City of Norman employee claims KOB Towering Spirit Award

Michele Loudenback, manager of the Division of Environmental Resilience and Sustainability (DoERS) at the City of Norman, accepted the Towering Spirit Award at the 35th Annual Keep Oklahoma Beautiful (KOB) Environmental Excellence Celebration on November 14 in Oklahoma City.

Held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the event recognizes individuals and organizations whose work significantly advances environmental stewardship across the state. Loudenback, a longtime public servant, was honored for her leadership in directing Norman's environmental programs and sustainability initiatives. Keep Oklahoma Beautiful highlighted her as a model for how cities can lead in protecting Oklahoma's natural resources.

Significant initiatives led by Loudenback and her team in recent years include the Norman Solar Initiative, "A Better Way - Opportunity Knocks" program, Keep Norman Neat, and countless community cleanups and workshops with original programming. DoERS came on-line as the newest city division in Spring 2023.

"We are exponentially proud of the work Michele does on behalf of the community each day," said City Manager Darrel Pyle. "She serves with such heart and such passion; she has an incredible capacity to motivate and inspire everyone she comes into contact with. Michele is more than deserving of this award and we congratulate her for a job well done!"

As part of the KOB celebration, Loudenback was featured in a tribute video in which colleagues reflected on her career and community impact. The video included remarks from her husband, David, as well as Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman, both expressing deep admiration for her dedication to environmental excellence. Family, friends, City Council members and colleagues from the City of Norman attended the event alongside Loudenback to share in her special celebration.

"Keep Oklahoma Beautiful inspires all of us to act, to collaborate, and to build healthier, more resilient communities," Loudenback said. "I'm grateful for this recognition and even more grateful for the shared commitment that makes progress possible."

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