OMES teams recognized for contributions to post-tornado recovery at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf
Gathered for the 2024 Agency Partners of the Year awards presentation are, from left, Commissioner Janet C. Barresi, OMES Capital Assets Management Administrator Nathan Wald, OMES Construction Services and Property Claims Manager Darren Garvin, Commissioner Theresa Flannery, and DRS Director Melinda Fruendt.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) honored the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) Risk Management and Construction and Properties teams as 2024 Agency Partners of the Year during the 31st-annual People with Disabilities Awareness Day, held at the Oklahoma History Center.
The award recognizes OMES’ outstanding efforts to assist the Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) following a severe storm, which caused significant damage to its Sulphur facility. OMES team members Darren Garvin, Mary Jackson and Nathan Wald all helped OSD recover from damage following the April 2024 tornado.
While the tornado did not directly hit the OSD campus, there was severe water damage and repairs needed to be made immediately. As the state’s property manager, OMES, along with DRS staff, needed to ensure students could safely return for their first day of school, which was only 90 days away.
OMES also quickly utilized a change in statute to declare an emergency on behalf of DRS so that work could be completed quickly. An addition to Title 61 now allows the OMES Risk Management director to declare an emergency in response to an insurance event.
“Through their exceptional dedication and collaboration, Darren, Mary and Nathan worked closely with DRS and the school to help repair the facility for the first day of class,” said DRS Chief of Operations Randy Weaver. “Their efforts not only supported the school’s recovery but also demonstrated the resilience and teamwork that OMES embodies.”
“This school is part of the Sulphur community,” said Sen. Jonathan Wingard, R-Ada. “Knowing they have the town, county and state’s support gives families the reassurance that we serve all Oklahomans, especially the most vulnerable.”
"I am immensely proud of how our state agencies came together to serve these students during a critical time," said Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka. "Their contributions are what public service is all about, serving others. Their work will have a lasting impact and directly benefit the school and its families."
The OMES team members were celebrated for their roles in ensuring the repairs were completed on time, and their efforts have earned them a distinguished service award.
OMES remains committed to supporting Oklahoma’s communities and ensuring state agencies have the resources they need to succeed, even during severe weather.
From left, OMES Senior Construction Project Manager Daniel Linehan, OMES Deputy General Counsel Mary Jackson, Nathan Wald and Darren Garvin.
OMES Media Contact
Christa Helfrey
christa.helfrey@omes.ok.gov
DRS Media Contact
Brett Jones
bjones@okdrs.gov
About OMES
The Office of Management and Enterprise Services supports state agencies in delivering exceptional shared services to the people of Oklahoma. Through innovative solutions, and dedicated personnel, OMES ensures efficient and effective state operations. For more information, visit oklahoma.gov/omes.
About DRS
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services expands opportunities for employment, independent life and economic self-sufficiency by helping Oklahomans with disabilities bridge barriers to success in the workplace, school and at home. For more information, visit oklahoma.gov/okdrs.
