Veterans Commission

Phone: 405-523-4000

Sidney Ellington is a retired Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) Officer, and for the past 10 years he has been working in the veteran service organization (VSO) space in roles such as Director of the Veterans Initiative for Teach For America, the Executive Director of the Warrior-Scholar Project, and is now serving as a Strategic Advisor to the Mark Divine Courage Foundation.  He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1985 and was commissioned as an Ensign through the University’s ROTC program. 

His 20-year active duty Naval career included tours of duty with SEAL Team THREE, Naval Special Warfare Group ONE, the 7th Fleet Command ship USS BLUE RIDGE, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, Special Operations Command-Pacific, and Commander-in-Chief Pacific Fleet.  After retiring from active service, Sid spent time on the staff of the Joint Special Operations University as a Special Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME) and participated in exercises and staff training events at commands such as the US Special Operations Command, the US Army Command and General Staff College, and National Defense University. 

Sid holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma, an MA in National Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, an MA in International Relations, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Oklahoma.  He is also a certified member of the Society of Human Resources Managers (SHRM). 

In recognition of his contributions to veterans in the field of education, Sid was awarded the 2016 American Legion National Education Award.  Previous noteworthy awardees include Tom Brokaw, Fred Rogers, and Former First Lady Barbara Bush. 

Sid is married to Toni J. Ellington, Esq.  Toni is the Director of Legal and Product Compliance at Paycom.

Phone: 405-523-4000

Master Sergeant (MSG) Heather McEver enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard (OKARNG) in August of 2006 as a Patient Administration Specialist and later became a Human Resources Specialist. As a Patient Administration Specialist, she spent 9 years in the OKARNG Medical Branch where she processed medical evaluation boards in order for Soldiers to receive their disability ratings. She then served as a Human Resources Sergeant for the last 5 years at the Unit and Battalion level in the 45^th Field Artillery Brigade. After serving in the 45^th Field Artillery Brigade, she was moved to the State G1 office and served as the State Enlisted Promotions Manager. Her current assignment is the State Personnel Security Manager at the Oklahoma Army National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. MSG McEver’s passion and knowledge for assisting Soldiers is exceptional and sought out by many. As a military member, she has experienced first and second hand the available benefits by assisting Soldiers and their families.  MSG McEver has served as a Casualty Assistance Officer and currently serves as a Victim Advocate. MSG McEver has three daughters ages 12, 8, and 15 months. Family is very important to MSG McEver as she keeps her children involved with competitive sports and is always on the go. MSG McEver understands the importance of veteran care and support for both the veteran and their families as she has experienced the outreach and care from the Veterans Administration during the recent death of her father. MSG McEver is always looking for ways to better herself and her knowledge to assist others as much as she can.   

Phone: 405-523-4000

Commissioner Offel currently serves as Lead Independent Board Director, Executive Chairman and Board Director for several private equity portfolio companies.  Mr. Offel has previously served as President, CEO, and COO of several successful private healthcare services businesses.  In March 2018, Mr. Offel was appointed as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), serving under Secretary Dr. Mark Esper, Secretary Ryan McCarthy, and Secretary Christine Wormuth.  He also currently serves as the President of the West Point Class of 1996 and as Board Director for the West Point Alumni Society of Central Oklahoma.

Mr. Offel is a 4th generation Armed Forces Veteran and served simultaneously alongside his father (Air Force), older brother (Air Force/Army National Guard), and younger brother (Navy).  Mr. Offel graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1996 and he was subsequently commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Aviation Branch.

Upon completion of flight training and qualification in the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Kevin was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Ft. Hood, TX, where he served as Executive Officer, Flight Platoon Leader, Assistant Operations Officer, and Logistics Officer.  As a Pilot-in-Command (PIC), he participated in a multitude of missions in various types of rotary-winged aircraft, including the Bell 206 Jet Ranger, OH-58 Kiowa, and UH-60 Blackhawk.  Kevin received numerous awards and decorations during military service and is both Airborne and Air Assault qualified.

After military service, Mr. Offel attended Goizueta Business School at Emory University where he received an MBA.  Kevin is an active member of the Association of the U.S. Army, the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, First Wave (Service Academy Graduate Business Leaders), and the OKC Chapter of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization).  He is also an Ambassador for the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame and volunteers for several Veteran-focused charitable organizations.  An accomplished pilot, he holds both a Commercial Helicopter Instrument and Private Airplane Single Engine Land certificate from the FAA.

Kevin and his wife of 20 years, Heidi, live in Edmond with their two sons.

Phone: 405-523-4000

Phone: 405-523-4000

Dan is originally from Jacksonville Florida. After high school he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he saw combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Dan made the transition to oil and gas where he has worked for the last 17 years.

Dan holds a B.S. Degree from Columbia Southern University in Occupational Health and Safety and a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Maryland.

Dan is extremely passionate about worker safety both in general industry and the oil and gas industry. Three years ago, Dan started Titan Safety Consulting Services, where helps companies change their safety culture and increase worker safety.

Dan also owns and operates a fly-fishing store here in Oklahoma City which he enjoys servicing the Oklahoma outdoor community. Dan’s hobbies include fly fishing, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying his three dogs Bonnie, Clyde, and Sage.

Dan was transferred to Oklahoma 8 years ago from Utah with an Oil and Gas operator… “This is now my home” Boomer!

Phone: 405-523-4000

Phone: 405-523-4000