The Oklahoma Commission for Rehabilitation Services has named Sterling Zearley executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Zearley had served as interim director since June 22.
Zearley has decades of experience in state government and public service, including more than 25 years at the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and 16 years as executive director of the Oklahoma Public Employees Association.
“Over the past few weeks, I have seen up close the tremendous work we do at DRS,” Zearley said. “I am grateful to the Commission for their faith and trust in me, and I look forward to leading the agency in a bold new direction.”
Zearley holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Arkansas, a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern State University and an Associate of Science degree from Eastern Oklahoma College.
The Department of Rehabilitation Services served more than 84,000 Oklahomans with disabilities last year through career preparation, employment, education, independent living programs and disability benefit eligibility services.
