Oklahoma Secretary of Human Resources and Administration

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The Oklahoma Secretary of Human Resources and Administration was a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet. Prior to its dissolvement in 2012, the Secretary was appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma, 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 managing the operations and personnel needs of the State government.

The last Secretary of Human Resources and Administration was Oscar B. Jackson Jr., who was appointed by Democratic Governor Brad Henry in 2003 and retained by Republican Governor Mary Fallin in 2011. Previous to his service in this position, he served as Secretary of Human Resources from 1991 to 2003 under Democratic Governor David Walters and Republican Governor Frank Keating.

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History

The position of Secretary of Human Resources and Administration was established in 2003 when Governor Brad Henry issued an executive order merging the former positions of Secretary of Human Resources and Secretary of Administration into a single position. Previously, both positions had existed separately since 1986 when they were established by the Executive Branch Reform Act of 1986. In 2011, the Oklahoma Legislature passed the Government Administrative Process Consolidation and Reorganization Act of 2011. This Act consolidated the duties and responsibilities of the Secretary into those of the Oklahoma Secretary of Finance and Revenue, thereby eliminating the position.

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 Human Resources and Administration has also served as the Administrator of the Oklahoma Office of Personnel Management. As of 2010, all Secretaries of Human Resources and Administration have served in that dual position.

Maps Oklahoma Secretary of Human Resources and Administration

Responsibilities

The Secretary of Human Resources and Administration was responsible for providing services to help manage and support the basic functioning of all state agencies. These services included personnel management, central purchasing, state motor pool management, building maintenance and construction, as well as central printing and mailing. The Secretary also oversaw the licensing, supervision and regulation of most professions and occupation that are regulated by the State government.