Advertise on podcast: OMAG All Access

In this episode of OMAG All Access, host Lori Mueller is joined by Monica Coleman, OMAG General Counsel and Personnel Services Director, to examine the recent Tenth Circuit case Jenny v. L3Harris. Together, they unpack how supervisors’ actions—and omissions—can expose municipalities to discrimination and retaliation claims. From seemingly small comments to undocumented reorganizations, this case highlights the critical importance of consistency, documentation, and timely intervention. Learn what municipal leaders can do today to reduce risk and protect both employees and organizations. A downloadable documentation best practices guide is included with this episode. Episode Resource: Download File

Cybersecurity threats are growing - and municipalities across Oklahoma are not immune. In this episode of OMAG All Access, host Matt Jacobson sits down with Mark Kirby, CISA’s Cybersecurity Advisor for Oklahoma and Arkansas, to talk about real-world risks facing cities and towns, from phishing scams to ransomware attacks. Mark shares practical, no-cost resources available through CISA, offers guidance on how to improve cybersecurity with limited budgets, and explains why regular training and layered defenses matter more than ever. If you serve in local government and want to better protect your community’s digital infrastructure, this episode is for you. Contact informaiton for CISA staff: Mark Kirby, CISSP, PMP & A|CISO Supervisor Cybersecurity Advisor (Arkansas & Oklahoma) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Integrated Operations Division / Region 6 Office: 501-519-2680 E-Mail: [email protected] Calvin Harley Cybersecurity State Coordinator (Oklahoma) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Integrated Operations Division / Region 6 Office: 405-568-5843 Email: [email protected]

In this episode of OMAG All Access, Risk Management Director William Shepherd sits down with Blake Catanzano and Michael Bridges of Next Phase Roofing to talk about what municipal leaders need to know about protecting public buildings from storm damage, leaks, and long-term roof failures. From free inspections to emergency response, they walk through the top reasons cities and towns should take a proactive approach to roof maintenance - and how Next Phase’s Priority Program can help. Learn how regular evaluations, clear documentation, and trusted contractor relationships can save your community time, money, and headaches when the next big storm hits. Visit OMAG.org  for more resources, and contact [email protected] with podcast topic ideas.

In Episode 83 of OMAG All Access, Bill Tackett interviews OMAG's Professional Training & Development Analyst, Lori Mueller about the gift of feedback. If you've ever felt nervous about giving someone feedback, you're not alone. Most people have some anxiety around it and have never been taught how to give feedback effectively. Though feedback is an important element of personal and professional success. In this podcast, learn the value of effective feedback and tools to help you organize your thoughts to provide genuine, honest feedback. Learn more by visiting www.omag.org

In this episode of OMAG All Access, Director of Risk Management William Sheppard sits down with LaVeta Breath, Director of Risk Management for the City of Oklahoma City and President of the Central Oklahoma RIMS Chapter. Together, they explore the value of risk management in municipal operations and the vital role that RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society) plays in connecting professionals across industries. LaVeta shares insights from her 17-year journey in municipal risk management, highlights the power of networking, and discusses how RIMS fosters collaboration, education, and professional development. Whether you're new to risk or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers practical takeaways on building community and finding support in a field where no two days are ever the same. To learn more about RIMS, visit rims.org.  To connect with OMAG and discover resources for Oklahoma municipalities, visit OMAG.org.

Unlock $150K for Infrastructure: Understanding the OWRB REAP Grant  In this episode of OMAG All Access, Risk Management Director William Shepard and Specialist Hunter Askew sit down with Ariel LaMontagne and Kretchen Olmeda from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to break down the Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) Grant. With up to $150,000 in funding available—and no match requirement—this program is a game-changer for Oklahoma towns and rural districts. Learn how to qualify, what documents you’ll need, and why applying early could make all the difference. Whether your municipality needs waterline repairs, sewer upgrades, or system planning support, this conversation delivers practical guidance that can move your projects forward. 🔗 For resources and the REAP grant application, visit omag.org/sewer-resources.

Cyberattacks are on the rise—and smaller municipalities are now a top target. In this episode of OMAG All Access, David Dalton, OMAG’s Director of Claims, is joined by cybersecurity attorney Zach Oubre of McAfee & Taft to discuss how cities and towns in Oklahoma can protect themselves. Zach shares insights from years of experience helping clients navigate breaches, ransomware events, and phishing scams. Together, they walk through practical steps your municipality can take now—from improving email security to implementing multi-factor authentication and updating system patches. Whether you’re a city manager, clerk, or IT professional, this episode offers straightforward advice to reduce your cyber risk and respond quickly when attacks occur. Learn more at www.omag.org

In this special episode of OMAG All Access, hosts William Shepherd and Kyle Waid are joined by Benjamin Curry, Director of Emergency Communications and Management for the City of Edmond. Benjamin shares his journey from 911 dispatcher to emergency management leader and offers actionable advice for municipalities on preparing for severe weather, building key relationships, and maintaining essential services. Whether you’re an emergency manager, a city official, or simply passionate about public safety, this episode is filled with valuable insights for protecting your community. 

