The Governor's Cabinet

The Governor's Cabinet : 2019 

Basic Information

Created in 1986, cabinet secretaries serve as top level advisors for the Governor's Administration. They act has information gatherers and policy formulators, advising the Governor on their respective policy areas. Cabinet Secretary positions are semi-formal and are not classified as "Officers of the State" meaning they hold very little formal power.

Appointment

Within 45 days of inauguration, the Governor is tasked to form their cabinet, each cabinet secretary must be confirmed by a majority of the Oklahoma Senate. If the Senate is not in session, the Governor may appoint individual in a "Interim" or "Acting" capacity. Each cabinet secretary serves a 4 year term, the Governor can dismiss a cabinet secreatary for any reason during their term. The only exception is the Secretary of State who serves a 4 year fixed term. 

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary role the cabinet is to advise the Governor on key policy and operations on their respective cabinet area. Unlike the Cabinet of the President of the United States, the Cabinet Secretaries do not natively have control over their respective departments. All executive authority is delegated to the respective agencies appointed officers or commissions. However the role the cabinet plays in the Governor's Administration is up to the Governor, the needs of their administration and their leadership style. If the Governor desires they can delegate their executive authority to a cabinet secretary via executive order. Due to the informal nature of the job it is possible for a Cabinet Secretary to hold two official public offices. For example during Kevin Stitt's second term as Governor, Matt Pinnell served as The Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage while being the Lieutenant Governor.

Cabinet Positions (As of Early February 2023)

Ex Officio Members, 

ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE OKLAHOMA NATIONAL GUARD -  MAJ. GEN. THOMAS MANCINO