Ray C. Hankins, CPA, MPH

Oklahoma State Department of Health

Oklahoma City, OK   73117-1299

Biography

Raymond C.  Hankins (Ray) has been employed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health for over twenty-two years, serving in various administrative and financial functions of the department.  He has served as the Chief Financial Officer for the department since February 2000 and reports to the Deputy Commissioner of Health for Administrative Services.

Ray is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Procurement Officer, holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and has recently obtained his Masters in Public Health in Occupational and Environmental Health at the University Of Oklahoma College Of Public Health.

Ray's current position and responsibilities include oversight of the accounting and budgetary functions of Oklahoma's state health department with an annual operating budget of over 360 million dollars.  He is responsible for communicating the financial condition of the department to the leadership, the department's governing board, the state legislature and other partners and interested parties.  Policy development, strategic planning, program evaluation and other leadership functions are recurring aspects of his role within the department.

Leadership Development Opportunities

Involvement in EPHLI has been an interesting and challenging experience.  My educational background and work experience in Public Health varies somewhat from the other members of my EPHLI group.  My experience has been primarily in the financial and business affairs of a large state public health agency.  My exposure to Environmental Public Health issues prior to this program was minimal and I believe I learned a great deal from the curriculum and exposure to other group members and fellows.  Training in various leadership skills, the systems thinking approach, the 360 degree evaluation and other aspects of the program should benefit me greatly when applied in both business and personal settings.  I enjoyed immensely the opportunity to participate in the program.