Kayla R. Jackson, social services specialist IV and TANF supervisor at the Crossroads 55J office, was recently honored as Certified Public Manager of the Year for 2009. Jackson has been an OKDHS employee since December 1985 and is a CPM 2006 graduate. She served as 2009 membership chair for OSCPM while providing support for the Elections and Conference Committee.

“I know so many other Certified Public Managers that are so deserving, and for me to receive this acknowledgement was such a surprise and honor. Being a part of the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Managers has made me a more complex manager and the relationships I have formed have proven to be invaluable,” said Jackson regarding receiving the CPM of the Year award.

Jackson has served as the chair of Crossroads 55J Employee Recognition Committee for 10 years while also assisting with the OKDHS State Games. She serves on several advisory boards for TANF programs in the Oklahoma City area, including the HIRE program at Moore/Norman Technology Center, the Elite program at Mid Del Technology Center and at Rose State College’s Empower program. Under Jackson’s supervision, the TANF Unit at 55J was recognized for having the highest participation rate for a large county in the 2009 fiscal year.

Other OSCPM activities in which Jackson has been involved include assisting OSCPM at the Multiple Sclerosis Walk refreshment booth, wrapping and delivering gifts as part of the Christmas Angel Tree Project, staffing the Quality Oklahoma Team Day booth and hosting the CPM reception held at the State Capitol.

In recognition of all her accomplishments and hard work, Gov. Brad Henry issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 4, 2009, Kayla R. Jackson Day in the State of Oklahoma.