Governor Fallin names Gary Sherrer secretary of environment
Published: January 14th, 2011
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
Published 14-Jan-2011
Governor Mary Fallin announced on Friday (January 14) she has selected Gary Sherrer to serve as secretary of environment.
Sherrer, a former state representative from southeast Oklahoma, served as caucus chairman, assistant floor leader and chaired the House Agriculture Committee during his tenure in the Legislature. He served as secretary of environment under former Governor Frank Keating and also was appointed the state’s first secretary of agriculture by former Governor David Walters.
“Gary Sherrer brings with him to the job a wealth of experience and I know he’s a tireless advocate for all of Oklahoma,” Fallin said. “I look forward to having Gary serve in my administration as secretary of environment.”
Sherrer currently serves as assistant vice president for external relations in Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. He will remain employed by OSU.
Sherrer also serves on the board of directors at Rural Enterprises, Inc. He previously served as chief administrative officer and assistant chief executive officer for KAMO, a power generation and transmission firm in Vinita. He is one of the founders of Tulsa-based First Trinity Life Insurance Company.
“I’m honored Governor Fallin has selected me to serve in her cabinet and I look forward to working with her to protect and enhance Oklahoma’s environment,” Sherrer said.
Sherrer obtained a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. He volunteered for military service and served as a combat medic during the Vietnam War. Sherrer and his wife Judith live in Stillwater with their daughter Connor.