By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
A woman who is a strong advocate for Yukon’s city employees has earned the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund’s highest honor.
The City of Yukon’s human resources director, Cindi Shivers, accepted the OMRF’s 2023 George Wilkinson Award during a surprise presentation at the Aug. 15th Yukon City Council meeting.
The announcement was made by OMRF Executive Director/CEO Jodi Cox.
Shivers received this prestigious award for her purpose, passion and care for the City of Yukon employees while making sure their pension plan is “properly funded,” according to Cox.
“She does deserve all the accolades.”
OMRF’s George Wilkinson Award is presented annually to the “outstanding authorized agent” across Oklahoma.
“My staff takes this very seriously,” Cox said. “We had a candidate pool of over 245 candidates.”
Shivers’ selection was unanimous.
Yukon’s pension plan is 88% funded. The national average is about 70%.
“So, job well done public servant,” Cox told Shivers.
Inscribed on award are these words: “True stars rise to the top. Not by chance, but through purpose and passion.”
YUKON JOINED IN ‘74
The non-profit OMRF was formed in 1966 and the City of Yukon joined eight years later.
“We offer the retirement system for all the general (municipal) employees across the state,” Cox explained. “In fact, we offer it for over 20,000 lives. And we’re very proud of that.
“For the last 49 years, we’ve had the privilege of serving the employees (of Yukon) and helping meet their retirement needs.”
The award that Shivers earned is named after the late George Wilkinson, who served more than 30 years on the OMRF Board of Trustees.
“He was very cordial,” Cox shared. “He was a people person. He took his fiduciary role very seriously. And he enjoyed all the employees across the state.”
Wilkinson retired in 2016 and died shortly thereafter at age 91. Before he passed away, the OMRF board decided to name the award in his honor.
“Cindi and I have known each other for 25 years,” Cox related. “Cindi portrays all of George’s attributes.
“She cares about the employees of the City of Yukon.”
