Oklahoma Water Resources Board Honors 2025 Water Pioneers Gary Sherrer and Grant Victor at Governor's Water Conference
NORMAN, OKLA. — The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), on behalf of Governor Kevin Stitt, proudly honored Gary Sherrer and Grant Victor as the 2025 Oklahoma Water Pioneers during the annual Oklahoma Governor’s Water Conference held on December 3. Since 1985, the Water Pioneer Award has recognized outstanding individuals who have dedicated their careers to the planning, development, management, protection, and conservation of Oklahoma’s water resources.
Gary Sherrer served in the Oklahoma State Legislature from 1981 to 1988 before becoming Oklahoma’s first Secretary of Agriculture under Governor David Walters. He later served as the Secretary of Environment for Governors Frank Keating and Mary Fallin. Throughout his years of public service, he championed collaborative, science-based solutions, leading negotiations with Arkansas to protect the scenic rivers shared by both states and overseeing federal legislation efforts regarding the Lesser Prairie Chicken, ultimately avoiding its listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. He guided the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality back into compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, restoring the state’s authority over water quality management, and, from 1995 to 1997, he provided steady leadership as executive director of the OWRB in the aftermath of the Murrah Building bombing, which destroyed the agency's headquarters. Mr. Sherrer served his final state-service role as assistant vice president for external affairs for OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources from 2005 to 2017, where he worked on behalf of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and the statewide Agricultural Experiment Station system to promote awareness of the issues and the work of their scientists and educators. Prior to his leadership in state government, Sherrer served as a combat medic in the Vietnam War, earning the Bronze Star for meritorious service.
Grant Victor has dedicated his life to stewardship of the Victor Ranch, which he manages with his wife, Donna, and their three sons. Guided by a deep conservation ethic passed down through generations, Mr. Victor has implemented extensive practices to protect soil, water, and wildlife, including prescribed grazing, brush management, cover crops, riparian fencing, and restoration of native grasses to promote ecological resilience and sustainability. Under his leadership, the ranch has partnered with state and federal agencies for research, demonstration projects, and education, sharing knowledge to help other producers adopt regenerative practices. Mr. Victor is a lifelong advocate for community and conservation. His work reflects a commitment to innovation, responsible land management, and leaving a lasting legacy for both the environment and the people of Northeast Oklahoma. Most recently, Mr. Victor was appointed by Governor Stitt in 2023 to represent Northeast Oklahoma on the Conservation Commission.
