Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed Josh Anderson as interim commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Stitt praised Anderson’s experience in state government and health care administration.
“Josh Anderson understands how to run government more efficiently while keeping the focus on serving people,” Stitt said.
“He has consistently worked to cut costs, improve oversight, and deliver better outcomes, and I’m confident he will provide strong leadership at the Department of Mental Health.”
Anderson currently serves as chief of staff at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, a position he has held since 2025. In that role, he oversees contracting, compliance, communications, legal affairs and legislative affairs.
Before joining OHCA, Anderson worked at the Oklahoma State Department of Health, where he served as chief legal and policy officer and interim deputy commissioner.
Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law.
“It is an honor to serve Oklahoma in this capacity,” Anderson said.
“I recognize the challenges that this agency has overcome, and I’m eager to ensure we set the next administration up for success. Some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens interact with this agency, so it is a top priority that we are serving them to the best of our ability while maintaining transparency and accountability in everything we do.”
The appointment comes as the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services continues efforts to stabilize agency operations following recent leadership and financial challenges.
