Governor Kevin Stitt has named Deborah Moorad as the new Secretary of Commerce and John Budd as Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
“As Oklahoma continues to be one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, I’m confident that John Budd and Deborah Moorad are the right leaders to keep our momentum going,” said Stitt. “John’s experience in both the public and private sectors, combined with Deborah’s impressive track record of driving innovation and business growth, will ensure Oklahoma remains a top ten destination for businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Moorad has been involved with technology companies in the biotech sector. Recently she was the CEO of CorriXR Therapeutics and Nature Technology Corporation. She led the gene therapy technology companies to being acquired by Aldevron. Moorad is the founding CEO and owner of Jax XII Holdings and is an advisor at Cortado Ventures.
“As a business strategist, I know the work it takes to transform a bold idea into a successful venture—and I couldn’t be more excited to work with the Department of Commerce and Governor Stitt’s cabinet to give Oklahoma businesses the resources they need to compete,” said Moorad. “As secretary of commerce, I’m committed to making Oklahoma the very best state for businesses to launch, scale, and thrive.”
Budd is no stranger to state service as mentioned by the Governor. He served as the first Chief Operating Officer for the state of Oklahoma from 2019 to 2021. He’s also held the Chief Strategy Officer position at Sonic Drive-In from 2013 to 2018. Most recently, Budd as the COO of the George Kaiser Family Foundation.
“Oklahoma is on the move, and I’m honored to step back into state service to economic growth and opportunity across the state,” said Budd. “Our mission is to ensure Oklahoma is the best place to live, work, and do business, and I look forward to working alongside Governor Stitt, Secretary Moorad, and the incredible team at the Department of Commerce to make that happen.”
Both Moorad and Budd will have to undergo Senate confirmation.
