Inspiring Oklahoman

OAEC’s Jim Reese honored in 55 Over 55 Awards at State Capitol

The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives’ Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs, Jim Reese, was recently honored as one of the 2024 55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans at the State Capitol. This prestigious recognition highlights professionals and community leaders making a lasting impact on the quality of life for Oklahomans across various fields, including agriculture, aviation, education, health care and more.

“We are proud of Jim Reese for being a difference maker and working to improve quality of life in rural areas as he advocates on behalf of electric cooperatives and the 1.1 million Oklahomans we serve,” said Chris Meyers, general manager for the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives. “We are grateful for Jim’s hard work and dedication. He’s deserving of this honor.”

Reese joined OAEC in January 2019, bringing with him a wealth of experience in agriculture and public service.

He previously served as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Agriculture under Governor Mary Fallin’s administration and as State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency under President George W. Bush. In addition to his federal leadership, Reese served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for 15 years, representing the interests of his constituents and advocating for rural Oklahoma.

Reflecting on the honor, Reese shared, “I have been very blessed and am thankful for the opportunities I have been given.  This honor is nice, but the experiences of life are what are really special and all of my opportunities were given to me by others.  I am thankful to all of them, especially now to our member-owned Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives.”

In addition to his professional achievements, Reese and his wife, Margaret, manage a farming operation near Nardin, Oklahoma. A lifelong advocate for agriculture, Reese continues to champion initiatives that enhance rural development and improve access to essential services for rural communities.