Former MLB Pitcher Steps Up for Disaster Relief in Oklahoma

Chris Schroder once stood on a pitcher’s mound for the Washington Nationals. Now, he sits at the helm of the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma (ACCO), guiding all 77 counties.

His journey from baseball’s high-wire moments to public service leadership is anything but typical. Along the way, he’s leaned on family ties, a coaching mindset, and a stubborn drive to help others in county government.

From the mound to the county seat

Schroder’s story mixes the intensity of pro baseball with a real passion for public service. Pitching in front of thousands is one thing, but navigating the chaos of local government? That’s a different kind of pressure.

He still remembers stepping in after Barry Bonds’s 756th homer and grabbing his first major-league win. Baseball taught him to stay cool, focus, and handle stress—skills he’s carried straight into county leadership.

Early life and a taste of pro baseball

Schroder grew up watching his dad, Keith Schroder, serve as a Kingfisher County commissioner for two decades. That kind of example sticks with you.

In college, Chris interned with ACCO, getting his hands dirty on road and bridge projects. It was an early lesson in how policies and real-world needs collide. On the baseball field, he chased big moments and never backed down from a challenge.

The discipline he learned in sports now shapes his approach to public work. It’s less about the spotlight, more about the daily grind.

A family foundation in public service

Before returning to ACCO, Schroder spent 11 years on the Oklahoma Cooperative Circuit Engineering Districts Board. That’s where he learned the nuts and bolts of regional projects—bridges, roads, and infrastructure.

He saw firsthand how these projects connect directly to county services. Those years weren’t just about technical know-how; they taught him how to work with people from all corners of the state.

This foundation set him up for his leadership role at ACCO, where he’d need to balance vision with the ability to bring others along for the ride.

Path to ACCO leadership

Schroder didn’t just stumble into the executive director job. Early exposure to local government—thanks, Dad—and hands-on work during college gave him a unique window into how counties really function.

When he returned to ACCO, colleagues quickly noticed his knack for building consensus and focusing on results. In 2021, he took the reins as executive director. He brought a coach’s mentality, emphasizing teamwork and accountability over ego.

Road to executive director

People who work with Schroder say he’s a natural fit for ACCO. He’s all about the team, not just the title.

He spends a lot of time educating lawmakers about why property taxes matter for funding basics—law enforcement, health, fairgrounds, roads. That’s a message he doesn’t let slide.

His rise at ACCO comes down to instinct and a real talent for rallying people around a common goal.

Leadership style and core priorities

Schroder’s leadership style? It’s pretty hands-on, kind of like a coach pacing the sidelines. He plans, sets clear goals, and mentors staff and new officeholders.

Colleagues say he lays out expectations, helps people grow, and keeps things moving forward. He’s not afraid to get into the weeds if it means helping someone learn the ropes.

Education and relationships are the backbone of his approach, especially when working with officials across Oklahoma.

• Team-oriented leadership and mentorship that develop capacity at the county level
• Coaching mindset—clear plans, open communication, and ongoing staff development
• Fiscal education—helping lawmakers understand how property taxes fund essential services
• Relationship-building—strong professional networks with county officials and partners
• Advising new officeholders—supportive guidance to promote effective governance

Community impact and personal life

Outside the office, Schroder stays close to the sport that shaped him. He coaches his daughters’ softball teams—a pretty rewarding gig, honestly, even if his shoulder sometimes aches from old injuries.

Friends and coworkers see him as a supervisor who’s always learning. He mixes a coaching mindset with public policy work, which has earned him a solid reputation at ACCO’s helm.

Schroder’s life as both a former pro pitcher and a public servant really shows how success in government, like in sports, takes preparation and teamwork. Maybe it’s that willingness to adapt under pressure that keeps him steady as ACCO works for Oklahoma’s counties.

 
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