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Wow. Okay. This is the last-ever Inside OklaOMMA as a staff newsletter for our program area within OSDH. The next time you receive this email, OMMA will be on our own as an independent state agency.
While there are a lot of lasts coming up, there are also a lot of firsts. Come to think of it, it’s pretty perfect that the leaves are starting to change as we settle into this new season of life. I see it as a metaphor for what’s happening with OMMA and my own personal life. I’m sure there are many of you out there who can attest that this time of year always feels a little more hectic — and that’s just normal day-to-day things that go on at home and in the world around us. Throw in all this change we’re experiencing at work, and we’re bound to start feeling the pressure.
I’ve recently spent time focusing on a quote by Voltaire: “The best is the enemy of good.” We always want to be THE best, but some days, all we can bring is our OWN best. For reasons personal, professional or other, some days are just harder. The truth of the matter is that our output can often reflect that.
As we head into our own new season, all I will truly ask of you is that if you are doing YOUR best, then keep doing it. Don’t compare your best to your neighbor’s best —there’s no winning that competition. You (and OMMA) are better off if you instead compare your best today with your best yesterday. Set a goal for yourself, and work to get a little better each day. Progress and improvement are our goals — be proud of yourself when you reach them. No, seriously. Pat yourself on the back! You’ve earned it.
This all ties into our progress toward creating an internal culture that exemplifies “the OMMA Way.” What is “the OMMA Way,” you ask? Well, I can’t wait for each of you to dig in and learn more very soon, but for a quick spoiler: the OMMA Way focuses on your growth through a culture where hard work is both expected and rewarded. You’ll receive a copy of, and a training on, our new independent agency’s policies and procedures, but the bottom line is that each of us has an opportunity to shape what it looks like to be the gold standard for state regulatory agencies.
We are also celebrating the one-year anniversary of Inside OklaOMMA! I’m so incredibly proud of our Comms team and where they’ve taken this newsletter and their team in general. Our internal communication has increased tremendously over the past year — from this newsletter to the OMMA Staff SharePoint where you can find every link you could ever need, to our liaison team that makes sure we’re breaking down silos internally. These changes have made a huge difference.
There are so many teams giving their best every single day at OMMA. It’s hard to focus on one when you’re all out there killing it, but I wanted to highlight a few areas that are shining brightly right now:
- The Finance team submitted OMMA’s first ever stand-alone budget this month!
- The Labs department has created their own internal guiding principles of D.I.C.E. – Diligence, Integrity, Cohesion & Empathy. What a great example to us all!
- And the Transition team – holy cow. The transition team. Their work to make SB 1543 come to life by Nov. 1 is remarkable. We literally could not have done it without every single person on that team giving 110% every single day.
I know you know this transition to becoming a standalone agency is a big deal, but it’s my true desire that you all embrace the OMMA Way. I can't wait to talk about this more with all of you in the coming weeks. At the end of the day, you are the reasons so many of these changes are happening — we want the best for you, and if we can provide that while you’re at work, then that’s just what we’re going to do.
If you think I don’t notice you or your team, I promise I do. I see you. I know you’re putting your all in. Keep it up.
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Adria G. Berry
Executive Director
October marks the first anniversary of our monthly editions of Inside OklaOMMA! During this time, we have welcomed 152 new employees, celebrated 35 MVPs and highlighted 12 teams. It has been a time of growth for our newsletter, with diverse content in each edition to keep all OMMA employees in the know.
While we celebrate our first year of publication and reminisce on our past, we also look forward to all the changes that will come in the next couple of weeks. The biggest is our transition to an independent state agency on Nov. 1.
This newsletter has grown in size and scope over the last year. In an effort to make it more consumable, we’re going to be changing up the type of content included in it. We will begin sending weekly staff messages beginning next Wednesday. These emails will have opportune information, calendar items, program area updates and more. The goal is to provide employees with a more condensed, timely version of all-staff information. Be on the lookout for our first What’s Up Wednesday email — the first one will go out Wednesday, Oct. 26!
Legal
We continue to hold Metrc noncompliance hearings. These hearings occur on the 4th floor on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Oct. 28. Please be aware that people who are not OMMA employees will be in our building during these hearings.
In another large-scale hearing handled by the Legal Department, we wish to thank Labs and Compliance for all their hard work on the recent embargo/recall case.
Compliance
The Compliance team has been working very hard to complete inspections for the 2022 year, and they are very close to reaching their goal of 100%. Check out this map to view their progress:
Policy
The office of the Secretary of State has determined all administrative rules regarding medical marijuana currently in OAC 310:681 will expire at midnight on Oct. 31, 2022. Emergency Rules that will go into effect with the Governor’s signature on Nov. 1 will include the permanent rules that took effect on Sept. 11 and emergency rules that took effect earlier this summer. All the text will be underlined, which signifies new rules, because this chapter in the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) has never existed before.
