Early Career Growth

Featuring Hunter Askew, Risk Management Specialist, OMAG

For many early-career professionals, municipal pooling is a field they discover through experience rather than expectation. When Hunter Askew joined OMAG, he found a career that combined public service, relationship-building, problem-solving, and continuous learning. Today, his work helps communities across Oklahoma identify risks, strengthen operations, and better serve their residents.

Hear directly from Hunter Askew as he shares how curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to learn helped shape his career journey and create opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Featured Career Story

Learning the Field, Serving the State, and Turning Data Into Action

Municipal risk pooling is a career path many professionals discover rather than one they initially pursue. Hunter Askew’s journey reflects that reality. When he joined OMAG, he found a specialized field that connected local government, risk management, and service in meaningful ways while offering a career with purpose, variety, and room to grow.

As a Risk Management Specialist, Hunter works alongside communities across Oklahoma to help identify risks, solve problems, and strengthen operations. Early in his career, much of his time was spent in the field conducting inspections, delivering safety training, and working directly with municipal staff. As his role has evolved, he continues to build relationships with members while helping them address challenges and find practical solutions through both onsite support and ongoing consultation.

Hunter’s work also demonstrates how data-informed risk management can strengthen member support. He helps organize and analyze inspection, grant, and claims-related information so OMAG can identify trends, anticipate member needs, and focus resources where they can have the greatest impact. By turning operational information into actionable insight, Hunter and his team help members better understand risk patterns and make more informed decisions. One example is OMAG’s hail notification initiative, which uses claims trends and data analysis to help members proactively address recurring challenges and mitigate future losses.

One experience that stands out involved a small Oklahoma town struggling with ongoing wastewater system issues. The community’s public works staff were new to their roles and uncertain where to begin. Hunter visited the community, evaluated the system, coached staff, and helped identify the source of the problem. By connecting the town with experienced OMAG team members and trusted industry partners, the community was able to focus its efforts, address the underlying issues, and move forward with greater confidence. For Hunter, the greatest success was not simply solving a technical problem. It was helping a community that didn’t know where to start find the right path forward.

His story also highlights the personal growth that can come from this work. Hunter described himself as naturally introverted and said public speaking was not something he enjoyed in college. Communicating with field staff, city managers, and colleagues has helped him become a stronger communicator and collaborator. With training and support from OMAG, skills that once felt uncomfortable became important strengths that continue to enhance his role.

For students and early-career professionals, Hunter’s experience offers a relatable message: this field will teach you, challenge you, and give your work meaning. Municipal pooling provides opportunities to solve real problems, support communities, and build expertise in areas many people never imagined pursuing.

“If you’re looking for a career with purpose, consider a municipal risk pool. It will challenge you, give you a deeper appreciation for the people and systems that keep communities running, and help you realize that making a lasting difference often comes from helping cities make smart, sustainable decisions.” – Hunter Askew