Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat announces OJA board appointment

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat on Thursday announced his appointment of Sidney Ellington of Oklahoma City to the board of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Ellington currently serves as executive director of the American Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma. He previously served as executive director of the Warrior-School Project, a non-profit organization that provided educational services for military veterans leaving service to pursue college degrees. Ellington also served as a teacher in New Orleans in the Teach for America program and as director of a veterans’ outreach and support initiative for Teach for America. He also planned and spearheaded for the Louisiana Department of Education a city-wide truancy reduction program for New Orleans.

Ellington served in the U.S. Navy, retiring after 20 years as a Navy SEAL officer. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as a doctorate, in political science all from the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of several community service organizations, including the Knights of Columbus Council, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign War, and the Teach for America Alumni Association. He received the 2016 American Legion National Education Award. Past award winners include First Ladies Barbara Bush and Laura Bush, and Tom Brokaw, Fred Rogers, and Bob Keeshan.

“The Office of Juvenile Affairs is on the frontlines of helping youth and families involved in the justice system. Sid Ellington is a successful leader and has demonstrated the desire and ability, whether as a member of Teach for America or as a Navy SEAL, to help others succeed. We need people to partner with the leadership and staff at OJA to help change the future of youth involved in the justice system and I know Sid Ellington will do just that. I appreciate his willingness to step up and serve the state of Oklahoma,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, commended the selection of Ellington and said he brings a great work ethic and skillset to the OJA board.

“Sid is a leader who passionately cares about others and always works to help get the best out of his team. His experience as an educator, in the non-profit world, and as a member of our U.S. Navy makes him a great pick for the OJA board and I know that he’ll do a great job. I wish him all the best,” Rosino said.

Ellington’s appointment is effective January 1, Treat said. Ellington will replace Tony Caldwell, who serves as chairman of the OJA board and is resigning at the end of December. Caldwell was first appointed to the board in 2015.

“Tony Caldwell’s dedication to OJA and its mission is commendable. I want to thank Tony for his years of distinguished service on the OJA board,” Treat said.