Within the last month, two major new job announcements have each indicated a common reason for their choice of Oklahoma City as a great place to expand: the quality of our local workforce.

On Dec. 1, officials with Signify Health, Inc. joined Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development Scott Mueller and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President and CEO Roy H. Williams to announce a new 25,000 square-foot office space at 5400 E. Memorial Road, along with more than 200 new jobs. Signify Health is a leading health care platform that leverages advanced analytics, technology and nationwide health care networks to create and power value-based payment programs.

Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2021, Signify Health works with health plans and health care providers to support their work to achieve better health outcomes for those they serve. This includes connecting people across the country with doctors, nurses and social workers to improve health care quality and access.

“The millions of people we are privileged to serve each year want to do more in and around their home to manage their health, and those who join us will be central to helping them do that,” said David Pierre, chief operating officer at Signify Health. “When talking with city and state officials, it became clear that Oklahoma City is home to people who have the right mix of qualifications for Signify Health, but as importantly, also have an interest in opportunities to work at purpose driven companies like ours. We are delighted to now also call Oklahoma City home,” he added.

The company is actively recruiting to fill 50 roles to start in early February. “We are very excited to welcome Signify Health to Oklahoma City,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “Beyond the jobs they are bringing to Oklahoma City, Signify Health is an innovative company that will add to our community’s diverse healthcare fabric. This announcement is just more proof of the positive momentum happening in Oklahoma City right now.”

Just a few days later, the Signify Health news was followed by an announcement by top-rated wireless carrier Consumer Cellular of a new OKC service center at the former Baker Hughes building, located at 12701 N. Santa Fe Ave. The company is looking to hire supervisors, IT support staff, call center representatives and more, including both full-time and part-time positions. In all, more than 300 jobs are expected, with the average full-time employee making around $54,000 per year, along with full insurance benefits. Additional benefits include flexible schedules and working from home options. Employees are also eligible for tuition reimbursement and other incentives.

The move to Oklahoma City marks the first time in the company’s 25-year history it has expanded outside of its headquarters in Arizona or Oregon offices.

Alongside the Chamber’s Roy Williams, Oklahoma Employment Securities Commission Director Shelley Zumwalt and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice, who appeared via video, Consumer Cellular CEO Ed Evans said Oklahoma City is strategically located in the center of the country, which makes the location perfect for this expansion.

“As our company continues to grow, it is vital to expand our footprint to remain competitive,” Evans said. “Oklahoma City is the perfect location to serve our customers located in the middle of the country. I appreciate the support from our team, as well as all of our partners in the state who helped make this possible. With this move, we look forward to bettering our award-winning service, while being a community partner in Oklahoma City.”

Evans indicated even with Oklahoma City’s low unemployment rate, the move makes sense for the company.

“We have a workforce that wants to work,” he said.

“This is a growing company with a strong track record for employee engagement and community partnership. We look forward to working with them as they continue to grow,” said the Chamber’s Roy Williams.

“This corporate culture will be extremely welcomed in our community,” Williams added.

This story was originally published in the January 2022 edition of the VeloCity Newsletter.