Meet Your Commissioner

Tom Manske
Commissioner District 1

Phone: (405) 295-6200
Email Mansket@canadiancounty.org

Tom Manske, a third-generation Oklahoman and local rancher and business owner, is a  District 1 Canadian county commissioner. “ I pledge to serve the citizens of District 1 with honesty, fairness and integrity,” Manske said.

A 29-year resident of Canadian County, Manske is well known in business, education, and agricultural groups. “I have been serving the public all my adult life in my work,” Manske said. “Now, I hope to serve my fellow citizens in a new capacity as county commissioner. I promise to devote my time and energy to this important job. I will bring an open-door, businesslike approach to the job and be active in addressing the needs of concerns of District 1. I also pledge to make certain that county services are provided in the most cost-efficient manner possible,” he added.

In addition to his ranching and cattle company, auctioneering, real estate, and film work, Manske is also working as the Agriculture Technology specialist at Redlands Community College. Manske will leave his position at Redlands if elected county commissioner.

For 20 years, Manske worked for the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service as a Canadian County 4-H Educator. During that time (1993-2013), Manske worked in all facets of program development and coordination and established the Canadian County 4-H Foundation. He also served as the Development Director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation from 2013 to 2016, and then served as Executive Director of Cavett Kids Foundation for one year.

“I believe public service is an honorable calling and office holders should be held to the highest standards of openness and honesty,” Manske said. “I am committed to meeting those high expectations and giving the people the quality local government they expect and deserve.”

Manske has been active in the community for more than two decades. He has served as President of the Canadian County 4-H Foundation since 2014 and has served as President of Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Center since 2018. He is active on the Canadian County Cattleman’s Board where he serves as Treasurer. He is also a member of several agricultural-related associations, including the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and was a member of Class XI of the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program.

A professional auctioneer for 35 years, Manske has auctioned at numerous benefits and events supporting schools, churches, cancer patients, Special Olympics, and Yukon Hud Charities as well as serving as an emcee or featured speaker at banquets and events.

As county commissioner, Manske said he would develop the strongest possible working relationships with county and city governments to ensure public safety is a top priority. “I also will seek to promote economic development that creates good-paying, quality jobs for the people in Canadian County,” Manske said.

“I believe county government can successfully work hand-in-hand, pooling resources and expertise aimed at formulating a long-term plan to meet future needs and to bring projects to completion much faster and in a more cost-effective manner,” Manske said.

A 1986 graduate of Shattuck High School, Manske earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University.

Manske is a life-long Republican. He resides in Yukon and is an active member of LifeChurch.