Senate Pro Tem appoints Timothy Tardibono to OJA board

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat on Wednesday announced his appointment of Timothy Tardibono of Oklahoma City to serve on the board for the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Tardibono is the second of two appointments the Senate pro tempore makes to the OJA board following the enactment of House Bill 2479, legislation that was part of a government accountability agreement between legislative leaders and the governor. The bill gave the governor the ability to hire the OJA director, and gave OJA board appointments to the governor, House speaker, and Senate pro tempore.

“I’ve known Timothy Tardibono for many years and know him to be a man of integrity and honor. He’s a strong advocate for children and families, and his background and experience will bring great insight to the OJA board. I know he’ll do a great job working with OJA leadership to help transform the lives of children and help them transition back into society,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

Tardibono serves as the executive director of the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory Council. He previously served as counsel to former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn. Prior to that, he served as assistant general counsel at the Oklahoma Department of Health, and was a policy analyst for former Governor Frank Keating. Tardibono earned a law degree from Regent University School of Law, a master’s in public policy from Regent University School of Government, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Oklahoma Christian University.

“I appreciate Senator Greg Treat’s leadership on criminal justice reform efforts and his work to reform and improve the state adoption and foster care system. I share his commitment to ensuring kids in state custody are kept safe and treated well and are given every opportunity to be a transformational generation in their families. OJA plays an important role in that effort. It's an honor to return to OJA after having started my career in public service there almost 20 years ago. Ensuring the flourishing of our youth is a critical component to our state's turnaround and I look forward to working with the OJA leadership and board to help our youth succeed,” Tardibono said.

Previously, Pro Tem Treat reappointed Warren A. “Tony” Caldwell to serve on the OJA board and last month the board elected Caldwell as chairman.