Humbly and happily working behind the scenes, Debi Martin has been a reliable public servant of the City of Oklahoma City for more than 50 years. As the City Council Chief of Staff, she provides anyone phoning her office with not only a listening ear, but also viable solutions. She is the ultimate connector, with a wealth of knowledge and a wide network that she doesn’t hesitate to use. She “literally keeps the City going,” said her friend Kim Funk.
Martin and Funk collaborated during the founding of Palomar Family Justice Center, and that connection makes sense when you consider how Martin began working for the City as a criminal justice planner. In 1987, her path veered when City Manager Terry Childers selected her to establish the first-ever City Council office. Martin rose to the challenge—and soared. To date, Martin has worked with 45 council members and seven mayors.
“I realized that this was God’s plan; it was my calling,” Martin said. “There is no higher calling than public service for our community, to make our community better and to serve the residents and our elected officials.”
Martin is driven by what she calls a “servant’s heart,” a philosophy of caring, showing compassion and making a difference in people’s lives.
In 2001, she launched the Youth Council of Oklahoma City to engage high school students in local government. The program has proven to be a remarkable success, with nearly 450 students participating and several alumni now working in city government, including current council member Kamal Pennington.
Martin’s other career highlights include assisting in the relocation of the OKC Museum of Art from the fairgrounds to the Centre Theater. She also brought the First Tee youth development program to OKC in 2003, and she served as the City’s liaison for the USS Oklahoma City submarine for about 28 years. Martin’s husband of 46 years was a Marine, so military service has always resonated with her.
“I’ve been very engaged with all the commanders that served on our submarine. They are still close friends, and presently we are working on building a memorial park to the USS Oklahoma City and the Navy in the Scissortail Park area,” Martin said. “I’m excited about that project, because it certainly honors those who served our country on our namesake sub—but beyond that, it shows respect and admiration for those who served on behalf of our country and the defense of our country.”
Martin received the highest award given to a civilian by the US Navy: the Meritorious Service Award. She was also honored with the Stanley Draper Award in 2022, although you will never hear her bragging about it. Awards and achievements are almost an afterthought; she finds the most value within the people—residents, co-workers and especially her late husband and their children and grandchildren—who have touched her life.
“God has allowed me to be part of so many stories and continues to allow me to connect in our community,” Martin said. “Every day is an opportunity to learn and engage. I am so blessed.”
