Bob Anthony Commissioner

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Bob Anthony won election to his fourth consecutive six-year term on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in November, 2006.  Anthony was first elected to the Commission in 1988 becoming the first Republican elected to that body in 60 years, receiving more votes than any Republican since statehood.  In 1994, Anthony became the first Republican incumbent in Oklahoma history to win statewide reelection to a state office.  In 2000, Anthony was reelected receiving more votes at a that time than any candidate for state office in Oklahoma history.

In 1995, the FBI recognized Anthony with its highest award given to a citizen who, “at great personal sacrifice, has unselfishly served his community and the nation.”   Among numerous other recognitions, AARP-Oklahoma presented Anthony with an award  "In appreciation of his tireless efforts on behalf of Oklahoma consumers."

In addition to holding public office, Anthony currently is a member and past-president of the Economic Club of Oklahoma, a board member and past-chairman of the Crown Heights United Methodist Church, and serves on the board of Skyline Urban Ministry. Prior to joining the Corporation Commission he served on the boards of the Oklahoma State, Oklahoma City, and South Oklahoma City chambers of commerce; Oklahoma Historical Society; the Oklahoma Science and Arts Museum; Liberty National Bank; Banks of Mid-America, Inc.; the Dale Rogers School for Retarded Citizens; and, the Kirkpatrick Center.  Anthony has also held positions with Oklahoma City University, Leadership Oklahoma, Leadership Oklahoma City, O.I.C., the YMCA, Contact, Children’s Medical Research and Hospital Hospitality House.

Anthony graduated from Casady School in 1966 and holds a B.S. degree from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania.  He has earned a M.Sc. from the London School of Economics, an M.A. from Yale University, and an M.P.A. from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.  He served to the rank of captain in the U.S. Army Reserve.  In 1972 he was the staff economist for the Interior Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, and in 1976 he served as a consultant to the U.S. Library of Congress.  From 1979 to 1980 he served on the City Council of Oklahoma City as Ward 2 Councilman and then Vice Mayor.

In 1980, at age 32, Anthony succeeded his grandfather and father to become the third president of the C.R. Anthony Company.   During his seven years as president, sales for the retail chain increased from $256 million to $411 million.  In this seven-year period, sales, payroll, employment, and dollar profits reached all-time record levels, and the company was listed as the largest privately-owned firm headquartered in Oklahoma.  The shareholders voted to sell the company in 1987.

All four of Anthony’s grandparents came to Oklahoma before statehood.  His father was born in Cleveland, Oklahoma, and his mother grew up in Enid, Oklahoma.  He and his wife Nancy were married in 1975 and have four daughters:  Elizabeth, Christine, Suzanne, and Katherine.

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