Commissioners and staff honor Commissioner Lee Gaddis on her impending departure

Commissioners and agency staff formally recognized Commissioner Lee Gaddis and presented an appreciation plaque for her years of service on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation commission.

Gwen, speaking for staff, recounted Gaddis’ appointment by former governor Mary Fallin in February 2014, reappointment to an eight‑year term in 2016, service as the commission’s first woman member and as chair, and her work on the Lisonbee Modernization Act. Gwen described Gaddis as “a non agenda driven” commissioner focused on doing “what’s best for the department, our constituents,” and staff presented a plaque noting service from 2014 through 2025.

Commissioner Lee Gaddis addressed the commission and staff, saying she was grateful for the experience and praised agency staff: “I want to say thank you to the department and all the staff and in house and out in the field. You all are what make this agency the best ever. … Every decision, every position on issues, whether it's legislative or whatever, You all make the right decisions for the right reasons. You do it without politics in the equation.”

Why it matters: The recognition notes leadership continuity and highlights the role commissioners play in guiding agency policy and legislative priorities, including the license modernization work staff identified as a recent priority.

Documentation: Staff awarded a plaque and took group photographs with the commissioner, students and other attendees during the recognition segment.