In a recent celebration of environmental stewardship in Oklahoma, Michele Loudenback, environmental champion at the City of Norman, snagged the prestigious Towering Spirit Award. The recognition came during the 35th Annual Keep Oklahoma Beautiful (KOB) Environmental Excellence Celebration, held last Friday, as reported by the City of Norman's official website.
Loudenback, as the head of the Division of Environmental Resilience and Sustainability (DoERS) for Norman, was lauded for her efforts to lead the city's environmental programs and sustainability initiatives. Her team's work has been prominent in recent years, ranging from the Norman Solar Initiative to various community cleanup operations. The DoERS, established in Spring 2023, has begun to swiftly make its mark on the city's ecological future.
"We are exponentially proud of the work Michele does on behalf of the community each day," said City Manager Darrel Pyle, as stated in a release by the City of Norman. Pyle praised Loudenback's ability to both inspire and motivate, acknowledging her as more than deserving of the honor for her contributions to the community.
This celebratory event featured a tribute video in Loudenback's honor, showcasing accolades from her husband, David, and Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman, among others. According to the City of Norman's account, Loudenback's dedication to environmental excellence was at the forefront of the discussion, steadied by a backdrop of personal and professional admiration from her family, friends, City Council members, and colleagues who attended to celebrate her achievements.
In response to her accolade, Loudenback expressed appreciation not just for the award but for the collective effort toward a sustainable Oklahoma. "Keep Oklahoma Beautiful inspires all of us to act, to collaborate, and to build healthier, more resilient communities," she said, emphasizing the shared commitment required to drive progress in accordance with the City of Norman's release.
