The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) chose Shelley Zumwalt to lead the agency as it looks for another director. Zumwalt will act as interim director. The position was left empty by the resignation of Robin Roberson last week.
OESC has been under pressure to work through a large backlog of unemployment claims caused by the COVID-19 pandemic response. It also has a fraud investigation underway now led by federal investigators.
“I’m honored the OESC Board has selected me to lead this agency, but frankly, I don’t think individuals and families waiting on unemployment relief really care who is in charge,” Zumwalt said. “People without jobs just want the system to work and that’s what I intend to make happen. I have thousands of Oklahomans who are counting on both me and this agency. We will not let them down.”
Zumwalt’s name is familiar in state government circles. She has served with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) rising to Public Affairs Division director. She also worked within the Governor’s Office, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
“For the past year-and-a-half I have worked with Shelley and I have seen her work ethic and her enthusiasm for state service on display,” said Oklahoma Secretary for Digital Transformation David Ostrowe. “This job will not be easy. It requires a leader that lays forth a clear mission and shows up every day ready to do battle and find innovative solutions that move the agency forward. I have no doubt Shelley is that leader.”
OESC is undergoing a major technology upgrade due to the increased unemployment claims.
So how does working in public affairs qualify someone to lead a state organization?