Community leaders receive recognition for their volunteering, leadership and commitment to central Oklahoma
United Way of Central Oklahoma will honor three outstanding community leaders who model exceptional integrity, dedication, generosity and passion with the organization’s three most prestigious volunteer awards at its annual Snowflake Gala on Friday evening, Jan. 26, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Tim O’Connor, public relations representative at American Income Life Insurance Company and president of the Central Oklahoma Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, is the recipient of the Ray Ackerman Leadership Award. This award recognizes those who share his tireless efforts and devotion to the United Way mission and set the standard for volunteering, leadership and caring. Tim has been involved with the United Way for decades and served in leadership roles since 1992. He currently serves on the board and the campaign cabinet.
Another honoree at the gala is Polly Nichols, community volunteer. She is the recipient of the John and Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award, which recognizes individuals who share the Rex’s vision in finding long-term solutions to community needs. Polly’s involvement in the community is vast, working with more than 25 nonprofit organizations over the years. Polly and her husband, Larry, were the first couple to chair the United Way’s annual campaign and she serves as a trustee on the United Way board.
Judy Love, business leader and philanthropist, is the recipient of the Richard H. Clements Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors individuals who have a lifelong dedication to volunteering, leadership and philanthropy not only to United Way but to the community as a whole. For more than 30 years, Judy has been an integral part of the community serving on the boards of 18 Oklahoma City-based nonprofits. Judy remains a staunch advocate of the United Way of Central Oklahoma, serving as campaign co-chairman in 2015 and a founding member and current co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Society.
“We are truly honoring three of our community’s best this year, I cannot think of three more deserving honorees,” said Debby Hampton, president and CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma. “We commend them for their outstanding commitment to strengthening our community and appreciate all the ways they have impacted and contributed to United Way, our Partner Agencies and our community. Their work is so inspiring.”
