The Oklahoma Secretary of Science and Technology is a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet. The Secretary is appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Oklahoma Senate, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Secretary serves as the chief advisor to the Governor on the impact of science and technology on the State's economic development.
History The position of Secretary of Science and Technology was established in 1999 when Governor Frank Keating issued an executive order establishing the position. Previously, the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce had served the role of chief science officer of the State since 1986 when that position was established by the Executive Branch Reform Act of 1986.
Responsibilities The Secretary of Science and Technology is responsible for ensuring that scientific research and development conducted by universities in the State coordinates with and enhances the State's business community. As of fiscal year 2011, the Secretary oversees 26 full-time employees and is responsible for an annual budget of $38 million.
Oklahoma state law allows for Cabinet Secretaries to serve concurrently as the head of a State agency in addition to their duties as a Cabinet Secretary. Historically, the Secretary of Science and Technology has not served in any such dual position.
The Secretary of Science and Technology is responsible for overseeing the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology.
The Secretary of Science and Technology is one of the few Cabinet Secretary positions whose annual salary is not set by law.Paragraph 3, Section 10.5, Title 74, Oklahoma Statutes As such, it is left to the Governor to determine the Secretary's salary in the annual budget. As of 2010, all Science and Technology Secretaries have served without taking a salary.
List of secretaries Secretary of Science and Technology (1998–present) #NameTook officeLeft officeGovernor served under1W. Arthur Porter19982003Frank Keating2Joseph W. Alexander20032011Brad Henry3Stephen W. S. McKeeverJanuary 10, 20112017Mary Fallin4Kelvin DroegemeierMarch 13, 2017January 13, 2019Kayse Shrum (nominated)2019Kevin Stitt
References
External links Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet website