Page 4 - July/Aug 2020 Outdoor Oklahoma

Off the Beaten Path

Not es oN Wildlife • ou t door ti ps • r ea ders’ let t ers • eN v i roN meN ta l NeWs
C om piled by doN p. broW N

ENID BUSINESSMAN JOINS WILDLIFE COMMISSION

Northwestern Oklahoma insurance executive D. Dillingham is chief executive officer and co-own-
Chad Dillingham of Enid was appointed by Gov. er of Dillingham Insurance, a 93-year-old private
J. Kevin Stitt to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conserva- business headquartered in Enid and serving clients
tion Commission. Dillingham begins serving an in 38 states with offices in Oklahoma City, Kansas
eight-year term as the District 8 representative in City and Tulsa. He and his brother own and operate
July 2020. a 1,700-acre cattle ranch in northern Oklahoma.
Dillingham takes the seat held by Enid busi- Dillingham’s involvement in community and
nessman John D. Groendyke, who has decided to statewide concerns is notable. He is on the Board
step down from the Commission after 44 years of of Regents for Northern Oklahoma College, the
continuous service under seven different governors. Board of Trustees for The Nature Conservan-
“I’d like to thank Governor Stitt for the honor of cy in Oklahoma, and Board of Advisors for the
his appointment to serve the state in this capacity,” Harold Hamm Diabetes Center. He is director
Dillingham said. “It is truly an honor, and I am anxious to learn of the Denny Price Family YMCA, past chairman and director
more about the great work being done in wildlife management, of the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, past director for
conservation, hunter education, and preserving access for all United Way of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma, past director of
Oklahomans to continue enjoying wildlife and the great outdoors the local Boy Scouts of America organization, and graduate of
for generations to come.” Leadership Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Director J.D. He has worked diligently to support Enid Public Schools, lead-
Strong praised the appointment. ing promotional efforts for two successful bond issues totaling
“I’ve both bird-hunted and worked alongside Chad Dillingham more than $190 million and recognized with the 2016 Barbara
in the past, and I can say unequivocally that Governor Stitt made Lynch Community Support Award from the Oklahoma State
an incredible pick in appointing him to replace the ‘irreplace- School Boards Association. He is active in several professional
able’ Commissioner Groendyke. His family and his business are insurance organizations, has served as an elder at First Presby-
well-respected, and much of that is due to what Chad brings to the terian Church of Enid, and is a member of YPO-Oklahoma City,
Dillingham name. Enid Rotary Club and the Grand National Quail Club.
“The sportsmen and women of this state will soon learn what I He and his wife of 26 years, Lisa, have two sons and one daughter
most respect about Mr. Dillingham as they watch him make ratio- ages 24, 21 and 20. He enjoys hunting, fishing, ranching, boating,
nal, well-reasoned decisions that are in the best interest of growing golf, and tennis, and he’s been an active private pilot since age 16.
our state, spreading our outdoor lifestyle, and helping our fish and “As a lifelong rancher, outdoorsman and hunting enthusiast, I am
wildlife resources to thrive.” proud to have the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” he said.

DONATIONS HELP GIVE BACK TO VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES

The Wildlife Department takes great pride in making avail- there are donated funds available, the program continues to
able the Stars and Stripes License Project, which pays for accept applications and buy licenses for successful applicants.
hunting and/or fishing licenses for Oklahoma residents who The number of licenses awarded each year depends on the total
are eligible veterans and those holding Gold Star lapel buttons amount of donations received.
and Next of Kin Deceased Personnel lapel buttons. Anyone who wants to show their appreciation for those who
We thank our many thoughtful donors who believe, as we do, served or are serving by donating to this worthy effort can go to
that our veterans and survivors of deceased veterans deserve license.GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com and click “Shop/Donate.”
this recognition. It truly is a small effort that allows all hunters, Or for more information, go to www.wildlifedepartment.com/
anglers and outdoor fans to say, “Thank you for your service.” licensing/stars-and-stripes.
The S&S Project operates strictly on donations received, All donations to the Stars and Stripes License Project are
because current law prohibits the Wildlife Department from tax-deductible. Please consider giving back to those who
giving away or buying hunting or fishing licenses. As long as served by donating today. Thank you.

2 Off the Beaten Path