City Manager Mike Bailey was awarded the Tom Shoemake Award during the Bartlesville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Awards and Gala on Aug. 20.
The prestigious award is given annually to recognize a Bartlesville citizen in a leadership role who exhibits outstanding community leadership “by having the courage to make tough decisions, the confidence to stand alone, the compassion to listen to the needs of others and does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the quality of his/her actions and the integrity of his/her intent,” according to the BRCC.
Bailey was more than deserving of the award, said Mayor Dale Copeland.
“It was a pleasure to attend the Chamber Gala and see our City Manager, Mike Bailey, receive the Tom Shoemake award for his excellent public service,” said Mayor Dale Copeland. “Over a span of years in a variety of positions Mike has demonstrated all the qualities that make him such a deserving recipient of this honor.”
Bailey began his career with the City in 2005 as an accountant. He was named clerk/treasurer a year later, and in April 2011 he took on the additional roles of director of Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer. He was named city manager in 2018 after acting in that capacity in an interim position for several months.
Bailey accepted the award during the gala, giving credit for his accomplishments to his wife Shannon.
“I would not be where I am today without her,” he said.
Tom Shoemake served as marketing and business development vice present with 66 Federal Credit Union (now Truity) in Bartlesville prior to his death in 2005. The award has been presented annually since that time.