What drew you to be a part of the OKGIT?

I was asked to consider it, that is the simple answer.  More specifically, it was an opportunity to exchange experiences including the opportunity to interact with others in an international  exchange of ideas, economic activity and cultural exchange.

Tell us about your international experiences and how that is reflected in your life/work in Oklahoma? 

The sister city program of Stillwater introduced me to students from through the world, especially with Stillwater’s exchange with Kameoka, Japan being the lead.

Why is it important for you that Oklahoma has strong international ties?

The US has a limited economic population but a world wide impact  from exchange.  Our economy including is likely to be a world leader if we maintain strong international activity.

About Senator Tom Dugger

Tom J. Dugger, Stillwater resident since 1979, is a certified public accountant with over forty years experience in audit, tax, and corporate accounting. He graduated from Oklahoma State University where he was inducted as a member of the honorary scholastic fraternity Phi Kappa Phi and was also a Chi Chapter member of Beta Alpha Psi. He is a past board member of the Oklahoma Board of Accountancy. He is a past board member of the Oklahoma Society of CPA’s, and past chair of their political action committee. Tom has served as an instructor for continuing education courses offered by the Oklahoma Society of CPA’s and as a reviewer for the American Institute of CPA’s Peer Review Program. He served on an Oklahoma Department of Commerce steering committee that developed their educational course and manual entitled, “Energizing Your Local Economy, Business Tax Incentive Training.” He serves on the OSU School of Accounting Advisory Board and was recognized as a Distinguished Accounting Alumnus in 2005.

Tom received the Oklahoma Society of CPA’s Public Service Award in 2002. In 1995, after being nominated by the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, Tom was honored as the United States Small Business Advocate of the year. Tom also served two three-year elective terms on the Stillwater City Council. Tom recently served as a Regent for Northern Oklahoma College until October 2016. He is past president of the Stillwater Community Fund. Tom was previously affiliated with the predecessor firm of KPMG and also served as the audit and tax manager of the Oklahoma Publishing Company. His firm, Dugger & Co., CPA’s PC, established in 1986, has four full time employees. The firm serves a variety of clients in Stillwater and North Central Oklahoma ranging from individuals and professional practices to manufacturing and retail clients. The primary focus of the firm is on individual and business taxes and business operations.
Tom is an Eagle Scout awarded by the Boy Scouts of America and a prior member of the Oklahoma National Guard. He is a past president of Stillwater Exchange Club, past treasurer and executive committee member of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and has received the Chamber’s Distinguished Chairman’s Award. Tom graduated from the first Leadership Stillwater class and remains a member of the Leadership Stillwater Alumni. He has served as a board member on the Stillwater Chapter of the American Red Cross. Tom is a member of First Christian Church in Stillwater and is a board member of the nonprofit organization Matthew 25:40 Mission, Inc. and Turning Point Ranch (a therapeutic riding center for disabled children). He enjoys assisting the National Wrestling Hall of Fame with their activities.
Tom has been married to Ann Dugger, Ed. D. (OSU) for 46 years. She is an adjunct education professor at OSU. They have one son, Jim, who resides in Dallas, Texas, with his wife Emily.