Senate Pro Temp Greg Treat names Ellington, Prince to important criminal justice posts
Published: December 14th, 2019
Oklahoma City – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat has appointed Sidney Ellington of Oklahoma City and Calvin Prince of Ada to important board posts governing the Sooner State’s criminal justice system.
Ellington at Office of Juvenile Affairs
Named recently to the board of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs, Sidney Ellington currently serves as executive director of the American Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma. He previously served as executive director of the Warrior-School Project, a non-profit organization that provided educational services for military veterans leaving service to pursue college degrees. Ellington also served as a teacher in New Orleans in the Teach for America program and as director of a veterans’ outreach and support initiative for Teach for America.
He also planned and spearheaded for the Louisiana Department of Education a city-wide truancy reduction program for New Orleans.
Ellington served in the U.S. Navy, retiring after 20 years as a Navy SEAL officer. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as a doctorate, in political science — all from the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of several community service organizations, including the Knights of Columbus Council, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign War, and the Teach for America Alumni Association.
Ellington received the 2016 American Legion National Education Award. Past award winners include First Ladies Barbara Bush and Laura Bush, and Tom Brokaw, Fred Rogers, and Bob Keeshan.
“The Office of Juvenile Affairs is on the frontlines of helping youth and families involved in the justice system. Sid Ellington is a successful leader and has demonstrated the desire and ability, whether as a member of Teach for America or as a Navy SEAL, to help others succeed. We need people to partner with the leadership and staff at OJA to help change the future of youth involved in the justice system and I know Sid Ellington will do just that. I appreciate his willingness to step up and serve the state of Oklahoma,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.
Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, commended the selection of Ellington and said he brings a great work ethic and skillset to the OJA board.
“Sid is a leader who passionately cares about others and always works to help get the best out of his team. His experience as an educator, in the non-profit world, and as a member of our U.S. Navy makes him a great pick for the OJA board and I know that he’ll do a great job. I wish him all the best,” Rosino said.
Ellington’s appointment is effective January 1, Treat said. Ellington will replace Tony Caldwell, who serves as chairman of the OJA board and is resigning at the end of December. Caldwell was first appointed to the board in 2015.
“Tony Caldwell’s dedication to OJA and its mission is commendable. I want to thank Tony for his years of distinguished service on the OJA board,” Treat said.
A Prince at Corrections
Earlier this month, Pro Temp Treat announced the appointment of Calvin Prince of Ada to the board of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
Prince currently serves as the administrator for the Pontotoc County specialty courts programs.
Previously, he served as the director of marketing and community relations for Oklahoma Families First, Inc., and also as a school-based counselor for multiple school districts and colleges. He also consults with both local and state agencies on various topics relating to marriage, parenting, and drug and alcohol issues.
Prince received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees both in human resources counseling from East Central University, where he also played football for the Tigers. He has served on various statewide committees and boards including the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children board of trustees, and the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition. He currently serves as the chair of the board of directors for Mercy hospitals in Ada. Prince also has served as a NCAA basketball official for 28 years.
Prince and his wife Traci live in Ada and attend Trinity Baptist Church, where he is a deacon.
“The Department of Corrections is at an important point as the agency manages criminal justice reforms and works to update its systems and processes. It is important we have dedicated and talented people serving on the DOC board and Calvin Prince is just that. He brings a great perspective from his service as a drug court administrator and time as a counselor. I appreciate his willingness to serve on the DOC board,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.
Senator Greg McCortney, R-Ada, said Prince is a good fit and would do a great job on the board.
“Calvin has done a great job as administrator of the Pontotoc County courts programs. He has a heart for public service and for people, and his background in counseling will be a great addition to the Department of Corrections board. I know he’ll do a great job and I know the Ada-area community is proud of him and wishes him well,” McCortney said.
Prince replaces Mike Roach, who resigned from the board in October. Roach is deputy chief of the Yukon Police Department.
“Mike Roach brought a great perspective to the DOC board and served admirably. I appreciate his time and service on the board and wish him well,” Treat said.