Senator Pemberton was born August 16, 1956 in Cabot Arkansas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies/P.E. from the University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas 1979; received his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma 1984; obtained principal and superintendent certification from Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He served as a coach/teacher at Carlisle Public Schools 1979-1981; coach/teacher Jay Public Schools 1981-1982; coach/teacher Muskogee Public Schools 1982-1988; High School/Middle School Principal/Athletic Director Hilldale Public Schools 1988-2007; High School Principal Muskogee Public Schools 2007-2015.
Senator Pemberton is married to Claire (Elmore) Pemberton and they have three sons, Matthew, Ben and Adam; two daughters-in-law; and four grandchildren, Payton, Karsen, Maddox and Evie.
The Pemberton’s are members of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Muskogee. He is a member of the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce, Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce and Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
Senator Pemberton’s hobbies include sports, hunting and fishing.
He is Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and Vice Chair of the Education committee. He is also a member of the following committees: Agriculture & Wildlife; Appropriations; and Veterans.
Senator Pemberton was elected to Senate District 9 (Muskogee/Cherokee Counties) in November 2016. He is a retired educator and a member of the Republican Party.
