Community leaders receive recognition for their volunteering, leadership and commitment to central Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – United Way of Central Oklahoma will honor three outstanding community leaders who model exceptional integrity, dedication, generosity and passion with the organization’s three most prestigious volunteer awards at its annual Snowflake Gala on Friday evening, Jan.27, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Dave Carpenter, president and chief operating officer at American Fidelity Assurance Company, is the recipient of the Ray Ackerman Leadership Award. This award recognizes those who share his tireless efforts and devotion to the United Way mission and set the standard for volunteering, leadership and caring. Dave has been involved with the United Way of Central Oklahoma for more than 20 years in many leadership capacities. For the past three years, Dave has helped ensure that long-term needs of communities affected by the May 2013 tornadoes are being met by serving on the Disaster Fund Committee.

Another honoree at the gala is George E. Young Sr., a member of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives and CEO of Young Management Consulting. He is the recipient of the John and Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award, which recognizes individuals who share the Rex’s vision in finding long-term solutions to community needs. George has been an adamant advocate for the United Way at the Capitol, fighting for funding that goes to serve our most vulnerable citizens.

Dennis Jaggi, managing partner for EnCap Flatrock Midstream, is the recipient of the Richard H. Clements Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors individuals who have a lifelong dedication to volunteering, leadership and philanthropy not only to United Way but to the community as a whole. For more than 20 years, Dennis has been an integral part of the community and an advocate of the United Way of Central

Oklahoma, serving as campaign chairman and chairman of the board in the late 90s. Each year, Dennis goes above and beyond to help raise funds for the United Way’s annual campaign.

“We are truly honoring three of our community’s best this year,” said Debby Hampton, president and CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma. “We commend them for their outstanding commitment to strengthening our community and appreciate all the ways they have contributed to United Way, our Partner Agencies and our community. Their work is admirable and inspiring.”

About United Way of Central Oklahoma

United Way of Central Oklahoma researches human needs within the communities of central Oklahoma and directs resources to accountable health and human services agencies to meet those needs by improving the health, safety, education and economic well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. The organization received the 2016 Charles Schusterman Award for Excellence from the Center for Nonprofits as the state’s top nonprofit organization. For more information about United Way of Central Oklahoma, please visit www.unitedwayokc.org or call (405) 236-8441.