Jeff Shockley Award

The Jeff Shockley Award, established in 2021, recognizes outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their community and profession through personal growth, leadership, and involvement.

The Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) Board of Directors created this award in honor of Jeff Shockley, a long-time mayor and dedicated OML Board Member. Jeff Shockley was widely respected by his peers, municipal officials across Oklahoma, and state legislators for his unwavering commitment to public service and his reputation for maintaining the highest standards of morals and ethics.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A minimum of five years of service to an OML member city or town

  • Active community and state involvement

  • Meaningful contributions to the development of their municipality

  • Ongoing personal and professional growth in their area of expertise

  • A reputation for unquestionable morals and ethics

Nomination Process

To nominate an individual:

  • Submit a Letter of Nomination from the chief official of the municipality (maximum of two pages), including the nominee’s length of service, positions held, and community involvement

  • Include up to two additional Letters of Recommendation from community, state, or national leaders

  • Include a photograph of the nominee

  • Submit the nomination via the designated submission link

Selection & Recognition

Once nominations are received, a selection committee will review all submissions which will consist of two (2) OML Board of Directors members, the previous year’s Shockley Award winner, one (1) OML General member, and one (1) member of the Shockley family. Members must recuse themselves for conflicts of interest.

Selected nominees will be invited to attend and will be recognized at the OML Awards Banquet.

Questions? Contact Cynthia Madrid at cmadrid@oml.org. 

Submit Nomination

Jeff Shockley Award Judging Instructions

Purpose: To fairly and objectively evaluate nominations recognizing exemplary civic service, leadership, and ethics.

Selection Committee

Two (2) OML Board of Directors members, the previous year’s Shockley Award winner, one (1) general member of OML, and one (1) member of the Shockley family. Members must recuse themselves for conflicts of interest.

Judging Process

Step 1: Individual Review
Each judge independently reviews the complete nomination packet.

Step 2: Scoring
Assign scores using the rubric and provide concise notes supporting each score.

Step 3: Submission of Scores
Submit one scoring form per nominee by the deadline.

Step 4: Committee Deliberation
Scores are compiled and discussed; winner selected by majority vote.

Scoring Rubric (100 points total)

Leadership & Community Impact — 30 points – Breadth and depth of impact on the municipality and residents.

Service & Involvement — 25 points – Sustained engagement in community/state initiatives and roles.

Professional Excellence & Ethics — 20 points – Integrity, ethics, and professional conduct.

Initiatives & Achievements — 15 points – Notable accomplishments and demonstrated initiative.

Quality of Nomination Materials — 10 points – Clarity, completeness, and strength of letters/documentation.