Hopper Smith Forms Consulting Company

The former president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA), Hopper Smith, announced today that he has formed Strategic Resource Consulting, a public affairs firm specializing in energy and natural resource initiatives.

“In Oklahoma, issues and opportunities relating to energy and natural resources are at the forefront of discussion. Oklahoma’s economy runs on natural resources and, as a state, we should seek to strike a responsible balance between conservation and marketability,” Smith said.

Smith said he would use his years of experience in Oklahoma public affairs working on energy and natural resource issues to advance initiatives and infrastructure projects to develop Oklahoma’s natural resources.

In announcing his new endeavor, Smith said he appreciated his tenure at OCPA. “I am grateful to the board for the opportunity they gave to me. OCPA has been a positive force in advancing fiscally responsible public policy in Oklahoma for many years. I know OCPA will continue to bring perspective to a number of issues and opportunities facing our state.”

Smith is a former state representative from 1996-2003 who served on the House Energy Committee. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Oklahoma State University.

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Hopper Smith Leaving Public Affairs Council

The president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) announced today he is leaving that post effective Thursday.

Hopper T. Smith's public announcement came during an interview with KTOK morning show host Reid Mullins. He declined to reveal his next job.

Smith joined the OCPA staff in 2007. He was a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1996 to 2003, where he served as Assistant Minority Leader and Minority Whip.

Smith has served 20-plus years in the Army National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade and currently holds the rank of Colonel. In 2003, he resigned his legislative seat to serve a tour in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army. During his service, he earned the Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star Medal. Upon his return he worked for Chesapeake Energy Corporation as their Director of Government Relations. He holds a degree in Geology from Oklahoma State University and a masters in Strategic Intelligence from the National Defense Intelligence College.

OCPA announced that it will conduct a search for a new president. Applications from interested parties may be submitted through February 28, 2009. All interested parties should contact H. Edward DeBee at DeBee Gilchrist, 100 North Broadway, Suite 1500, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, 405-232-7777, for application requirements and information about the selection process.

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GOP Lincoln Day Dinner Honors Military

The Oklahoma County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner on April 14th will honor the military with former State Rep. and Iraq war veteran Kevin Calvey (shown on the firing range) as keynote speaker, Chair Pam Pollard said.

A reception begins at 6 pm, followed by dinner at 7 pm in the Petroleum Club in downtown Oklahoma City.

"We will be honoring all men and women who have served in our Military. The '3 Colonels' as they have become to be known, Lt. Colonels, Stuart Jolly, Hopper Smith and Steve Russell will begin our event with the Prayer, Pledge and the National Anthem," Pollard said.

The program will begin with retired Major General Rita Aragon, Oklahoma's first woman general, relating her experiences in the Oklahoma Air National Guard.

Kevin King, USS Oklahoma webmaster, has prepared a video of all the sailors of the USS Oklahoma, featuring the survivors and their families reflecting on December 7, 1941.

The keynote address will be given by Calvey, an Army captain who just returned from serving a year in Baghdad helping prosecute Iraqi terrorists.

Tickets for the event are $50/person for dinner, $100/person dinner and reception.

For more information, contact Elayne at 946-1494 or email chair@okcountygop.com.

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