OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma’s lieutenant governor may have a new title after being tapped to serve as Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Secretary of Workforce Development.
Stitt made the announcement in a media release, calling Pinnell a “successful businessman with a talent for fostering economic growth” in the state.
“As Secretary of Tourism, his leadership saw the highest visitation levels we’ve had in state history,” the governor said in a statement.
Pinnell has served as Oklahoma’s first Secretary of Tourism since January 2019. Stitt said Pinnell’s work with the Tourism Department has helped to generate $10.1 billion in direct visitor spending and created 4,000 new jobs.
The governor said Pinnell launched multiple marketing campaigns which produced more than $100 million in revenue for the state.
“I know he will bring that same level of excitement and energy into recruiting new talent to Oklahoma,” Stitt said.
For his part, Pinnell said he was excited to tackle issues related to workforce development. Pinnell currently serves on the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Committee focused on small business growth, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
“As an entrepreneur myself, I know Oklahoma is one of the best places to run a business. Companies are looking for a pipeline of talent to hire a quality workforce and get Oklahomans the jobs they need. I look forward to helping businesses partner with education and career training programs,” Pinnell said.
Pinnell’s appointment will require confirmation by the Oklahoma Senate. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, Pinnell serves at President of the Senate. In addition, he is already a member of the governor’s cabinet, serving as Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage.
Pinnell said he would resign from his current cabinet post in order to accept the role of Secretary of Workforce Development.