More changes for the Stitt Administration as the Governor taps an advisor to be the next Secretary of State while accepting another resignation.
Stitt named former Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman as Secretary of State and Native American Affairs. He replaces the outgoing Michael Rogers, who will be taking an advisory role. Bingman most recently served as Stitt’s Chief Policy Advisor.
“Senator Bingman is a natural choice to be our next Secretary of State,” said Stitt. “It has been clear since he joined our team that he is respected by our colleagues in the Legislature and Oklahomans across the state. His wisdom, calm demeanor and understanding of the legislative process will continue to benefit our state in his new role.”
Bingman is looking to leverage his experience as a legislator and as the governor’s lead negotiator on legislative policy to create working relationships with lawmakers.
“I am honored to be named as Secretary of State and Native American Affairs,” said Bingman. “I have had great conversations building relationships with our colleagues in the Legislature and look forward to continuing to partner with them to accomplish our shared desire of making Oklahoma a Top Ten state.”
Stitt also accepted the resignation of Mike Mazzei as Secretary of Budget. He’ll leave the position on October 23.
“I have enjoyed serving in Governor Stitt’s administration to help make Oklahoma a Top Ten state,” said Mazzei. “I’m incredibly grateful for all the hard work and collaboration with the team of highly talented cabinet secretaries, budget staff, and agency financial officers to transform the financial operations of the state and provide more accountability and transparency. After an extraordinary season of time-consuming work, this is the right moment for me to step back and return to my financial planning company.”
