AARP President first appointee to Citizens Advisory Panel for Aging Issues

OKLAHOMA CITY – The president of AARP Oklahoma, Marjorie Lyons, was recently appointed to serve on the Citizens Advisory Panel for Aging Issues by Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman.  The Broken Arrow resident is the first appointee to this unique panel, which will oversee the functions and operations of the Aging Services Division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). 

            “Mrs. Lyons has dedicated her life to helping others, especially the elderly through her career as a nurse and her more recent leadership in AARP Oklahoma,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.  “With the reforms being made within the Department of Human Services, it’s imperative that we have dedicated individuals who can use their expertise to help ensure the health and safety of our senior citizens.  Marjorie is the perfect person for the job, and I was pleased to nominate her.”

The bipartisan panel consists of five members.  One member each is appointed by the Governor, the Senate Pro Tem, the House Speaker and the minority leaders of both chambers.  Lyons will serve as the member who has a specialized interest in public welfare. 

“Marjorie is an amazing woman who I am so proud to call a friend,” said David, R-Porter.  “With her vast knowledge of issues facing Oklahoma’s seniors, she will be a tremendous asset on this advisory panel.” 

The Citizens Advisory Panel for Aging Issues was one of four DHS Citizens Advisory Panels created under House Bill 3138 last year.  The bill went into effect following the approval of State Question 765 by Oklahoma voters, which removed the DHS from the State Constitution, abolished the DHS Commission and specified that the DHS Director is to serve at the pleasure of the Governor.  The other panels are for children and family issues, disability issues and administration. 

The purpose of the panels is to evaluate core programs and administrative areas of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and to develop recommendations to improve the programs and administration of the agency. 

"I’m delighted to have the opportunity to represent older Oklahomans and AARP on the Citizens Advisory Panel for Aging. With the number of seniors increasing daily, it’s crucial to have an effective and independent entity to both advise DHS and to address aging issues," said Lyons.  “I’d like to express my gratitude to President Pro Tempore Bingman for his confidence in my ability to address the needs of an aging population, and Senator David for her support."

            Lyons has served as State President of AARP Oklahoma for the past four years.  In 2009, she retired after working 19 years as a registered nurse for the Oklahoma State Department of Health in a nursing career that spanned more than 50 years.  She has been appointed to serve on the post adjudication review board for Creek and Wagoner Counties and the Wagoner County Election Board.  Lyons is also the past acting chair of the Wagoner County Republican Party and she currently serves on the Oklahoma State Council on Aging and the Broken Arrow Senior Board.