New OKDHS Director Ed Lake Listens

Ed Lake, newly hired director for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, opened the meeting by saying he was from Tennessee and was still getting to know Oklahoma.  Then he told the crowd gathered at the Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton that he did not come to talk, but to listen, and turned the microphone over to anyone who came to speak.

A wireless microphone was made available and everyone who came was given an opportunity to speak to Director Lake about the problems they have and visions they see for the future of the agency.  Representatives from Child Support Services, child care facilities, child welfare programs, youth shelters and aging services were there to voice their concerns and to problem solve.  Several members of the state legislature were in attendance as well.

This was the first of five listening sessions Lake will be conducting throughout the state.  His next stop is Enid on January 10 at the Autry Technology Center Lectorium, 1201 West Willow.  Then he will be at the Metro Tech Center Springlake Campus Auditorium in Oklahoma City on January 11, the Tulsa Tech Center in Broken Arrow on January 14 and the Kiamichi Tech Center in McAlester on January 17. 

All sessions begin at 10:00 a.m.  There is a sign-in sheet for those who wish an opportunity to speak.  Guests are encouraged to arrive early.

If you cannot attend a listening session, you can email Director Lake at DHS.ask.Ed@okdhs.org.