City Manager James D. Couch inducted into Hall of Fame

(September 25, 2007) - City Manager James D. Couch was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials during the Oklahoma Municipal League’s annual meeting on September 13.

Couch was recognized for setting “The Oklahoma Standard” for community partnership and redevelopment in Oklahoma City.

“Jim has been successful gaining and maintaining citizen confidence for both MAPS and MAPS for Kids – two programs that began a renaissance in Oklahoma City.” said Teresa Mullican, President of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials Foundation.  “He’s done this through his ability to gain consensus in the community and, more importantly, by completing projects on time and within budget.”

Couch has served in three municipalities in the past 25 years, beginning as Public Works Director in Casper, WY in 1982.

Prior to his appointment as City Manager in 2000, Couch served as Assistant City Manager and Wastewater Utilities Director.  In those capacities he served as the General Manager of both the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust and the McGee Creek Authority.  He also has served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Edmond.

Couch received a Bachelor of Science – Civil Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the States of Oklahoma and Colorado.

Other officials inducted into the Hall of Fame include Watonga City Treasurer Leroy Lage and former Edmond and Chandler Mayor Carl Reherman.

The Oklahoma City and Town Officials Hall of Fame Foundation was created in 1999 to recognize individuals for outstanding achievements or contributions to city and town government.  Honorees are selected based on significant contributions to their community and Oklahoma local government and through their positive spirit of public service with unquestioned ethics.