City Councilor David Pickel and his family became rooted in the Broken Arrow community more than 20 years ago.  Pickel is a graduate of Northeastern State University, where he earned both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in business. 

Since then, the insurance industry professional and small business owner has dedicated himself to serving the community in various capacities. 

"With a deep commitment to our community and a strong belief in the power of local governance, I am eager to bring my experience, dedication, passion, and vision to this role," Pickel said. "I want to give back to the city I've come to love so dearly."

In addition to being Broken Arrow's newest City Councilor, Pickel serves on the board of the Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation. He is the president-elect of the Rotary Club of Broken Arrow and a former Legacy Christian Academy board member. Pickel also serves on the board of the Broken Arrow Band Booster Club, serving as the organization's Vice President of Special Events, and is a Broken Arrow Chamber Ambassador.

Two of Pickel's proudest accolades include being named the 2020 Volunteer of the Year and the 2022 Community Advocate of the Year by the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce. 

"I've also been nominated for Small Business of the Year and graduated from Leadership Broken Arrow's Class of 2023," Pickel said. 

Originally from Poteau, Oklahoma, Pickel says that community service is a family tradition handed down to him by his parents. His father was a coal miner and a federal mine inspector who also led the Boy Scouts and volunteered for many roles within the church they attended. His mother was a seamstress who volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the local election board for over 40 years.

"I share this to help you understand the sense of community we were raised with in our family," Pickel said.

Pickel asserts that his platform is built on leadership, communication, community involvement, transparency, responsible management of public resources, and respect for diverse viewpoints. 

"I believe that by working collaboratively with all stakeholders, we can create a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for our Broken Arrow community," Pickel said. "I am truly excited about the opportunity and challenge as well."  

As a resident of Broken Arrow, Pickel has observed numerous changes in the city through its economic development, growth, education, public safety, infrastructure revitalization, sustainability, economics, and environment. 

" For Ward 3, over the next several years, we'll see the development of the Arrow Forge Innovation District, the next phase of Elam Park, and the continued expansion of Aspen Ridge Development," Pickel said. "I want to be an advocate for Ward 3 through my capabilities in community involvement." 

Serving on the City Council is an opportunity to influence local policy decisions, and Pickel aims to continue the legacy of public service for future generations. 

Councilor Pickel and his wife Jo Ann have been married for 30 years and have two children. Jo Ann Pickel is the Vice President of Operations for Pacesetter Claims. Their oldest is a University of Arkansas graduate and teaches third grade in Bentonville, Arkansas. Their youngest is a Broken Arrow High School senior and plans to attend the University of Oklahoma in the fall of 2025.

Pickel shared his enthusiasm for the new Ward 3 position he has been appointed to fill.

"I am excited about the opportunity to engage with constituents, listen to their concerns, and work together to develop solutions that reflect our shared values and aspirations," he concluded.