Steve Metzer
Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY — State Sen. Roger Thompson, who last week announced plans to leave the Legislature in November, has accepted a new job as executive director of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association.
Thompson
The Republican from Okemah will begin work for the association July 1.
Leaders said Thompson will fill various roles but should be particularly effective, given his experience as a lawmaker, acting as a liaison between the association and the Legislature. Association members are also represented by the Oklahoma Osteopathic Political Action Committee.
Thompson said he was looking forward to his new position.
“I am honored to join the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association and work alongside dedicated professionals who are committed to improving health care in our state,” he said.
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“The health care system in our state faces many challenges, especially in rural Oklahoma, where many osteopathic doctors serve vulnerable populations.”
The veteran lawmaker said he was especially looking forward to contributing to the association’s support of physicians.
According to its website, the Osteopathic Association represents more than 2,000 physicians, osteopathic residents, interns and students in Oklahoma. It includes separate “bureaus” that focus efforts on such things as providing continuing medical education, shaping health policy through its department of public affairs and advocating for members through a Department of Business Affairs.
Committees and councils meet several times a year to address specific issues or areas of concern. The association meets annually at a convention. Additionally, its 12-member Board of Trustees meets the first Thursday of each month at the association’s central office in Oklahoma City.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sen. Roger Thompson as the new CEO and executive director of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association,” the group’s president, Dr. Jonathan Stone, said. “His leadership skills, vision and commitment to advancing health care in Oklahoma make him the perfect fit for this role.”
Thompson’s experience in legislative leadership roles have included serving as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He also co-chaired the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding, which determined how billions of dollars in federal pandemic relief aid would be spent in Oklahoma.
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