Gov. Stitt taps Timothy Tardibono as Executive Director of Juvenile Affairs

Governor Stitt Appoints Timothy Tardibono as Executive Director of Juvenile Affairs

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 29, 2024) - Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that Timothy Tardibono will serve as the executive director of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.

“Tim is one of Oklahoma’s leading experts on criminal justice, family, and public service, and I’m grateful for his willingness to serve our state,” said Governor Stitt. “I’m confident Tim will lead with integrity and a servant’s heart, and I know him as someone who will work tirelessly to provide young Oklahomans with opportunities to thrive.”

Stitt appoints three agency heads to permanent positions

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS THREE STATE AGENCY LEADERS TO PERMANENT POSITIONS

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 15, 2020) — Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Carrie Slatton-Hodges as Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Dr. Lance Frye as State Commissioner of Health and Rachel Holt as Executive Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Slatton-Hodges, Frye and Holt will continue serving in interim capacities pending Senate confirmation in the 2021 legislative session.

“These leaders have provided strong visions and steady leadership for our state agencies and the people they serve while operating in their current roles,” said Gov. Stitt. “I am proud of the work they have collectively accomplished throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and I look forward to seeing how they will continue to move the needle in the health and care of our people as we work to become Top 10 in these critical categories.”

Senate Pro Tem Treat makes Office of Juvenile Affairs board appointment

Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat announces OJA board appointment

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat on Thursday announced his appointment of Sidney Ellington of Oklahoma City to the board of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Ellington currently serves as executive director of the American Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma. He previously served as executive director of the Warrior-School Project, a non-profit organization that provided educational services for military veterans leaving service to pursue college degrees. Ellington also served as a teacher in New Orleans in the Teach for America program and as director of a veterans’ outreach and support initiative for Teach for America. He also planned and spearheaded for the Louisiana Department of Education a city-wide truancy reduction program for New Orleans.

Ellington served in the U.S. Navy, retiring after 20 years as a Navy SEAL officer. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as a doctorate, in political science all from the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of several community service organizations, including the Knights of Columbus Council, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign War, and the Teach for America Alumni Association. He received the 2016 American Legion National Education Award. Past award winners include First Ladies Barbara Bush and Laura Bush, and Tom Brokaw, Fred Rogers, and Bob Keeshan.

“The Office of Juvenile Affairs is on the frontlines of helping youth and families involved in the justice system. Sid Ellington is a successful leader and has demonstrated the desire and ability, whether as a member of Teach for America or as a Navy SEAL, to help others succeed. We need people to partner with the leadership and staff at OJA to help change the future of youth involved in the justice system and I know Sid Ellington will do just that. I appreciate his willingness to step up and serve the state of Oklahoma,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, commended the selection of Ellington and said he brings a great work ethic and skillset to the OJA board.

“Sid is a leader who passionately cares about others and always works to help get the best out of his team. His experience as an educator, in the non-profit world, and as a member of our U.S. Navy makes him a great pick for the OJA board and I know that he’ll do a great job. I wish him all the best,” Rosino said.

Ellington’s appointment is effective January 1, Treat said. Ellington will replace Tony Caldwell, who serves as chairman of the OJA board and is resigning at the end of December. Caldwell was first appointed to the board in 2015.

“Tony Caldwell’s dedication to OJA and its mission is commendable. I want to thank Tony for his years of distinguished service on the OJA board,” Treat said.

Senate confirms Steven Buck as OJA director

Senate confirms Steven Buck as OJA director

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday unanimously confirmed Steven Buck of Oklahoma City as the executive director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Buck is the first agency director confirmed by the Senate under the terms of new laws that give the governor the ability to hire and fire the heads of OJA and four other top state agencies.

“Oklahoma has come a long way in improving the care and treatment of children in state custody thanks to the work of leaders like Steven Buck. He’s proven himself an honest and dedicated public servant as director of OJA the past few years and I know he’ll continue to do an excellent job in that capacity moving forward. Steven Buck is a great partner for policymakers and I look forward to working with him to continuing to ensure the children in custody get the care and treatment they need to acclimate and become productive members of society,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

Buck was nominated for reappointment as director of OJA by Governor Kevin Stitt earlier this month. He also was named cabinet secretary of human services and early childhood initiatives by the governor.

“Steven Buck has had a long and distinguished career advocating for the treatment and care of some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens. He’s done a great job already at OJA and I know he’ll keep moving that agency in the right direction,” said Senator Jason Smalley, R-Stroud and chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

On Wednesday, the Senate also confirmed Jerome Loughridge of Oklahoma City as the governor’s cabinet secretary of health and mental health.

Senate Pro Tem appoints Timothy Tardibono to OJA board

Senate Pro Tem appoints Timothy Tardibono to OJA board

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat on Wednesday announced his appointment of Timothy Tardibono of Oklahoma City to serve on the board for the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Tardibono is the second of two appointments the Senate pro tempore makes to the OJA board following the enactment of House Bill 2479, legislation that was part of a government accountability agreement between legislative leaders and the governor. The bill gave the governor the ability to hire the OJA director, and gave OJA board appointments to the governor, House speaker, and Senate pro tempore.

“I’ve known Timothy Tardibono for many years and know him to be a man of integrity and honor. He’s a strong advocate for children and families, and his background and experience will bring great insight to the OJA board. I know he’ll do a great job working with OJA leadership to help transform the lives of children and help them transition back into society,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

Tardibono serves as the executive director of the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory Council. He previously served as counsel to former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn. Prior to that, he served as assistant general counsel at the Oklahoma Department of Health, and was a policy analyst for former Governor Frank Keating. Tardibono earned a law degree from Regent University School of Law, a master’s in public policy from Regent University School of Government, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Oklahoma Christian University.

“I appreciate Senator Greg Treat’s leadership on criminal justice reform efforts and his work to reform and improve the state adoption and foster care system. I share his commitment to ensuring kids in state custody are kept safe and treated well and are given every opportunity to be a transformational generation in their families. OJA plays an important role in that effort. It's an honor to return to OJA after having started my career in public service there almost 20 years ago. Ensuring the flourishing of our youth is a critical component to our state's turnaround and I look forward to working with the OJA leadership and board to help our youth succeed,” Tardibono said.

Previously, Pro Tem Treat reappointed Warren A. “Tony” Caldwell to serve on the OJA board and last month the board elected Caldwell as chairman.