The new rules are in OAC 442. Most OMMA rules are in Chapter 10. Find the rules on Nov. 1 at omma.ok.gov/rules.
OMMA Chief of Staff Barrett Brown discusses upcoming changes to OMMA rules in the video below.
Halloween Costumes
OMMA staff employees are welcomed to dress up on Monday, Oct. 31 for Halloween. Please ensure that your costumes are workplace appropriate and do not violate the Administrative Policies and Procedures regarding dress code.
Emergency Evacuation Notice
There will be emergency management drills happening soon. Carefully read the Evacuation Guide to learn more about fire and severe weather evacuation plans.
RISE Leadership Conference
Executive Director Adria Berry and Contract Monitor Sharita Hill will be speaking at the RISE Leadership Conference. RISE will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Catch the event via a livestream link: Search in the Learning section on Workday@OK for "RISE Leadership Conference."
Transition
We will become an independent state agency Nov. 1. While the transition is an exciting event to look forward to, there is also a lot of important information to read and steps to take before Nov. 1. Please visit our Transition page on SharePoint to learn more.
Open Enrollment
The benefits Option Period for all active state employees started on Saturday, Oct. 1, and closes at midnight on Oct. 31, 2022. You will be able to enroll 24 hours a day through the easy online through your Workday portal or the Workday App. Employees who are electing to contribute to a Flexible Spending Account require an enrollment each year.
Find more information in this presentation on SharePoint on how to enroll in benefits through Workday. If you have already enrolled and need to make changes — from Workday, you will go to your dashboard, view all apps, on the left-hand side scroll down to Benefits, a menu will pop up and there you will see Change Open Enrollment.
Elections made during the Option Period will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. If you opted out last year, you will be contacted by one of OSDH's Human Resources Business Partners directly. The opt-out form must be completed each year.
Option Period meetings were held at the beginning of the month. If you were not able to attend one of the sessions, a recording of the option period changes can be reviewed here.
Please follow the links below to learn more:
Important deadlines to remember
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Life Insurance Application or Decrease forms due by Oct. 31, 2022
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For employees re-enrolling in the HealthChoice High or Basic Plan, the Tobacco Attestation is due by Nov. 11, 2022
- The Tobacco-Free Attestation process ensures that you and your covered dependents will be enrolled or remain enrolled in the HealthChoice High or Basic plan for the 2023 plan year. This attestation is to be completed only by the primary member. If you do not complete the attestation you will be enrolled in the alternate plan which has a higher deductible.
You may notice some 2022 dates when reviewing your benefits summary.
The coverage start date & deduction start date is your original start date when you enrolled in the plan. If you do not change the plan or coverage during the option period, these dates will remain the original start date. This will not affect your Jan. 1, 2023, enrollment. If you were to change plans or coverage, then these dates will change to Jan. 1, 2023. Regardless of the date shown, you will have coverage for 2023.
Money in the Bank
Upcoming paydays: Oct. 21 and Nov 4.
RISE Leadership Conference
Friday, Oct. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendance is virtual and optional.
Transition Day
OMMA becomes an independent agency Nov. 1.
General Election
Early voting begins Wednesday, Nov. 2 to Nov. 5 and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. State law gives you up to two hours of time off to vote on Election Day or the early voting period, depending on where you vote, where your workplace is and your normal working hours. Contact your supervisor at least three days before you plan to vote if you need to request time off.
Veterans Day
All state offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day
L-R Second Row: Angie Woodrow, Chief Operations Officer; Erin Medley, HR Director; Adria G. Berry, Executive Director; Barrett Brown, Chief of Staff; La Juan Lewis, Finance Director; Joshua Maxey, Chief Financial Officer.
L-R First Row: Jennifer Kellbach, Deputy Chief Operating Officer; Toni LoVecchio, Internal Services Director; Kelsey Pagonis, Communications Director; Aaron Martin, Chief Technology Officer.
Not Pictured: Mary Ann Roberts, General Counsel; Garrett Sill, Asst. General Counsel.
Executive Director Adria Berry handpicked the team tasked with ensuring OMMA's smooth transition to becoming an independent state agency. The transition team is made up of executives, directors and liaisons from different departments who have worked to plan for the transition, including troubleshooting and problem solving issues that may come up — on, before or after Nov. 1.
