2 Adans honored as finalists in Woman of the Year

Ada — Robyn Elliott and Oklahoma State Senator Susan Paddack were each recognized during the Journal Record’s 2008 “50 making a difference” award ceremonies Sept. 25 in Oklahoma City.

Honorees include women from diverse career fields including education, health care and government.

Elliott is a Chickasaw citizen and administrator of the tribe’s Division of Communications.

“Robyn is committed to serving the Chickasaw Nation and the state of Oklahoma as well,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. “She is a vital part of our organization and the community. Her successful leadership style is a driving force of positive change.”

Elliott earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from East Central University, where she was named Outstanding Marketing Student in 2001. She was also a National Award Recipient from the Direct Marketing Institute. She is currently working towards a master’s degree in Psychology.

She is a 2005 graduate of Leadership Oklahoma, and now volunteers on the program planning committee for that organization.

Her many professional affiliations include membership in the Oklahoma Heritage Association, Lion’s Club, Girl Scouts of the USA, Oklahoma Academy Public Relations Society of America. Elliott serves as a board member for the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce and the East Central University Alumni Association.

She also participates in many civic organizations, including the Ada Arts Council, Arts District of Ada, Ada Jobs Foundation, Youth Leadership Oklahoma and Creative Oklahoma.

As administrator of the Division of Communications, Elliott coordinates activities of several departments, including multimedia, media relations, special services, public affairs and the Chickasaw Times.

While she maintains a hectic schedule, she places a strong emphasis on maintaining strong family relationships.

“From my family, I have learned faith in God, the importance of honor, integrity, respect for others and the value of hard work and perseverance,” said Elliott. “It was not always easy for my family. Now, I am able to really appreciate and recognize the sacrifices that my parents made for my siblings and myself and the lessons we learned from them. I wouldn’t trade anything for that life education.”

Elliott is married to Wayne Scribner, an administrator with the Chickasaw Nation.

Although Paddack has just completed her first term in the Oklahoma State Senate representing District 13, she has quickly ascended through the leadership ranks, authoring landmark legislation and receiving numerous honors for her work.

State Senate President Pro Tempore Danny Morgan lauded her many attributes and accomplishments when he recommended her for the Woman of the Year Award.

“Senator Paddack is an important member of our leadership team and will be an important leader for Oklahoma for many years to come,” Morgan said. “She has handled crucial legislation on behalf of Leadership, both in committee and on the Senate floor, involving education and health issues. I consider her personal attributes and character to be exemplary.”

Chair of one of the most powerful committees in the Senate, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, Paddack was unopposed when she announced she would seek a second term this year. In addition to her chairmanship, Paddack also serves as Democratic Whip in the State Senate.

“I first ran for the senate because as a former classroom teacher I knew how important it was to ensure our education institutions are the very best they can be,” said Paddack, D-Ada. “I also had become increasingly involved as an advocate for greater access to health care. Each of these issues drew me into the public arena and they continue to be top priorities for me in the State Senate as I begin my second term.”



Sen. Paddack graduated from the University of Colorado in 1974. She was a teacher for several years at junior high schools in Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma.

She completed her master’s degree in education at East Central University in 1993 and joined the adjunct faculty there a year later.

She currently serves on the boards of the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust, Healthcare Workforce Resources Center ad Southern Regional Education Board. She is also a member of Business and Professional Women USA. She is also a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma, and has served as vice-president for the Oklahoma Institute of Child Advocacy.

Lindsay businesswoman Claudean Harrison told the 2009 Selection Committee, “Draw a picture of the quintessential Oklahoman woman and Susan Paddack’s image appears. This classic portrait reveals a faithful wife, caring mother, consummate contributor and tireless volunteer. Susan has taken her multiple skills, experience and education into the political arena where her leadership impacts statewide problems with solutions that make a real difference, especially in key areas of education, healthcare and legislative reform.”

Sen. Paddack’s efforts in the legislature have earned her several honors, including being named Oklahoma Academy of Physicians’ 2008 Legislator of the Year. She also received the Oklahoma Academy Exceptional Commitment Award and was named to Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy’s Child Advocate Hall of Fame earlier this year. She has also been honored by the Higher Education Alumni Council of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Nurses Association, and the Rural Health Association of Oklahoma.

“The greatest influences on my life are my father and my husband,” said Sen. Paddack. “My father taught me well the value of hard work and the importance of giving back to your community. My husband shows me unconditional love and unwavering support in all I do. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my fellow citizens in the State Senate, and honored to be recognized for that service.”

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