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FROM BUSBOY TO RUNNING FOR U.S. CONGRESS
Edward Okpa's American Journey
Fall 1985 – few months after arriving in Dallas, Mr. Okpa's first job was a Busboy at Anatole Hotel Dallas, a job he did briefly before going to work for Sound Warehouse and Handy Dan. On the job as a Busboy Mr. Okpa decided that if within 2 years he didn’t get into real estate, he was going to back to Nigeria. Here is how the journey has manifested.
TIMELINE
2000
2001
2000
2000
2004/2005
2006
May 2003
2007
2008
2010
2012
2018
2019
2020
March 1987
2005
2003
2004
2003
December 1986
2004
May 1995
January 1996
1996/97
1997
1998
1998
1999/2000
Fall 1990
March 1989
October 1988
2009
2019/2021
2021
Was hired by DRESCO, Inc., later Roddy Reports as Real Estate Research Assistant.
Promoted Research Manager.
Hired by FSLIC as Property/Asset Manager in charge of assets of failed El Reno Federal Savings and Loans, El Reno, Oklahoma.
Promoted Regional Appraisal Manager by FDIC as Receiver, which took over FSLIC functions in charge of handling the appraisals of all failed financial institutions assets under the central regional office covering 8 states. In this capacity, Mr. Okpa was once invited to testify before a House subcommittee on Banking on how to address failed financial institutions assets. The subcommittee was chaired by Henry B. Gonzalez – (D) San Antonio.
Resigned.
One of the Guest Speakers at Housing Development Issues for Africa organized by Shelter Afrique and UN Center of Urban Settlement – Brazzaville Congo.
Accompanied Mayor Kirk to South Africa & Zimbabwe on his first foreign trip.
Appointed to Dallas Permits and License Appeals Board by Mayor Ron Kirk.
Elected first foreign-born Board Secretary of Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce – oldest African-American in U.S.
Raised more than $1.5m for Park South YMCA to assist them add athletic facility for inner kids and was given Samuel G Winstead award by Metro YMCA Board.
Accepted to Dallas Police Citizen’s Academy for a 9-week training.
Accepted to Leadership Dallas – a yearlong program.
Dallas Mayor Kirk appointed me to Census 2000 Complete County Committee – as representative for minority communities.
Participated in Dallas Business Journal panel discussion on promoting the Metroplex as international destination.
Appointed to Dallas County Appraisal Review Board.
Appointed to Selective Service Board for local Texas board.
Mayor Laura Miller appointed me Chair of MLK Center; a city of Dallas owned center.
Accepted to Dallas FBI Citizen’s Academy – a 9-week program.
Ran for Mayor of Dallas – less than 8 years becoming a U.S. citizen, with subsequent runs in 2007 and 2011.
National Republican Committee awarded me Ronald Reagan Gold Medal for service to Republican Party.
Gov. Rick Perry appointed me to PDSBI Board of Texas Economic Development Bank.
Worked on developing the first residential tower – 18 stories in downtown Dallas, after 42 years.
One of the Founding members of The Political Forum at SMU.
Accepted into American Assembly – Next Generation Fellow; a Columbia University program by recommendation of Prof Jim Hollifield of SMU.
Mayor Tom Leppert under recommendation of Ambassador Kirk – nominated me to serve on DART board.
Founding member of Dallas and Texas Fallen Officers Foundation.
Accepted to Legacy Dallas, which is for Leadership Dallas alumni.
Appointed to Dallas Development Fund – A NMTC program that awards credits for use in economically challenged zip codes and neighborhoods in Dallas.
Gov. Rick Perry commissioned me Admiral in Texas Navy based on recommendation of Texas Navy Association – Chester Nimitz Squadron.
Founding member of Dallas and Texas Fallen Officers Foundation.
Appointed to City of Dallas Capital Bond Subcommittee on Housing and Economic Development
Appointed to Dallas Community Police Oversight Board, by a vote of 12 votes of Dallas City Council.
President Trump Administration through US EXIM Bank appointed me to the Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee and it was renewed in 2020, and in 2021, I was reappointed to by Biden Administration.
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed me to Texas State Securities Board.
Mr. Okpa has numerous community and public service experiences and records. Upon becoming a U.S. Citizen, Mr. Okpa engaged in Immigration counseling to assist new immigrants on the process of becoming US citizens. He has served as member of Dallas Refuge Welcoming Committee.