“The best part about this team is everyone understands the goal and is willing to work through the challenges to make sure that OMMA is OMMA on Nov. 1, 2022,” said Deputy COO Jennifer Kellbach. “Executive Director Berry has provided a strong and clear vision of how OMMA will operate, and every decision the transition team makes is an effort to ensure OMMA is rooted in the foundation of that vision. We have a truly unique opportunity to shape a state agency from the ground up, and while that is a daunting and intense task, the team knows the result with be worthwhile.”
While we wait anxiously for Nov. 1, it is also important to understand that the transition does not end that day. Things will continue to come up and change, and patience will be our biggest virtue.
“We are doing our best to think of and ensure all systems are up and running with no disruption, the likelihood of something being not quite right on Nov. 1 is real. There will be some growing pains, for sure. But what I want people to know is — no decisions were made lightly, hastily or in a vacuum,” said Kellbach. “Some of the obstacles faced could be as simple as you not being able to find a file you once had access to. During the time of transition know that if something does not work or cannot be located you should ask for help.”
The next few weeks could face different adaptations, but if you need help or find that something is not quite like it used to be please contact your manager, a liaison member or a member of the transition team to help you find a solution and ensure that we continue to support OMMA’s mission and vision.
View new hires, promotions, birthdays and OMMA work anniversaries on OMMA’s SharePoint!
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Congratulations to this month's OMMA MVPs — our Monthly Value Promoters! Each month, OMMA executive leadership selects up to five MVPs who embody at least one of our core values. To see the full nominations, be on the lookout for a weekly email from the Communications Department highlighting each MVP.
Executive leadership selects one of the five chosen MVPs to be OMMA’s Employee of the Month. The Employee of the Month will get a reserved parking spot (A20) at the Connors Building for the month following the publication of this newsletter, AND Executive Director Berry will take them to lunch.
The October Employee of the Month is Staci Newell.
Consumer Protection
Mandi Hagler, Lab Data Analyst
Ensuring patient health and safety is first and foremost in all agency actions.
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Integrity
Staci Newell, Paralegal
Being honest, trustworthy and transparent in all that we do.
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Collaboration
Jerin Presley, Outreach and Events Supervisor
Developing and maintaining strong partnerships through open and respectful communication and trust-building.
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Innovation
David Autry, Communications Coordinator
Establishing a culture of continuous learning and process improvement.
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Quality Service
Cheryl Flowers, Fleet Management Coordinator
Demonstrating professionalism, courtesy and efficiency to effectively satisfy customer needs.
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To nominate an OMMA MVP for next month, click the button below!
If you have photos from the field (tours and the like), please share them with us!
 Nyomi Barrick-Wommack, Education and Outreach Manager, hosting OMMA’s first Lunch and Learn.
 The Compliance team joined OSDH staff for LiveWell’s kickoff event for Walktober.
Back Row from L to R: Jackson Finks, Compliance Administrative Assistant; Tiffany Mitchell, Compliance Administrative Assistant; Shalysta O’Mally, Administrative Programs Officer; Vincent Cato, Compliance Administrative Assistant.
Front Row from L to R: R'Riyonna Gaither, Compliance Intern; Clifton Johnson, Administrative Programs Officer; E’Lescia Burdine, Compliance Administrative Assistant; Tawuana Relerford, Compliance Administrative Assistant; Waynesha Frederick, Compliance Administrative Assistant.
If you have feedback for OMMA leadership or maybe you have a few questions you'd like answered or clarified, use the button at the bottom of this section! It's anonymous, but we do ask you to provide which department you're in to determine if questions or concerns are isolated, or if they're occurring throughout OMMA.
Question:
I don't understand why it is important to have so many different areas to find information and communicate? We have Outlook, FB, TEAMS, LinkedIn, Yammer, Workday and the multiple SharePoint sites. It makes it difficult to know where I should be looking because it feels like there are too many sources for information. Employee also wanted a survey to be sent out to see if other employees felt the same way – which is currently in the works.
Answer:
Our Communications department works hard to make sure OMMA staff members have access to the information and updates you need to do your jobs and serve as state employees. I’d much rather they over-communicate than under-communicate. With that said, this is a great opportunity to clarify where people should go to find information. Your own Outlook inbox and the OMMA Staff SharePoint should be your go-tos for information and updates.
Every newsletter, several all-staff emails, surveys, forms, policies and more are all on our SharePoint. Please make sure you have access to it. You may have heard about a LinkedIn or employee Facebook group, there are also other statewide communication tools within the Microsoft Office suite such as Yammer and Teams. Those are great resources and we encourage you to check them out and even engage with co-workers on each platform, but at the end of the day, what you really need to remember to do if you want to stay apprised of OMMA-wide happenings is to frequently check the SharePoint and read your emails.
To give feedback for next month's newsletter, click the button below!
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