 Join hosts William Shepherd and Randy Jacox on OMAG All Access as they talk with Tonya White from Garver, a funding specialist dedicated to helping Oklahoma municipalities make the most of their budgets. Learn how to strategically plan projects, access funding opportunities, and effectively manage grants to stretch every dollar. Whether you're a city manager, public works director, or municipal leader, this episode is packed with practical advice to support your community's financial resilience. 

In this episode of OMAG All Access, hosts William Sheppard and Randy Jacox are joined by Tonya White, Water Funding Program Specialist at Garver, to discuss the importance of water and wastewater system master plans and capital improvement plans (CIPs) for Oklahoma municipalities. Tonya shares practical steps for getting started, how master planning supports funding efforts, and why internal collaboration is key to moving infrastructure projects forward. Whether your city is new to planning or simply needs to revisit existing strategies, this conversation provides valuable insights into aligning your needs with available funding opportunities.  Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with other municipal leaders. For more resources and support, visit www.omag.org or connect with us on Facebook. Have a podcast idea? Email us at [email protected]. 

In this episode of OMAG All Access, host William Sheppard, Director of Risk Management at OMAG, is joined by Randy Jaycox and Brian Conroy from Duke’s Root Control to discuss innovative solutions for maintaining municipal sewer systems in Oklahoma. Since 2018, OMAG’s partnership with Duke’s Root Control has helped municipalities prevent costly sewer overflows by keeping sewer lines clear and flowing. Brian shares insights into how chemical root control has benefited over 100 OMAG members, covering more than 2 million feet of pipe with a 99% success rate. The conversation also explores new technology for identifying inflow and infiltration (I&I) issues in wastewater systems. Brian explains how Duke’s cutting-edge Eye Tracker technology helps municipalities pinpoint problem areas and prioritize repairs—saving time, money, and compliance headaches. Key takeaways include: How OMAG’s Root Control Grant has helped cities and towns reduce sewer overflows The role of advanced I&I detection in improving wastewater system efficiency How cities can reduce treatment costs and prevent costly sewer overflows The impact of acoustic inspections and micro-detection on system maintenance If your municipality is looking to enhance wastewater management and reduce risk, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Find more resources at www.omag.org or send your podcast topic suggestions to [email protected]. 

In the latest episode of OMAG All Access, Risk Manager William Shepard sits down with Abby Whitaker of Blackmon Mooring to discuss the critical role of restoration services in municipal preparedness and recovery. From fire and water damage to biohazard cleanups and HVAC restoration, learn how having the right emergency response plan can save your city time, money, and resources. Abby shares expert insights on selecting a reliable restoration partner, preventing costly damage - especially during extreme weather - and what cities should consider before disaster strikes. Plus, hear how Blackmon Mooring’s nationwide resources ensure rapid response when every second counts. Don’t miss this informative discussion! Learn more at www.omag.org.

In this episode of OMAG All Access, host Randy Jacox is joined by Asa Baker of Midwest Infrastructure Coatings to explore innovative approaches to manhole rehabilitation. Asa breaks down the advantages of protective polyurea coatings, highlighting how they save municipalities significant time and costs compared to traditional manhole replacement. With insights into the science behind their durable materials and real-world applications, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways for municipal leaders. Whether you're looking to extend the life of aging infrastructure, reduce costs, or implement proactive maintenance strategies, this episode provides the knowledge you need. Don’t miss the discussion on cutting-edge solutions that can safeguard your city’s sewer systems and optimize your resources. Listen now!

Have you ever wondered how to keep your city’s sewer system running smoothly and avoid costly backups? In this episode of OMAG All Access, Josh Pandian from Key Equipment & Supply and OMAG’s own Randy Jacox discuss the essential tools, technology, and strategies every municipality needs for sewer system maintenance. From the importance of system mapping and jetter equipment to the value of camera inspections, Josh and Randy break down practical solutions for cities of any size. Learn how preventive maintenance, the right equipment, and systematic cleaning programs can reduce sewer issues by up to 85% while extending the life of your infrastructure. If you’re looking to save time and money and avoid messy problems down the road, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in now and equip your city with the knowledge to manage its sewer systems effectively. Learn more at www.omag.org.

In this episode of OMAG All Access, host Bill Tackett is joined by Mike Carter, the City Manager of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, who recently spoke at the OMAG Law Enforcement Showcase about the creation of a transformative "policing plan." This plan, developed under Mike’s leadership as the former police chief, has played a key role in fostering trust and transparency between the Sand Springs Police Department and its community. Mike shares the story behind the plan, its evolution, and its impact on both the department and public relations. Mike provides valuable insights on how other municipalities can implement a similar approach, from addressing lessons learned after Ferguson to collaborating with officers, the city council, and the public. Tune in for a deep dive into proactive policing, community engagement, and how building a living, evolving document can strengthen relationships within your community. For more information on how OMAG can assist your municipality, visit www.omag.org.