OKLAHOMA CITY – Twenty-three Oklahomans, including at least one former state lawmaker, were named by Gov. Kevin Stitt to several state boards and commissions. The appointments follow several high-profile additions to state government, including a new leader for the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and an associate district judge for Custer County.
In May, Stitt chose Dana Jean Hada as associate district judge for Custer County. The governor said Hada brings a wealth of legal experience, a strong commitment to justice, and a deep understanding of family law to the bench.
“Her devotion to serving Oklahoma families and communities makes her an excellent choice to serve the people of Custer County. She’s been an outstanding citizen of our state, and I’m grateful for her service,” Stitt said in a media statement.
Hada owns and operates Dana Hada Law LLC and is affiliated with the Barney Law Office in Weatherford. Her focus is family law matters including divorce, paternity, guardianships, adoptions and juvenile cases. She also serves as the assistant district attorney for Dewey County. Additionally, she represents the Town of Shattuck as the municipal attorney and the Town of Arnett as municipal judge.
“It’s an incredible honor to be appointed to serve the people of Custer County,” she said. “I’ve built my career around helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring that same compassion, fairness, and commitment to justice to the bench.”
Stitt also named Lydia Y. Green of Oklahoma City as an Oklahoma County district judge, representing the Seventh Judicial District. Green replaces Judge Aletia Timmons who retired in March and subsequently was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
In early June, Stitt tapped retired Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic of Oklahoma City as interim commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. This action follows a legislative vote to remove the previous commissioner, Allie Friesen.
“It is no secret that the Department of Mental Health has long been in need of reform,” Stitt said. “It is imperative that Admiral Slavonic is allowed to do the hard work needed to remove corruption and conflicts of interest without political interference. There are brighter days ahead for this department and those that rely on its services. I’m grateful to Admiral Slavonic for his willingness to set another Oklahoma agency on the right course.”
Slavonic, a 34-year U.S. Navy veteran, was deployed to Vietnam, Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also was acting undersecretary of the Navy. He previously served as the director for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. ODMHSAS had long been plagued by financial mismanagement and distractions from the department’s core mission.
Slavonic said he was pleased Stitt was so focused on rooting out corruption and ensuring that government works first and foremost for the citizens.
“The Department of Mental Health brings much needed services to many Oklahomans, and I look forward to ensuring that they have the tools needed to provide those services,” he said. “I thank Governor Stitt for trusting me with this effort.”
Slavonic’s appointment will require Senate confirmation.
In addition to Slavonic and Hada, the governor made several appointments in June, including reappointing Laura Talbert to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Talbert currently services as interim director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. She will serve in the post until 2029.
None of the appointments made in June requires confirmation by the Oklahoma Senate.
Stitt named Mary E. Bierig of Billings and Melissa B. Alvillar of Lawton to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Bierig will serve until 2027, replacing Shaston Salie who resigned. Alvillar will replace Kyle B. Leemaster and will serve as a registered nurse with an organizational role in administration/management in nursing service.
Seth A. Cavin of Edmond was chosen for the Board of Governors of the Licensed Architects, Landscape Architects and Registered Commercial Interior Designers. He will serve a five-year term which expires in January of 2030. Cavin replaces Elizabeth Glasgow and will serve as a licensed architect.
Former state Representative Harold Wright of Weatherford was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Wright replaces outgoing board member Alan Loeffler and will serve as an at-large member until 2028.
The governor also reappointed James R. Waldo of Oklahoma City and Carlisle Mabrey III of Tulsa to serve on the Historical Society board. Waldo will serve as the board’s at-large member. His term will expire in May of 2028. Mabrey, executive chairman of Mabrey Bank, was reappointed to his post and will serve until May of 2028.
Madill resident Weston J. Chapman was reappointed to the Manufactured Home Advisory Committee. Chapman will serve a three-year term, which expires in June 2028.
The governor also reappointed Aaron S. Emerson of Norman to the state’s Real Estate Appraiser Board. Emerson’s term expires in July of 2030.
Brian Hendrix of Glenpool was chosen again for the Oklahoma State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision. Hendrix will represent a crime victim’s advocacy group.
Stitt also reappointed Dr. Jennifer Hanson of Stillwater to the state’s Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Her new term expires in June of 2029.
Josiah D. Moore of Owasso was chosen by the governor to serve as a member of the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Moore is replacing Shannon O’Doherty, who resigned. He will serve at the pleasure of the governor.
Edmond resident John P. Lopez was reappointed to the state’s Industry Advisory Committee and will serve as a nationally based food processor member. Lopez’s term expires in July of 2028.
Stitt also reappointed Dr. Bradley Nelson of Clinton to the Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. Nelson will serve in the post until July of 2030.
Sheila K. St. Cyr of Jones was named to the state’s Board of Osteopathic Examiners. St. Cyr replaces Catherine Taylor, who was the board’s lay member. St. Cyr will serve in the post until April of 2032.
Becky Y. Carson of Edmond was chosen by the governor to serve on the state Council for Educational Opportunity for Military Children. Carson replaces Kendra Wesson and will serve as a member representing the State Board of Education.
Ryan A. Deatherage of Kingfisher was named to the state’s Board of Career and Technology Education. Deatherage replaces Kendra Wesson and will serve as a member representing the Oklahoma State Board of Education. His term expires in April of 2028.
Elaine Kidd of Edmond was appointed to the State Capitol Preservation Commission. She replaces Nancy Leonard and will serve until July 2030.
The governor named two Oklahomans to the state’s Solid Waste Advisory Council. He reappointed Mary Jo (Jody) Reinhart of Mooreland to serve as a member representing a statewide nonprofit organization until March 2028. Stitt also tapped Wendell A. Burkart of Tulsa for the council. Burkart replaces Piotr R. Baidas and will represent the solid waste incineration and waste-to-energy industry. Burkart’s term expires in June of 2028.