Lawton Public Schools Assistant Superintendent/Chief Financial Officer Lance Gibbs has been selected as a Distinguished Eagle Award recipient by the International Association of School Business Officials.

ASBO International’s Eagle Award recognizes school business professionals whose leadership, service and commitment have advanced the profession and positively impacted the educational community, ASBO officials said. The award is designed to recognize excellence and dedication, reflecting on both the recipient and his/her school team and district.

“Through your leadership, mentorship, professional involvement and dedication to supporting others, you have helped strengthen the school business profession and contribute to its future success,” said Angie Tombul, ASBO International executive assistant and governance relations official.

Gibbs will be recognized at the Eagle Award presentation during the Best in School Business Award Ceremony at the ASBO International Annual Conference & Expo in Pittsburgh, PA, Oct. 14-16.

Gibbs said he appreciates the honor.

"I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized by the International Association of School Business Officials,” Gibbs said. “While my name is on this award, it reflects the dedication, talent and commitment of the incredible team I have the privilege of serving alongside – they are the true champions. I also am deeply grateful to the many people who have invested in me throughout my career, including my fellow members of the '6A CFO' group, my Oklahoma ASBO colleagues and friends, and the mentors who have generously shared their wisdom and encouragement along the way. Thank you all for your support and belief in me. This recognition is one I am proud to share with each of you."

Gibbs, who also was named School Business Official of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Business Officials (OKASBO) in April, has been an educator for 27 years. He has been with Lawton Public Schools for more than 20 years, working as a teacher and administrator in areas such as Grants, Curriculum, Student Services, and Finance. As chief financial officer, he oversees Finance, Federal Programs, Payroll, Maintenance, Transportation, Child Nutrition, and Grants.

Gibbs serves as a board member for OKASBO, and the Oklahoma Association Serving Impacted Schools (OASIS), Oklahoma Liquid Asset Pool (OLAP), Greater Lawton Rotary Club, and Learning Opportunity Impacted Schools Association (LOISA).