Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism
Great Seal of Oklahoma
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | February 1, 2003 |
| Preceding agency |
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| Headquarters | 900 N Stiles Avenue Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Employees | 1883 (FY2011) |
| Annual budget | $758 million (FY2011) |
| Minister responsible | |
| Child agency | |
| Website | Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Tourism |
The Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism was a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet. The Secretary was appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Oklahoma Senate, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Secretary served as the chief advisor to the Governor on economic development and cultural heritage.
The second and last Secretary was Dave Lopez, who was appointed by Governor Mary Fallin on January 27, 2011.
The position of Secretary of Commerce and Tourism was established in 2003 when Governor Brad Henry issued an executive order merging the former positions of Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Tourism and Recreation into a single position. Previously, both positions had existed since 1986 when they were established by the Executive Branch Reform Act of 1986.
On July 16, 2013, Governor Mary Fallin announced the re-creation of the Secretary of Tourism position and restored the original title of Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce as a result.
Oklahoma state law always for Cabinet Secretaries to serve concurrently as the head of a State agency in addition to their duties as a Cabinet Secretary. Historically, the Secretary of Commerce and Tourism often served as the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. In 2012-2013, Secretary Dave Lopez became the first to not serve in that dual position when he resigned as Executive Director and Jonna Kirschner was appointed to replace him in that capacity alone.
The Secretary of Commerce and Tourism is responsible for promoting economic development and growth, protecting the State's heritage and history, providing unemployment benefits, promoting housing development, and overseeing workforce development programs.
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