Okarche native Chris Schroder has been named the next executive director for the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma (ACCO).

Schroder officially started the new position Friday, Oct. 1.

In this position, Schroder will oversee educational and training programs for county commissioners, legislative advocacy, both the worker’s compensation and property and liability insurance pools, as well as engaging in issues and challenges facing counties.

“It’s an honor to serve the 231 county commissioners across the state,” Schroder said.

Schroder began his career with ACCO in 2000 as an intern.

From 2001-2010, he played professional baseball with the Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics and Florida Marlins organizations.

In 2010, Schroder transitioned back to county government working for the OK Cooperative Circuit Engineering Districts Board, where he has worked the last 11 years.

Schroder graduated Okarche High School in 1997 and later received his bachelor’s degree in business from Oklahoma City University in 2001.

He earned Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State honors in both baseball and basketball for the Warriors.

After two years at Seminole State College, Schroder had record-breaking seasons for the Stars in 2000 and 2001.

After his junior season in 2000, Schroder was selected in the 46th round of the Major League Draft by the Cincinnati Reds.

He was taken in the 19th round the next year by the Montreal Expos, which later became the Washington Nationals.

Schroder is the only OCU baseball player to be taken twice in the MLB Draft.

He made his major league debut with the Nationals on Aug. 8, 2006, against the Florida Marlins.

Among his collegiate honors were being inducted into the OCU Athletics Hall of Fame and the NAIA Hall of Fame.

Schroder is currently a member of the Guthrie Public Schools Board of Education.

He and his wife, Tammy, live in Guthrie with their two daughters, Taylor, 12, and Avery, 9.

Schroder’s parents - Keith and Karen Schroder - still live in Okarche.

Keith was a longtime commissioner for Kingfisher County.

“I grew up in county government with my dad,” Chris said. “I look forward to our future at ACCO and honorably representing the commissioners on a statewide level.”

Gene Wallace has served as ACCO executive director for the past six years.

To ease the transition, Wallace will temporarily shift to CEO of ACCO, handling special projects.

Wallace has held multiple other positions including administrator for the Law Enforcement Administration, chief of staff in Congress and county commissioner of Muskogee County for 16 years.

ACCO serves as a statewide clearinghouse for leadership training, educational programming and a comprehensive array of services designed to meet the needs of its member counties.