State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister announced the fulfillment of two leadership positions today, the same day the Oklahoma State Board of Education approved the hiring of a new board attorney.
David L. Kinney was named general counsel for the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), and Phil Bacharach advanced to chief of communications and public affairs for the OSDE. Brad Clark was named general counsel to the State Board of Education.
“David, Phil and Brad are exceptional leaders devoted to the advancement of education in Oklahoma,” Hofmeister said. “They are true specialists in their professions, and with their expertise, we have an opportunity to make great strides in improving the lives of Oklahoma schoolchildren.”
Kinney takes over the position after serving 13 years as an assistant attorney general in the state’s general counsel section. There, he was responsible for advising boards and agencies on a wide variety of subjects, including open records, administrative procedures, contracts and personnel issues. In addition to representing the OSDE, he has also represented the Office of State Finance, the Oklahoma Lottery Commission and the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System.
Kinney spent 6 years as assistant general counsel for the Oklahoma Tax Commission. He holds a law degree from the University of Oklahoma, and is an Oklahoma certified public accountant. He grew up in Cashion and resides in Norman.
Bacharach has served as the executive director of communications at the OSDE since 2013. The award-winning journalist has more than 25 years of experience in news, communications and public relations, including leadership positions at Oklahoma Gazette and KWTV Channel 9.
In addition to serving as director of corporate communications for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Bacharach was deputy press secretary for Gov. Frank Keating and press secretary for his successor, Gov. Brad Henry. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma.
Clark served as general counsel and director of legal services and policy at the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center (OPSRC) and previously dedicated nearly 5 years at the OSDE, working in the legal services division and as special assistant to then-state superintendent Sandy Garrett. While at OSDE, Clark focused on Oklahoma’s education policies, laws and regulations, and government contracting. Clark is originally from Oklahoma City and now resides in Midwest City.
“The OPSRC team is extremely proud of Brad’s accomplishments, and we look forward to continue collaborating with him through the OSDE,” said Brent Bushey, OPSRC executive director. “I know Brad will use his talents to the benefit of both the OSDE and public education in Oklahoma as a whole.”
Clark received his law degree from Oklahoma City University. He is a board member for various local foundations and state boards, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Oklahoma Community Service Commission.
