Ron Kirby has an extensive background in the media, public speaking, communications, business and all levels of government.  He graduated with a degree in business administration and psychology from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK in 1962.  Ron was among the top graduates of his class with Magna Cum Laude honors.

In 1963, Ron received one (1) of two (2) distinguished Whatley Research Center Awards (the other recipient was President Dwight D. Eisenhower). Throughout his professional career, he has seen 44 years in the broadcast industry, serving as station and general managers of KCCO-AM, KRLG-FM, KSWO-AM, KRHD-AM/FM and KKRX-AM/FM.  He also had the privilege of serving the Lawton Fort Sill community as News Anchor for KSWO-TV for seven (7) years.  For these achievements and in the broadcast industry, Ron has been inducted into the Oklahoma Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Kirby has received a citation for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, as well as the 1995 Helping Hands Award from the Department of Veteran Affairs.  He is also a former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, responsible for House Bill 1621, giving private retirees a $5500 tax exemption (the largest single tax cut in Oklahoma history).  He is also responsible for bringing the Veterans Hospital, employing 250 people with an annual salary of $7 million, to the Lawton Fort Sill area.

Ron serves on numerous city, state and national committees both professionally and as a private citizen.  He is very active with the Association of County Commissioners in the Oklahoma Legislature, broadcasting and within the community.  He is multi-talented, widely respected, well informed and still the voice of the people of southwest Oklahoma.

ORGANIZATIONS:

• Oklahoma and National Associations of Broadcasters
• Association of County Commissioners Legislative Committee
• Comanche County Juvenile Detention Center Advisory Committee
• Member of the Special Forces, Vietnam Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS and the American Legion

HONORS:

• 1960 & 1961; UPI Newsman of the Year
• 1963; Received one (1) of two (2) distinguished Whatley Research Center Awards (the other went to President Dwight D. Eisenhower)
• Twice nominated and has been inducted in to the Oklahoma Broadcasters Hall of Fame
• Lifetime member of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters
• Special citation for Lifetime Achievement in Broadcasting Award
• Member of Oklahoma House of Representatives; 1992 - 2004
• Lawton's "Best Government Official" award four (4) consecutive years
• Received the "Veteran's Special Citation" from the Elks National Service Commission

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES:

• Former member of Oklahoma House of Representatives
• Current executive board member and trustee of Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG)
• Served as Committee Chairman for Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC)
• Served as Committee Chairman for Veterans and Military Affairs
• Served as Committee Chairman for Appropriations and Budget
• Served as Committee Chairman for Energy and Utility Regulation
• Served as Committee Chairman for Revenue and Taxation and Rules

LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Passed House Bill 1251, providing Oklahoma residents the opportunity to be placed on a “Do Not Call List”.
• Passed House Bill 1254, the small business copyright law; earning a 100% rating from the National Federation of Independent Businesses.
• Passed House Bill 1621, giving private retirees a $5500 tax exemption, making it the largest single tax cut in Oklahoma history;
• Passed numerous pieces of legislation benefiting Veterans and senior citizens;
• Co-author of Oklahoma Quality Jobs Act, Juvenile Justice bill, and the Oklahoma Welfare Reform Act;
• Instrumental in legislation affecting our prisons and public safety.
• Passed legislation responsible for Vehicle Tag Reform.
• Was the sole driving force to establish the GEO Correctional Facility, employing over 1,500 people with an annual payroll of $18 million.
• Past Chairman of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, was responsible for the National Veterans Cemetery.
• Author of making Veterans Memorial Highway system.
• Established legislation to fund the future Army Museum.
• As immediate past chairman of the Veterans Committee is the leading advocate for all Veterans everywhere.
• Responsible for Veterans Hospital employing 250 people with an annual salary $7 million.

AWARDS:

• Received Oklahoma Broadcaster Association Hall of Fame Award.
• Received Citation for the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
• 1995 Helping Hands Award from the Department of Veteran Affairs