Governor Fallin announces appointments
Published: August 12th, 2011
Governor Mary Fallin today (Friday, August 12) announced appointments to the Oklahoma State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, Oklahoma Health Information Exchange Trust, Construction Industries Board, Commission for Rehabilitation Services, Polygraph Examiners Board, Board on Judicial Compensation and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board.
Despite the populist design of the state constitution, which has the practical effect of empowering the Legislature while keeping governors comparatively weak, in the course of even one term, governors of Oklahoma can significantly impact public policy through their appointments.
Fallin is methodically following the historic path trod previously by her predecessors. She will within two or three years name hundreds (perhaps thousands) of women and men to important positions in state government or on government boards and commissions.
Oklahoma State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision
Richard Dugger of Hammon is a lawyer, rancher and is currently the chairman of the Pardon and Patrol Board. He earned his law degree from Oklahoma City University. Dugger will serve a three-year term and is replacing Clinton Johnson. Senate confirmation is required for his appointment.
Oklahoma Health Information Exchange Trust
Joe Nicholson of Tulsa is the vice president and national medical director at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. He attended the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Oklahoma State University in Tulsa. Nicholson will serve a five year term and is replacing Brian Yeaman, who resigned. His appointment does not require confirmation from the Senate.
Construction Industries Board
Tony Boevers of Piedmont is the vice president of Allstate Electrical Contractors in Oklahoma City. He also owns Plainsmen Properties, a property management company. Boevers studied at Canadian Valley Technical School. He will serve a four year term and is replacing Mike Burton, who resigned. Senate confirmation is required for his appointment.
Commission for Rehabilitation Services
Lynda Collins of Mannford is retired after serving 33 years at the Department of Rehabilitation Services. She earned a bachelor’s degree from East Central University and a master’s from OSU. Collins will serve a three year term and is replacing Ben White. His appointment does not require confirmation from the Senate.
Polygraph Examiners Board
Gary Thornberry of Okarche serves as a lieutenant for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. He attended both Northern Oklahoma College and Seward County Community College in Liberal, KS. Thornberry will serve a six year term and is replacing Rickey Thornburg. Senate confirmation is required for his appointment.
Board on Judicial Compensation
Fred Hall of Oklahoma City is the chairman and CEO at Hall Capital, a private equity firm. He previously served as the chairman for the Oklahoma Transportation Authority. Hall earned a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt and a master’s from University of Southern California. He will serve at the pleasure of the governor and is replacing Jennie Medbery. His appointment does not require confirmation from the Senate.
Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board
Anne Morgan of Norman owns Morgan Consulting, a national consulting firm that sets up new foundations, advises on governance, policies, board development and fundraising. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas, a master’s from Columbia University and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas. Morgan will serve a three year term and is replacing Shelly Wilson, who resigned. Senate confirmation is required for her appointment.