develop the individuals and teams who make up the state workforce. Our Statewide Learning Services team offers free and low-cost continuous learning opportunities to all state employees to help them strengthen leadership skills, complete mandatory supervisory credit and achieve professional certifications, like the Certified Public Manager and Certified Procurement Officer programs.

Now leading the SLS team is OMES Director of Training Sophie Preston, who also oversees the Organizational and Employee Development Partners, our internal training unit. Although previously separated for a time, both the internal and external training teams once again fall under the same learning umbrella.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Statewide Learning Services team in their mission of promoting individual and organizational effectiveness by providing quality learning solutions for public service employees to support and supplement existing agency learning efforts,” Preston said.

Through her work with OEDP, Preston introduced key professional development areas to OMES teams, and the results have been tremendous. Classes like Radical Candor and 5 Voices have helped strengthen our agency culture and are now ready to be implemented statewide. Both classes are just a fraction of what will be offered in the 2022 SLS course catalog, coming in January.

“My division has seen major communication efficiencies by continuing our training with Sophie’s team,” said Caden Cleveland, director of OMES Legislative and Public Affairs. “We’ve recognized the individual strengths that each of our team members brings to the table and enhanced our overall production and quality of work.”

The team will offer live webinars, self-paced e-learning and in-person events to suit workforce needs. By providing multiple learning avenues, SLS seeks to meet state employees where they are. Those who opt for in-person training experiences will be able to visit the newly renovated Ron Wilson Training Academy, which features multiple classroom sizes, computer labs and recording studios.

We want our people to have opportunities to grow as professionals, build relationships and trust, and understand other perspectives. Investing in these programs helps us encourage stronger teamwork, passionate public servants and better services for all Oklahomans.

Visit the Statewide Learning Services website or follow SLS on Facebook to learn more about the team and discover upcoming training available to you. For more information, email our partner support coordinator at slstraining@omes.ok.gov.