Bruce Mahaffey said helping people has been the best part of being executive director of the Eastern Oklahoma Development District. He is retiring from the job after 15 years and will be replaced by Deputy Director Joe Harrington.

“I love working with people,” Mahaffey said. “To me, this job has been about helping people help themselves.”

Mahaffey, 68, was previously the city manager in Okemah and fire chief for The Village near Oklahoma City.

“There have been some big projects here, and it has been rewarding to do that,” he said. “But it has been just as rewarding to help set up rural fire stations.”

The EODD is one of 11 such state districts and is part of the Council of Governments. The four main programs at the Muskogee office are economic development, community development, rural fire departments and aging services. The EODD covers seven counties: Adair, Cherokee, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Sequoyah and Wagoner.

“We’re a service department trying to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities,” Mahaffey said. “We can work as part of the staff for some of these small communities that can’t afford extra staff.”

Mahaffey listed a few of the projects EODD has tackled during his tenure:

• Helping establish or improve fire departments in communities with a population of less than 10,000. There are more than 100 such departments in the EODD’s area.

• Helping cities plan capital improvements, including improvements that facilitate business growth and development.

• The Community Enhanced Nutrition Assistance program for the aging. EODD nutrition centers have grown in number from approximately eight to more than 80. The Wainwright center serves between 60 and 70 people per week.

• Development of 911 addressing in Sequoyah, McIntosh and Adair counties. Most agencies and utilities now require a physical address for rural residents. So, 911 addressing serves that need as well as helps in emergency services.

Mahaffey said he has “bought 90 acres and a few head of cattle.” He plans to spend time there along with his wife, Jo. The couple has four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mahaffey expressed confidence in the man taking over his role.

“Joe Harrington is a fantastic individual; he’ll do a great job,” he said. “He’s been here 13 years. He’s a very likable person who works well with all the communities and county commissions. This job will be left in good hands.”



Reach Keith Purtell at 918-684-2925 or Click Here to Send Email