09/04/2026
🌟September Employee of the Month - Stephen Riley
Stephen Riley was selected, in part, based on his work ethic, innovation, positive attitude, leadership, and professionalism.
Stephen consistently demonstrates outstanding job performance in his role. His attention to detail is unmatched, and the results of his work are visible throughout the golf course. He came to the City of Midwest City with valuable high-profile golf course maintenance experience, and he has used that experience to raise the standard of our municipal golf course. The course is maintained at a level that has not gone unnoticed by our customers, staff, or leadership.
Stephen also exhibits a high level of professionalism, a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a steady can-do approach, even when faced with challenges outside of his control. When the course experienced significant winter kill Stephen did not complain or make excuses, he addressed the problem head-on and, in a short amount of time, had more than 15 acres resodded and ready for play. That response is a strong example of his dependability, leadership, and commitment to the success of the organization.
Stephen has also shown innovation and initiative by identifying ways to improve the course while also saving money. He helped save the golf course more than $13,000 by completing replacement sod work in-house around greens and bunkers rather than using a contractor. He also removed 21 dead trees in-house, saving approximately $18,000 compared to contractor pricing. In addition, he planted 12.5 acres of native grass in selected areas to reduce mowing time and fuel costs.
Stephen leads by example and has built a team that takes pride in the appearance and condition of the golf course, as can be seen in several on-course landscaping projects around tee boxes and other areas that have made a noticeable difference and improve the customer experience. Stephen and his staff may not hear it directly, but those in the clubhouse hear the compliments on a daily basis. Those compliments are a direct reflection of Stephen's attention to detail, professionalism, leadership, and the pride he takes in his work.
For his outstanding job performance, positive attitude, innovative problem-solving, cost-conscious improvements, and the noticeable impact he has made on the golf course, Stephen Riley is highly deserving of Employee of the Month recognition.